Abstract
This paper examines the development of the use of synthetic diamonds as gemstones, rather than primarily for industrial purposes. The paper approaches this issue from several angles. These include the current nature of the market and the demand for synthetics, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) manufacturing process and the differences between these and natural diamonds.

From the Paper
"Synthetic diamonds, according to some, represent the future of the diamond industry, if not in whole then at least in part. The demand for diamonds combined with rising costs has caused manufacturers and consumers to look for other options to meet their fine gemstone needs. Simply put, there are only so many natural diamonds to go around. As a material, diamonds take an exceedingly long time for nature's pressures to create. Synthetic diamonds offer the possibility of diamond production on demand, rather than an industry that is subject entirely to the whims of mining and the possibility of unearthing new stores of this finite limited resource. Demand for diamonds in general is up, even though supplies of the gem have dropped significantly. The result is excellent market conditions for the viable emergence of a synthetic diamond industry."

Tags:synthetic, diamonds, production

Abstract
This paper gives an in-depth analysis of De Beers, the South African company that controls almost all of the world's diamond production. A brief history of the diamond industry is given first. Then, the author presents several of De Beer's best known marketing strategies that have become ingrained in our society. These include campaigns for diamond engagement rings, eternity rings, and marketing aimed at affluent single women. The paper continues by describing how De Beer's became a name brand. The second half of the paper explores the "dark side" of the diamond industry, with an emphasis on the working conditions in the diamond mines and treatment of workers. Also discussed are the national conflicts that have terrorized countries such as Sierra Leone over control of their diamonds. The paper concludes by calling on De Beer's to improve its image and take responsibility for its actions and treatment of workers.

TOC

Introduction
History of Diamonds
Who is De Beers?
The True Value of Diamonds
A Diamond is Forever
The Diamond Engagement Ring
Public Relations: Making Prospects Aware
Marilyn is De Beers' Best Friend
How do you Make Two Months' Salary Last Forever?
The Future of Diamonds
The Diamond Eternity Ring
Women of the World, Raise Your Right Hand
The Branding of Diamonds
The Secret Side of Diamonds
Conflict Diamonds
Bibliography
Literary References
Web References
APPENDIX 1
APPENDIX 2

From the Paper
"Diamonds are currently the most expensive gems available for sale; and rightly so, diamonds are rare and valuable. Except that they are not. Although the belief that diamonds are rare and valuable is widely held, it is entirely false. The value of diamonds lies in nothing more than a brilliant marketing campaign coupled with an even more brilliant channel distribution system. When buying a diamond, the consumer can extend their thanks to De Beers for the hefty price tag."

Tags:advertising, advertising slogans, Sierra Leone, mining, work conditions, colonization

Abstract
The paper looks at how Greg Campbell's book "Blood Diamonds: Tracing The Deadly Path of the World's Most Precious Stones" tells the story of how De Beers took over the mining and the marketing of diamonds. The paper discusses the violence and bloodshed that is a near-constant theme within the process of mining diamonds in Sierra Leone, and highlights how Campbell contrasts this to the advertising and selling of diamonds in the global marketplace that is slick, glossy, high-tone and offers not the slightest hint of bloodshed and the chopping off of men's hands at the mines. The paper discusses Campbell's contention that the diamonds al-Qaeda acquired from Sierra Leone were linked to the hijackings of the Twin Towers and examines the De Beers' PR representative's justifications of the horrors caused by conflict diamonds.

Outline:
The Economics of Diamonds
The African Diamond Economy and Terrorism

From the Paper
"The story of how one company took over the mining and the marketing of diamonds is told very thoroughly by Campbell. That company is De Beers, and having been established in 1888 and at that time in control of 90 percent of all the diamonds in the world, De Beers spent the twentieth century pursing a plan that was "...as simple as it was ruthless: buy as much of the world production as possible and tightly control global distribution" (Campbell, p. 108). Much like the OPEC group can control the price of oil by cutting back on production, De Beers has controlled the price of diamonds by "curtailing either production or distribution" - putting only enough stones on the market to keep the price up where De Beers wants it (Campbell, p. 108).
"And even though De Beers ended up owning most of the diamond mines in the world, in the same way as a cartel owns the trafficking rights to heroin and cocaine in Mexico, or Columbia, to be able to keep the price up beyond diamonds' real actual value, De Beers also had to promote the myth that for anyone anywhere in the world, if you fall in love with a woman you must give her a diamond to seal the deal. Campbell spends a fair amount of narrative on the De Beers' marketing strategies, as if to prove what a bunch of fools the men of the world are when they fall for marketing phrases like "A diamond is forever," and "Show her that you'll love her for another thousand years" (Campbell, p. 112).'

Tags:Sierra, Leone, mines, violence, al-Qaeda

Abstract
This paper explains that smuggled diamonds are funding numerous wars on the African continent from which hundreds of thousands of lives are being lost. Next, the author relates that, to combat this use of diamonds, the De Beers Mining Company, which is the biggest diamond firm in South Africa that once itself had a bloody history of slavery during the Apartheid period, has invented a new Kimberley process to insure the production and purchase of legal diamonds. However, the paper concludes that, despite this certification and actions by the UN and the USA, diamonds still are being smuggled through other countries such as Sierra Leone; therefore, people must only buy certified diamonds or ones that are not from Africa.

From the Paper
"The situations in Angola and in The Democratic Republic of Congo made it possible for smuggled diamonds to be bought by De Beers diamond buyers. Both countries have a state of crisis, and, guerrilla armies have captured most diamond fields present on the territories. The fact that the illegal diamonds did not all came to De Beers meant that diamonds had been taken to other diamond companies. Also, this meant that the market would suffer as a consequence of large amounts of diamonds appearing throughout the world. Most countries involved in the combating situations in certain African countries in a state of crisis have been reported to export diamonds, even if they did not have any diamond mines within their borders."

Tags:weaponry, smuggled, certification, apartheid, rebels

Abstract
This paper explains that synthetic diamonds have the same unique qualities as natural diamonds, hardness, density, superlative strength, and thermal conductivity. The author points out that synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory, avoiding the high costs of mining, transportation, foreign taxes, and tariff issues. The paper relates that the future of synthetic diamonds is limitless, especially their use as radiation sensors, light emitters, and unwettable coatings.

From the Paper
"In addition to the time saved, there is also a cost issue. Natural diamonds are produced in a limited number of countries, including Australia, Botswana, Russia, and Congo Republic. There is only one mine found in the United States. Since Americans are the consumers of over 50 percent of the world's diamonds, this produces a costly problem. The costs of mining in foreign countries are high. According to De Beers mine, a leading producer of natural diamonds in South America, 250 tons of ore would need to be excavated to find one stone that would be large enough to equal a one-carat diamond."

Tags:cvd, time, cost, hardness, conductivity

Abstract
This paper discusses how J. Sorie Conteh's novel "The Diamonds" examines the real, economic impact of the stone upon recent history and the story that lies behind the diamond's glittering surface.
It looks at how the story is set in the African region of the Sierra Leone and how Conteh portrays a world of great misery caused by the pursuit of diamonds in this region. It shows how eventually, rather than resulting in prosperity, the devotion of the inhabitants of the region fall into a profound state of personal and social dissolution.

From the Paper
"The climax of the novel details Gibao's willingness to commit ritual murder to find out where the largest diamonds of the mine will lie. A local sorcerer who also profits off of the diamond industry in the Sierra Leone by fueling speculation in the hearts of the businessmen of the area, by telling their fortune and giving them tips about where to find the best jewels informs the too credulous Gibao that by committing this murder, he will be able to find the biggest diamonds. Superstitious rural farmer at heart that he is, Gibao is all too willing to believe the lies of the witch doctor."

Tags:Sierra, Leone, wealth, gibao

Abstract
The paper examines the social, economic, political and religious impacts of diamonds in the novel and highlights how the diamond mining industry has forever altered the lives of the people in Sierra Leone. The paper points out the message of this novel, that greed can corrupt a person, and it can corrupt an entire society.

From the Paper
"In the beginning of the novel, Gibao is the most successful farmer in his village, but he knows that he wants more out of life. He sees others around him gaining their fortunes in the diamond mines, and he is determined to join the ranks of the wealthy. The novel sets the stage for change by vividly describing Gibao's life in the farming village. His life is peaceful and content, but he cannot seem to be happy with that, and sets off to find something more. This sets up the theme of the novel, that Sierra Leone is changing because of people like Gibao, and the entire fabric of the country will alter by the time the novel is done. This is just not about Gibao and his family, they represent all the families that diamonds have adversely affected, and they are a microcosm for the entire society."

Tags:greed, wealth, corruption

Abstract
The roots of diamond production in African colonial exploitation and expropriation are identified in this paper. Additionally, their current links to civil warfare are outlined: guerilla forces use diamonds to procure cash and cash to buy weapons.

Abstract
The paper discusses the battles over diamonds in the Western Africa nations especially the civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The paper points out that many African countries especially Botswana, the world's largest diamond producer, have avoided the diamond wars and developed a prosperous economy fueled by diamonds. The author states that world governments and organizations, diamond traders, financial institutions, arms manufacturers, social and educational institutions, human rights groups and celebrities are combining their efforts to demand the strict enforcement of sanctions and encourage peace in Africa.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Competing for Diamonds
Would-Be Success of Diamond Countries
Fighting the Rebels
Conclusion

From the Paper
"National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), a rebel group, has been in constant conflict with the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola ( MPLA) for about twenty years. These two groups have created a civil war in Angola as both groups fight for control of the country. As a result, the country is covered in land mines that kill many innocent people on a daily basis. Still UNITA refuses to relinquish diamond mines to the MPLA government and the country remains in a dangerous civil war."

Tags:angola, sierra-leone, liberia, landmines, botswana

Abstract
The paper relates that there are more than 5000 different diamond quality combinations in every size and shape, amounting to thousands of unique amalgamations. The paper discusses how in order to deliver the best value and service to our customers, Spence Diamonds has put together, based on historical sales reports, the most popular combinations to maintain in its inventory.

From the Paper
"There are more than 5000 different diamond quality combinations in every size and shape, amounting to thousands of unique amalgamations. In order to deliver the best value and service to our customers, Spence Diamonds has put together, based on historical sales reports, the most popular combinations to maintain in our inventory. When placing a special order for a diamond, please follow the guidelines that follow (the Special Order Procedure form). A deposit of 20% of the diamonds estimated cost must first be taken prior to a special order being made, because each diamond is specially ordered and unique per request."

Tags:business, policy, procedure