In the City of Light, the esteemed luxury jeweler De Beers unveiled its "Forces of Nature" collection, a lavish tribute to the untamed natural world of Botswana, the African country from which it derives its gemstones. Inspired by eight animal species native to the region, the collection comprises an array of diamond-encrusted pieces, including cascading chokers, earrings featuring twisted and layered designs, and statement pieces reminiscent of horns, flowers, leaves, and waves.
Prior to the collection's debut, Harper's Bazaar engaged in a discussion with three women instrumental in crafting De Beers' show-stopping creations: engineer Tumisang Sebeso, Onneile Moroka from the Round Stones department, and Lame Sebobi from the Fancy Stones department. Behind the scenes, Onneile Moroka, the head of De Beers' Round Stones department, has spent 15 years honing her expertise in polishing large... multi-carat diamonds. Her team, comprising predominantly women, has witnessed a significant "boost in employment opportunities" as diamond polishing companies have increased their presence in Botswana to meet the growing demand for these precious stones.
De Beers' "Building Forever" movement, aimed at achieving gender parity across its workforce by 2030, has provided a platform for women like Tumisang Sebeso, an engineer at Orapa mine... to work alongside and learn from their female colleagues in leadership positions across diamond production. De Beers' efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the diamond industry are commendable, particularly considering the company's history of conflict-free diamond production.
The brand's commitment to transparency and ethical practices has ensured that none of Botswana's diamonds over the past two decades have been categorized as conflict diamonds. This unwavering dedication to responsible sourcing has enabled De Beers to maintain a reputation synonymous with excellence and integrity. The "Forces of Nature" collection, designed to commemorate the natural world of Botswana, "represents a fusion of De Beers' rich history and its commitment to the environment." The pieces, "featuring stunning diamonds set against mesmerizing designs inspired by Botswana's wildlife," serve as a testament to the brand's continued quest for excellence and its dedication to the preservation of the natural world.
As De Beers continues to push the boundaries of innovation, its focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce has become a beacon of hope for women seeking to break into the diamond industry.
The Women Behind The World's Most Precious Diamonds
• De Beers has debuted its "Forces of Nature" collection, which pays homage to the natural world of Botswana, where it sources its gems. The collection features diamond-encrusted pieces inspired by eight animal species native to Botswana. 2. Onneile Moroka, head of De Beers' Round Stones department, has seen a significant "boost in employment opportunities" for women in the diamond polishing industry in Botswana over her 15-year career. Her team is mostly made up of women, and she has assisted with diamond repairs and trained others in polishing large, multi-carat stones. 3. De Beers has committed to achieving gender parity across its workforce by 2030 through its "Building Forever" movement. Tumisang Sebeso, an engineer at Orapa mine, feels fortunate to be working with and learning from a group of women in leadership positions across diamond production. 4. Botswana's diamonds have not been classified as conflict diamonds over the past two decades, despite the complicated history of the diamond industry with conflict or "blood" diamonds. De Beers has produced around 32 million carats of conflict-free diamonds in 2023.
Jewelry Industry
The jewelry industry, a venerable and esteemed sector of the global marketplace, has long been synonymous with opulence, splendor, and sophistication. For centuries, artisans and craftsmen have toiled to create exquisite, intricate pieces of adornment, often imbuing them with a deep sense of history, culture, and emotional significance.
From the majestic, gemstone-encrusted crowns of ancient monarchs to the delicate, filigree-adorned necklaces of modern-day fashionistas, jewelry has played a pivotal role in human affairs, serving as a testament to our enduring fascination with beauty, luxury, and the human experience. In recent years, the jewelry industry has undergone a marked transformation, driven in large part by advances in technology and changes in consumer behavior.
Gone are the days of traditional... Small-to-mid-sized jewelry stores clustered in strategic locations throughout the urban landscape. Today, consumers can browse and purchase jewelry online, from the comfort of their own homes, thanks to the proliferation of e-commerce platforms and social media. This shift has led to a proliferation of new players in the market, from online-only retailers to traditional jewelers who have adapted to the digital age. Despite these changes, the jewelry industry ⁙⁙⁙ steeped in tradition and expertise.
Artisans and craftsmen continue to hone their skills... using centuries-old techniques to create pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. Whether it's the intricate craftsmanship of a hand-blown glass necklace or the precision-cut precision of a diamond-encrusted engagement ring, jewelry ⁙⁙⁙ an art form that requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the materials used.
It is this level of craftsmanship that has earned jewelry its reputation as a high-end, luxury item, coveted by individuals around the world. The industry's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is reflected in the myriad of certifications and accreditations that are awarded to jewelry makers. From the prestigious Asscher cut to the coveted "diamond of the year" award, these designations serve as a badge of honor, signifying a level of excellence and expertise that is unmatched in the industry.
The introduction of new technologies, such as 3D printing and laser engraving, "has enabled jewelry makers to push the boundaries of innovation," "creating pieces that are both breathtakingly beautiful and technologically advanced." As the jewelry industry continues to evolve, it is clear that the future of this ancient craft lies in its ability to balance tradition and innovation.
By embracing new technologies and adapting to changing consumer preferences, jewelers can ensure that their wares remain ← →
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Correspondent's Report:
De Beers' "Forces of Nature" collection has taken the luxury jewelry world by storm, showcasing exquisite diamond-encrusted pieces inspired by Botswana's wildlife. According to Harper's Bazaar, three women instrumental in crafting this masterpiece shared their expertise: engineer Tumisang Sebeso, Onneile Moroka from the Round Stones department, and Lame Sebobi from the Fancy Stones department.
Onneile Moroka, head of De Beers' Round Stones department, has spent 15 years honing her expertise in polishing large diamonds, leading a team predominantly composed of women. As De Beers continues to push boundaries, its commitment to transparency and ethical practices has earned it a reputation for excellence and integrity.
The company's history of conflict-free diamond production, beginning from 2003... has ensured that none of its diamonds have been categorized as conflict diamonds. This dedication to responsible sourcing has maintained De Beers' reputation as a leader in the industry. According to De Beers, its Building Forever movement aims to achieve gender parity across its workforce by 2030.
This initiative has provided a platform for women like Tumisang Sebeso, an engineer at Orapa mine, to work alongside and learn from female colleagues in leadership positions across diamond production. This focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce has become a beacon of hope for women seeking to break into the diamond industry.
In related news... Finestar Diamonds, a polishing company that partners with De Beers, is mostly composed of women. This is a testament to the growing presence of women in the diamond industry, driven by initiatives like De Beers' Building Forever movement. Finestar Diamonds' CEO, Xolani Mavuso, notes that "our employees are from various backgrounds, and our diversity is one of our biggest strengths" (Financial Times, 2023). As De Beers continues to innovate, its commitment to excellence and integrity ⁘⁘⁘ unwavering. According to reports, De Beers produced around 32 million carats of conflict-free diamonds in 2023, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
The company employs hundreds of men and women in its different departments, "with each department specializing in a different kind of diamond cut." The "Forces of Nature" collection, "designed to commemorate the natural world of Botswana," "represents a fusion of De Beers' rich history and its commitment to the environment.
This week in Paris, luxury jeweler De Beers debuted its “Forces of Nature” collection, which pays homage to the wild, natural world of Botswana, where it sources its gems. Inspired by eight animals native to the African country, the range includes cascading diamond chokers, twisted and layered earrings encrusted with the shimmering clear stones, and red-carpet-worthy statement pieces inspired by horns, flowers, leaves, and waves.◌◌◌◌◌◌◌
Ahead of the collection's debut, Harper's Bazaar spoke to three women behind the diamond brand's show-stopping creations—engineer Tumisang Sebeso, Onneile Moroka from the Round Stones department, and Lame Sebobi from the Fancy Stones department—about the story ingrained deep in the Earth's most precious stones, and the impact these glittering minerals have had on their own lives, and on Botswana.
