Diamonds are Forever

The discovery of diamonds in Africa is synonymous to oppression, conflict and subversion. Finding a diamond in the continent also means inheriting a curse. Well, that is what history told us about the diamond industry in African countries, but as opposed to the common belief that a diamond fuels unrest and exploitation, in Botswana it is a totally different story. Since the discovery of the vast Orapa diamond mine reserve, Botswana's economy has never been the same. The country largely depended on the mining of diamonds, and thus it helped in the development of their healthcare system, in attracting huge investors, building schools and universities, constructed many banks, malls and shopping outlets and opened up career opportunities for their citizens. Botswana used to be one of the poorest countries in the world, but now it is one of the stable and prosperous countries. With a valuable partnership with the most reputable diamond industry that is De Beers, Botswana and De Beers formulated the company Debswana. Debswana continues to serve the large aspects of the country's economic growth.

Illustrated in this video from journeymanpictures show how diamonds skyrocketed progress in Botswana.

A Diamond is Forever

Unbreakable, untamed, that is what describe diamonds. Coming from the Greek term "adamas" which implies the unbreakable properties of a diamond, the gem is composed of the face-centered cubic crystal form otherwise known as diamond lattice. The supreme physical qualities of the precious gem make it the utmost and hardest gem of all gems. This carbon-rich mineral is formed by the highest of pressure and temperature deep down from the earth's mantle. First noticed and mined along the rivers of India such as in Krishna and Godavari, the diamond stones were being revered as religious icons and as such, they are used in sacred ceremonies to deities and their gods.

The luster of the diamonds or its extreme ability to disperse light into different colors, and the many uses in several industries particularly in glass cutting and electronics, make it rank as the highest in the hierarchy of precious gems. Diamonds are described using the four C's classification. There are mainly carat, cut, color and clarity; the higher a diamond ranks in each of these classification the more expensive it gets.

That is why a diamond jewelry never loses its charm to people from all walks of life. The diamond is a symbol of commitment, hence engagement rings are commonly adorned with diamonds. A person looks elegant wearing a diamond necklace- it enhances the beauty of the one wearing it. The diamond rings and diamond earrings adorn a woman's bare fingers and ears and draws attention to her beautiful face, and diamond charm bracelets or even anklets! They are handed down as heirlooms from generation to generation giving justice to the statement "a diamond is forever."

photo courtesy of diamonds.net