Diamonds; Armin Greder

They say that ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend.’ The truth is, they may not be anybody’s friend after taking in this nightmarish story.

Mama is heading out for the night with Uncle Winston. She is dressed up and ready to go and as she adds the final sparkling touches to her appearance, little Carolina has some questions that need answering. Are the diamond earrings expensive? Where did the diamonds come from? And if housekeeper Amina comes from a land littered in diamonds then why is she not rich…

The dark underbelly of the diamond industry is explored in this thought-provoking and challenging story. Apart from the initial conversation between daughter and mama, the journey of diamonds from the mines of Africa to jewellery store to consumer is told entirely through Armin Greder’s hard-hitting and sometimes upsetting visuals.

In conditions reminiscent of slavery, workers using nothing but their bare hands, shovels and pickaxes remove the diamonds from the ground before they are claimed by armed militia and moved through a supply chain where corruption rules and morals are non-existent. Money is exchanged and deals are done before the precious gems finally make their way into the hands of jewellers and are sold to a rich clientele in the form of necklaces, earrings, rings and brooches.

The whole injustice of the process is shocking and this is the whole point of telling the story as it raises awareness about the appalling trade of something associated with glamour, beauty and elegance. The reality of the diamond trade and the inequality between those who suffer to satisfy the wealthy will challenge all and will hopefully encourage everyone to think about the choices they make, diamond-related or otherwise, to ensure that they are never knowingly responsible in any way for the suffering of others.

Raw, honest and pulls no punches, diamonds may not be so shiny and sort-after after reading this. Powerful, powerful stuff.

Recommended for 9+.