SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
EditorsMay 16, 2008
'Gentleman's mining'
When I first heard that my trip to Africa would include a visit to one of De Beers' mines, my first thought was that it was sure to be a dark, dirty and claustrophobic, albeit interesting, experience. I was right...
When I first heard that my trip to Africa would include a visit to one of De Beers' mines, my first thought was that it was sure to be a dark, dirty and claustrophobic, albeit interesting, experience. I was right about everything but the claustrophobia.
Finsch Mine was dark and, in parts, dusty. The experience was interesting. But the underground shafts of the mines themselves were huge. We were not crawling around in a tunnel like we were filming the fifth Indiana Jones movie. I was relieved but, at the same time, a touch disappointed. I didn't get to live out any fantasies of pulling a Harrison Ford-like stunt deep in the bowels of an underground mine.
But I digress.
The No. 1 rule of the mine that was stressed to us, and illustrated on signs posted around mine property, was safety first. A sign on mine grounds illustrated how high a priority De Beers makes mine safety (shown left). It read that as of February 2008, there had not been a lost-time injury at the mine since Oct. 16, 2007. Non-lost-time injuries for the first two months of the year numbered 48, according to the sign.
After donning what felt like a ton of gear and descending into the mine (shown right), we were taken on a tour of Block 4 of the Finsch Mine, located in South Africa's Northern Cape province. The tunnels were much wider, and the ceilings much higher, than I had envisioned. It was its own little underground world, with offices that had computers and telephones. As a child of the 1980s, I dare say it reminded me of the HBO show Fraggle Rock. But there were no Fraggles, Doozers, and none of the workers were eating the infrastructure, at least that I saw. (If you didn't grow up in the 1980s watching Fraggle Rock, you won't get this reference.)
And, to everybody's disappointment, diamonds weren't embedded in the walls. Instead, there were just piles of what looked like a light gray, powdery rock: kimberlite. Huge trucks were used to haul the kimberlite out of the mine. After that, this seemingly innocuous rock has a long journey of being shifted, sorted and sifted to extract the rough diamonds.
I never realized how much went into actually getting the diamonds out of the ground until I visited Finsch.
During our visit, one
Finsch employee who accompanied us underground told our group that diamond mining is "gentleman's mining," meaning it is cleaner and safer than other kinds of mining, such as gold mining.
Though I can't speak first-hand about the experience of visiting a gold or platinum mine, I can say I was impressed with the operation at Finsch.
I now see how diamond mining has earned itself this nickname.
More on Editors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
