The government of India started allowing the import of rough diamonds around the year 1962. At the beginning they polished the small diamonds in the shape of stars. Later India started to use increasingly more modern technology and they overtook most of the world's production of diamonds. The new machines much improved the cutting and polishing of small stones and therefore enabled them to increase the quantity. In addition India's labor costs are far lower than in the other countries.
However behind the glittering world of India's diamond industry lays awful workers' exploitation and illegal child labor. India indeed enjoys world monopoly in cutting and polishing however it is the low wages and easy availability that keeps the industry profitable. The cutting of small diamonds is labor intensive and repetitive and often unhealthy. As the small stones need keen eyes and nimble fingers, children are often used to cut the half-pointers, of which 100 points make a carat. Child labor is illegal in India however it remains widespread.
Since the Surat diamond industry in India has been criticized for their poor working conditions, some merchants are trying to provide better working surroundings and are trying to shed their dark past.
Nowadays employment under the age of 15 is banned and Surat diamond workers enjoy higher wages.
It is clear for here that it is not straightforward to wear fine jewelry. However with the right attitude and care, we can indeed make a difference and create a better world for all humankind.
However behind the glittering world of India's diamond industry lays awful workers' exploitation and illegal child labor. India indeed enjoys world monopoly in cutting and polishing however it is the low wages and easy availability that keeps the industry profitable. The cutting of small diamonds is labor intensive and repetitive and often unhealthy. As the small stones need keen eyes and nimble fingers, children are often used to cut the half-pointers, of which 100 points make a carat. Child labor is illegal in India however it remains widespread.
Since the Surat diamond industry in India has been criticized for their poor working conditions, some merchants are trying to provide better working surroundings and are trying to shed their dark past.
Nowadays employment under the age of 15 is banned and Surat diamond workers enjoy higher wages.
It is clear for here that it is not straightforward to wear fine jewelry. However with the right attitude and care, we can indeed make a difference and create a better world for all humankind.
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