MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
SourcingFeb 24, 2020
Activist Livia Firth Documents ‘The Diamonds of Botswana’
The sustainability champion visited diamond mining communities in the country for her new short-form documentary series, Fashionscapes.
A still from the new short film “The Diamonds of Botswana”
New York—One well-known sustainability champion recently visited the diamond communities in Botswana and documented her journey.
Livia Firth is the co-founder and creative director of sustainability and communications consultancy Eco-Age.
She also is the founder of the Green Carpet Challenge, which puts sustainability front and center at red carpet events worldwide.
It was launched in 2010, when Firth, who was previously married to actor Colin Firth, first wore sustainable gowns, meaning dresses made from materials like post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
Previously, Firth worked with film director Andrew Morgan on the documentary “The True Cost” in 2015, which explores fashion’s impact on people and the planet.
The Hollywood Reporter called it one of the top fashion documentaries of the decade.
Now, Firth and Morgan have paired up again to launch “The Diamonds of Botswana” as part of Fashionscapes, a series of short-form documentaries.
“Diamonds” follows Firth in Botswana as she learns about the positive impact the diamond industry has had on the country.
It includes interviews with stakeholders at all levels, like Botswana’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi; Naseem Lahri, managing director at Lucara Botswana and the first female managing director of the Karowe diamond mine; and Chandapiwa Monamati, who operates a truck at De Beers’ Orapa mine.
The documentary also highlights several projects done in collaboration with diamond mining companies that aim to improve the livelihoods of people in the local communities, including a community garden (as seen in the still below) and a school offering high-quality education. 
“Here in Botswana I’ve seen a picture of what can happen when business operates in partnership with government and civil society, making long-term investments in collaboration with local communities and ensure that the benefits are truly shared with those on the ground,” Firth says at the end of the film.
“I came here to look at a single supply chain. But as my visit ends, I wonder if Botswana represents something even bigger—a new vision for doing business—and if so, it is certainly something that should be protected with vigilance and integrity.”
Morgan, the director of the film, had this to say about it: “After traveling the world to document the very darkest corners of global supply chains, it is a true joy now to partner again with my dear friend Livia as we turn our cameras towards a story of hope and possibility.
“We are living in a moment of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
profound change and upheaval, as we continue to see the failure of stories based on exploration and greed. More than ever we need examples like Botswana, a story of true care and collaboration to benefit all people and not just a few.”
On Feb. 5, guests and celebrities gathered at a global premier event in Brooklyn, New York to watch the documentary.
Following the film, longtime TV correspondent and host Alina Cho moderated a panel discussion with Firth, Morgan and some of the women featured in the documentary—Pat Dambe, Lahri and Kgalalelo Mokgweetsi.
In addition to currently being posted online, the Fashionscapes documentaries also will be available on Amazon Prime in the spring.
Watch: Fashionscapes Features the Diamonds of Botswana
{youtube} bozqXZF4V7k{/youtube}
On Feb. 5, guests and celebrities gathered at a global premier event in Brooklyn, New York to watch the documentary.
Following the film, longtime TV correspondent and host Alina Cho moderated a panel discussion with Firth, Morgan and some of the women featured in the documentary—Pat Dambe, Lahri and Kgalalelo Mokgweetsi.
In addition to currently being posted online, the Fashionscapes documentaries also will be available on Amazon Prime in the spring.
Watch: Fashionscapes Features the Diamonds of Botswana
{youtube} bozqXZF4V7k{/youtube}
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
