Diamonds

by Nikki van der Gaag

Published 5 October 2006
Bling, romance and blood...All are linked by diamonds, the most glittering of prizes - or a symbol of greed, lust and overblown celebrity? How many other symbols of love also fuel violent conflict? At the same time as sparkling innocently in a footballer's ear, the gems fund some of the worst fighting in Africa. Diamonds are not as rare as we think and they have been mined by virtual slave labour, so why are they so expensive? These simple pieces of carbon have, over centuries, turned into the ultimate 'rocks': desired, possessed, traded, stolen, smuggled and, literally for many, 'to die for'. From engagement ring to bling, via mining corporations, free trade and the black market Trigger Issues - "Diamonds" reveals the dark stories hidden behind the sparkle.