Natural Diamonds: Supporting Local Communities and Creating a Brighter future

image credit: Only Natural Diamonds, Natural Diamond Council X Janai 

It’s easy to to lose yourself in the timeless beauty of a natural diamond and overlook the remarkable journey behind every stone. Diamonds do more than symbolise love, they serve as a powerful driver of community development, economic growth, and sustainability.

The natural diamond industry positively impacts millions of lives worldwide, uplifting entire regions by significantly contributing to the economies of their respective producing countries - creating positive impacts and enriching the lives of many.

In this article we’ll explore the profound impact natural diamonds have on people and  communities - from providing job opportunities to building infrastructure and everything in between.

Natural Diamonds Supporting Communities

The natural diamond industry supports over 10 million people globally, encompassing every stage of the diamond supply chain. In diamond-producing countries, up to 80% of the value generated from rough diamonds remains within local communities. These profits are reinvested in local economies through employment, social programs, and infrastructure development - creating an enormously positive effect on the countries in which diamonds are discovered. 

Not only do natural diamonds provide stable livelihoods for workers, they also uplift entire communities. A portion of natural diamond revenue often funds the construction of schools, hospitals, roads (and in third world countries, access to energy and clean water). These contributions foster long-term growth and prosperity in diamond producing regions.

Governments in diamond-rich countries also reap direct benefits. For instance, partnerships between the De Beers Group and nations like Namibia and Botswana fund public services such as education and essential health programs. In Botswana, revenue from diamonds have transformed the nation's education system, offering children access to free primary education.

In Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories collects royalties from diamond mining operations and taxes on diamonds extracted from the region. Businesses are required to pay corporate income tax, property tax, and fuel tax and carbon taxes, ensuring the wealth generated from operations not only benefits the corporation, but is shared throughout the region.

Natural Diamonds Supporting Economies

The global natural diamond industry provides upwards of 30,000 jobs, serving as a vital economic pillar in many regions. This lucrative sector contributes significantly to national GDPs, with entire countries depending on its success.

Key statistics from the Natural Diamond Council:

• In Canada’s Northwest Territories, the diamond industry is the largest private-sector employer and accounted for 24% of the total GDP in 2020.
  
  

• Botswana’s diamond sector made up 33% of its GDP in 2021 and 88% of its total exports.
  
  

• Nearly 47.5% of diamond industry employees in Canada’s Northwest Territories are local residents, including Indigenous workers.

For remote communities with limited opportunities, the diamond industry provides stable employment and pathways for professional development. Jobs in mining, engineering, transportation, retail, and more empower workers with new skills, enabling them to secure brighter futures.

Diamond companies also collaborate with institutions to offer training programs, scholarships, and education-focused initiatives, ensuring long-term growth for individuals and communities. Leading diamond companies work with these institutions to develop their skills and gain associated qualifications. Increasing the likelihood of accessing well-paid jobs and higher education opportunities for these regions. 

Natural Diamonds working towards Responsible Sourcing  

The natural diamond industry is committed to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. In the Northwest regions of Canada, diamond companies partner with local and Indigenous communities to ensure sustainable practices are followed, from monitoring wildlife habitats to preserving water quality. Diamond companies work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure their operations have minimal impact on the environment by drawing on local expertise.

You’d be forgiven for thinking negative perceptions around fair working conditions, poverty, and environmental harm are inaccurate and outdated. Instead, they are heavily regulated following policies that protect the environment and regions where diamonds are extracted. Today, strict regulations and collaborative initiatives ensure diamonds are sourced with care, aligning with global sustainability goals.

image credit: Only Natural Diamonds, Natural Diamond Council X Janai 

A Sparkling Future for Diamonds and Communities

Natural diamonds are more than luxury and a symbol of commitment—they are a force for positive change, driving sustainable development, and supporting local economies. From empowering remote communities with stable employment to funding education and infrastructure, natural diamonds contribute to a brighter future for millions. Natural diamonds support the livelihood of millions of people worldwide, with the diamond industry playing a pivotal role in global sustainability and uplifting the regions where they are found. 

For those seeking to embody this legacy of beauty and impact, at Janai we offer the largest selection of ethically sourced diamonds for your Engagement Rings in Melbourne. At Janai, we celebrate the artistry and significance of natural diamonds, ensuring each piece is as timeless as the love it represents. Visit our store to discover diamonds that not only sparkle brilliantly -  but also carry the story of positive change.