A Golden Find: At What Cost?

A few years ago someone I knew had to write a paper,
and he chose to write about the Diamond Industry.

What he told me about his research was ghastly. He told
me how poorly those who dug for diamonds were treated.
He told me how poorly they were paid. He told me about
deaths and people being maimed.

He told me how the industry "protects" its interests, and
about how diamond dealers can lose their ability to get
new diamonds if they buy diamonds back (or something
like that).

It was enough for me to know that
I never wanted to own a diamond.

Today I heard about what is happening in Nigeria, and
how those who are digging for gold are finding lead, and
how it has killed many of the village's children. Apparently
the $23 they can make on an gram of gold has had them
go searching, and discover a most unfortunate find.

News like this gives me pause. I have never really been
one for jewelry with precious gems. I am amazingly happy
with costume jewelry, and stories like this have me definitely
thinking that I am making the right choice for myself.

If you're unaware of this information perhaps it will give
you some pause, too. Do we really need to go after these
things? What do they give us that is so valuable with that
little exterior shine? Is it worth the life of another just to
have it?

It makes me wonder.

Have a good night.