humane mining

Having been one of the highest ranking female executives in the diamond industry, Ms. Claudene has rare inside knowledge and sharp opinions about gem mining. Happy that there seems to be a budding awareness growing about this topic, yet concerned that the focus is either too small, misinformed, or highly racially-slanted, Ms. Claudene gives us a chance to learn some very deep truths and test our level of conscience.

If you're a friend or family member, you've heard this for years. If you're a client, you've already gotten an earful. If you are simply an educated and literate human, she asks that you read the following document. It is a delicate-yet-no-nonsense diatribe on diamonds in particular, but she by no means intends for us to 'turn our eyes from' other stones and the labor practices surrounding them. Part of the reason why she travels to purchase the gems she utilizes is to "ensure my clients, to the best of my ability, that any stones in my work are mined ethically in legal areas, supports local artists and communities, and are of good, if not the best, quality out there."

Any diamonds utilized in her designs are, without question, mined ethically. She knows this because she has visited the mine herself. Few, if any, companies can really claim this. Yet, she does not want to discourage anyone from purchasing diamonds at all -- it is a double-edged sword. Ms. Claudene feels to unleash a beast for such truths can finally bring change to the mining practices in diamonds, yet they can also stir such fervor that she fears consumers might totally ban diamonds (and sink the very people they would be trying to help). And, so, she asks that, as you read the following, you read all the way through.

Take me to The Dirt On Diamonds

She is open to dialogue, and invites any and all to speak with her on this matter. You can email her from the Contact Us link above.
She will respond personally.