Diamonds should be much more expensive. Part 2- Sorting diamonds.
As I shared in my previous newsletter, my visit to
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Diamonds should cost much more.
Here is the story of how I gained even greater respect for diamonds, diamond mining and all the work that goes into finding and polishing diamonds.
I’ve just returned from a fantastic trip to Namibia, where I was allowed to visit a diamond mine. The mine operated by Namdeb is an alluvial mine, meaning that the diamonds are found close to the earth’s surface. They have been moved from the primary source by natural erosion over millions of years and have eventually been deposited in a new location, such as a river, on a seabed, or at the coast.
Alluvial diamonds are of much higher quality than regular mined diamonds dug up from their primary deposit, as alluvial diamonds have been moved over millions of years, destroying the poorest quality diamonds.
The diamond mine we saw in Namibia is in Oranjemund, a town on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Namibia. 98% of the diamonds found there are gem-quality. The rest are used as industrial diamonds.
The diamonds are mined by removing what is known in mining as “the overburden,” the first 2 metres of sand and soil that lies on top of the rock where the diamonds are found. All that soil is moved into the sea, where they try to push the sea backwards. In Oranjemund, they are working to push the sea back 1.5 kilometres, and they focus on a stretch of 35 kilometres.
Once the first two metres of sand have been removed, you come across rocky ground, where the diamonds are located. Mine workers explore this area, chopping and scraping off some of the rock, which is then vacuumed by miners with colossal vacuum cleaners. Of course, massive surveillance is associated with the mining work, and cameras are everywhere.
A funny anecdote is that pigeons were banned in Oranjemund until two years ago when miners used pigeons to smuggle diamonds out. They can’t do that anymore as they are monitored with cameras from all angles. It is forbidden to bring your belongings, such as lighters, lip balm, jewellery, hair elastics, etc., and you are not allowed to put anything in your mouth, such as a tablet or a pill, as it could be a diamond. Therefore, we were also x-rayed several times before we were allowed to leave the mining area.
Incredible amounts of sand and soil must be removed to find a diamond. One truck removes 40 tons of sand and soil; on average, there are 4-5 diamonds per truck. They estimate that per 100 tons of gravel, they find 8-9 carats of diamonds. They find 1500 carats of diamonds a day, both from their offshore mining, where eight Wessels vacuum the seabed and sort what they have vacuumed up repeatedly.
The diamonds in Oranjemund are pretty small, with an average size of 0.5 carat, meaning that when cut, they are “only” 0.25-0.30 carat.
Namdeb has 3000 employees. Its motto is “OUR PEOPLE SPARKLE” – “MAKE LIFE BRILLIANT FOR OUR PEOPLE.” And it’s true. The Namdeb mine is owned by Namibia and De Beers, and 50% of its profits go back to Namibia to improve roads, hospitals, schools, etc. Therefore, Namibia, like Botswana, is a relatively rich African country, and ordinary people also benefit from diamond production.
In addition, Namdeb goes to great lengths to make their diamond mining as environmentally friendly as possible; they use mostly electrical energy and do everything possible to “return” the land as they found it. This means they employ geologists to ensure the land is returned to how it was before they started looking for diamonds. It’s relatively easy in seaside operations because the sea has so much power that it will automatically incorporate the land again.
I was very favourably impressed with the ethical way of the mining operations in Namibia. The money they earn from mining returns to the country, and you can see that. The roads are good, there are good schools, and there are not as many poor people as you see in South Africa; for example, the inhabitants are proud of their diamond history, which has a large part of the credit for the country’s prosperity.
Namdeb also works hard to employ as many women as possible. We met many well-educated women at Namdeb, such as mineralogists, geologists, and engineers. Of course, many women are also employed in the actual diamond sorting.
The average age of the employees is 42, and 20% are women in mine operations, with 40% in management.
Some of the diamond traders I deal with in Antwerp sell Namibian diamonds, and I will buy more from them so I can support Namibia and the fantastic work that Namdeb does to utilise the country’s diamond resources in the best possible way.
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I contacted Trine because I wanted to find a special piece for my wife’s 50 birthday.
With Trine's friendly and personal service, good taste, and understanding of what we were looking for, Trine presented us with a beautiful collection, helping us and our children find the perfect piece for her special day.
We could not have been happier with Trine and are so thankful for all her kind assistance.
I therefore highly recommend Trine’s service and excellent collection if you are looking for something special for your loved ones.
I have known Trine for many years and have always trusted her good taste in both design and quality. When I was looking for the perfect ring it was an easy choice for me to ask Trine to help me.
Trine has a wonderful way of understanding exactly what I am looking for and guiding me in my choice of both diamonds and design.
I will never buy my jewellery anywhere else
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. And Trine knows exactly how to set them in the most amazing ways.
During the years I have bought some really nice pieces from Trine, both classical in white gold, but also more daring ones, and she has always made exactly what I was dreaming of.
Trine works with some of the best goldsmiths in Antwerp, and they do an excellent job.
I just LOVE my new ring from Bylamm diamonds. Thank you Trine
Where do you go to find the perfect diamond engagement ring? I went to Trine, who was recommended to me by common friends. And it was a perfect choice. Trine’s service is quick and I could ask all the questions I wanted. I bought the perfect diamond and had it set in a classic setting with diamonds on the side.
My fiancee loves it.
And it is a joy for me to see her wearing it every day
I was so unlucky to lose one of my diamond earrings. But help was near. I contacted Trine at Bylamm Diamonds, who quickly made me a perfect new pair, at an incredible price. I wear them every day and just love them
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I contacted Trine because I wanted to find a special piece for my wife’s 50 birthday.
With Trine's friendly and personal service, good taste, and understanding of what we were looking for, Trine presented us with a beautiful collection, helping us and our children find the perfect piece for her special day.
We could not have been happier with Trine and are so thankful for all her kind assistance.
I therefore highly recommend Trine’s service and excellent collection if you are looking for something special for your loved ones.
I have known Trine for many years and have always trusted her good taste in both design and quality. When I was looking for the perfect ring it was an easy choice for me to ask Trine to help me.
Trine has a wonderful way of understanding exactly what I am looking for and guiding me in my choice of both diamonds and design.
I will never buy my jewellery anywhere else.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. And Trine knows exactly how to set them in the most amazing ways.
During the years I have bought some really nice pieces from Trine, both classical in white gold, but also more daring ones, and she has always made exactly what I was dreaming of.
Trine works with some of the best goldsmiths in Antwerp, and they do an excellent job.
I just LOVE my new ring from Bylamm diamonds. Thank you Trine
Where do you go to find the perfect diamond engagement ring? I went to Trine, who was recommended to me by common friends. And it was a perfect choice. Trine’s service is quick and I could ask all the questions I wanted. I bought the perfect diamond and had it set in a classic setting with diamonds on the side.
My fiancee loves it.
And it is a joy for me to see her wearing it every day
I was so unlucky to lose one of my diamond earrings. But help was near. I contacted Trine at Bylamm Diamonds, who quickly made me a perfect new pair, at an incredible price. I wear them every day and just love them.
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