Conflict Diamonds? Not Every Diamond Is a Blood Diamond

Abstract

Follows the route of a diamond from the mines of Africa to the shops of Europe and United States. This book describes the range of ethnic groups that are active in diamond trade and the culture and customs that are specific to this business. It analyses dangers and threats to the industry and uncovers the strategies and tactics to deal with them. Preface; Acknowledgements; Contents; List of Illustrations; List of Abbreviations; Introduction; 1 Theory and Research: An Anthropological Journey into the Diamond Industry; 2 From Marco Polo to the Syndicate: The History of a Multilevel Organisation; 3 The King of Gems: How the Diamond Became the Most Precious Stone; 4 The Mazzel Ritual: Trust, Loyalty, Risk, and the Culture of the Diamond Trade; 5 Jews, Indians, and Arabs: On Diamond Markets and Traders; 6 Threats to the Industry: Rivals from Within, International Competition, and Synthetic Diamonds.