Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
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
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.