The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
Reuters Reports on Suicides Among Indian Diamond Cutters
A year-long investigation by the Thomson Reuters Foundation found a pattern of suicides among diamond workers in Gujarat.
The news service recently published a report detailing a pattern of suicides among diamond workers in India’s westernmost state, Gujarat. For more than a year, the Thomson Reuters Foundation investigated what it said was a series of incidents among workers who receive low wages and labor in poor conditions.
According to the story, more than 80 percent or more of the workforce in the area, most of whom are paid per stone, earn a “piece rate” of 1 to 25 rupees for each diamond they polish ($1 is equal to about 69.03 rupees at current exchange rates) and don’t receive any social benefits.
The investigation revealed that there have been nine suicides among workers since last November in Surat, India, though Reuters noted that was probably “just the tip of the iceberg in India,” where the diamond export market continues to surge but there still are no mandatory certifications required to make sure diamond manufacturing is free of labor abuses. Certification from the Responsible Jewellery council, for example, is optional, and only about 90 businesses out of 15,000 in Gujarat are RJC members, the report states.
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, which did not respond to a request for comment on the report from National Jeweler, was quoted in the story as telling Reuters it was the responsibility of individual firm owners to seek RJC certification.
Dinesh Navadia of the GJEPC is quoted as telling Reuters that most firms in the industry handle the education of employees’ children and offer subsidized medical care.
When asked about the series of worker suicides, he did acknowledge that it was an issue, noting a link between cut wages and workers struggling with expenses in a city like Surat.
“But diamond companies give jobs to wives of workers or their children (after their death),” he is quoted as saying. “This is a positive industry.”
And in fact, many big players like De Beers, Rio Tinto and Chow Tai Fook do have standards for the companies with which they work, but a challenge still remains in the fact that no steps have been taken to protect diamond cutters from the ups and downs of the market, the report contends.
To read the full story, visit Reuters.com.
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.