How are PRIDE Diamonds in Sierra Leone an example of Fair Trade mining possibilities?
BE: PRIDE Diamonds is a business venture whose objective is to provide a source of socially and environmentally responsible diamonds from Africa. We were excited when PRIDE was created and we support its goals – to pay workers high wages, reinvest in local communities, and rehabilitate land after it is mined. Our understanding is that PRIDE (which was acquired by Target) is not currently operating with active production of diamonds. However, we would like to see PRIDE resume operations, and more ventures created with a similar model. More sources of fair trade gemstones will permit us to support economic development in Africa and across the globe. 3p: Does Brilliant Earth endorse the Responsible Jewelry Council’s new environmental and social standards? BE: Brilliant Earth is not a member of the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC). Although we welcome efforts to make jewelry more socially and environmentally responsible, we are concerned that the RJC’s standards are deeply flawed and lack
