Are diamonds losing their sparkle?
And can lab-grown diamonds be an ethical alternative?
For the past 100 years diamonds have been the ultimate symbol of love, luxury and opulence. But then, a darker side to them was exposed. Diamond mining was shown to have links to conflict, human rights abuses and state corruption, putting off a lot of consumers. Lab-grown diamonds then appeared on the market as a more eco-friendly, ethical and cheaper alternative, but do they have the same appeal?
We speak to Caroline Steel, a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Science presenter, about what makes the gems so precious and the science behind how diamonds are formed.
We also hear from Shingai Nyoka, a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Africa reporter, about Africa’s relationship to diamond production, and the discovery of the second-largest mined diamond in Botswana in August.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde
Last on
Broadcasts
- Thu 29 Aug 2024 17:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service News Internet
- Fri 30 Aug 2024 02:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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What in the World
Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world.