Glitter & Greed

Glitter & Greed exposes the inner workings of the international diamond industry through investigative reporting and firsthand accounts. The book documents the practices of major diamond companies and traces the path of diamonds from mines to markets. Roberts conducted research across multiple continents to uncover the relationships between diamond cartels, governments, and local populations impacted by the trade. Her investigation examines both historical events and contemporary operations within the diamond industry. The book presents information about mining conditions, worker treatment, price manipulation, and marketing strategies used to maintain control of the global diamond market. It includes interviews with industry insiders, government officials, and individuals directly affected by diamond operations. At its core, this work challenges the glamorous public image of diamonds by revealing the economic and human costs of their production and distribution. The contrast between marketing myths and industry realities raises questions about consumer awareness and corporate responsibility.

Readers found this investigative book on the diamond industry to be comprehensive in documenting the history of diamond monopolies and worker exploitation. Several reviewers highlighted Roberts' research on cartel activities and pricing manipulation. Liked: - Detailed coverage of human rights issues in diamond mining - Investigation of DeBeers' market control - Documentation of marketing tactics behind diamond engagement rings Disliked: - Dense writing style with technical industry terms - Some readers questioned certain claims due to limited source citations - Dated content (published in 2003) for current diamond market dynamics Ratings: Amazon: 3.8/5 (12 reviews) Goodreads: 3.5/5 (38 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Eye-opening exposé but gets bogged down in industry minutiae" - Goodreads reviewer "Important research that needed more fact-checking" - Amazon reviewer "Changed my perspective on diamond purchases" - LibraryThing user

Blood Diamonds by Greg Campbell A reporter's investigation reveals the connection between diamond trafficking and civil wars in Africa.

The Price of Paradise by Manfred Kielnhofer An examination of the tanzanite trade exposes the human cost of gemstone mining in East Africa.

Dark Side of Fortune by Catherine Schubert A documentary account traces emerald mining operations from extraction to market, uncovering exploitation and criminal networks.

Gems and Justice by Martin Walker Research into the sapphire trade links luxury markets to labor conditions in Southeast Asian mines.

The Stone Seekers by Richard Newman Investigation of ruby mining operations exposes corruption and illegal practices in the Myanmar gem trade.

🔸 The book exposed controversial practices in the diamond industry, including how De Beers allegedly manipulated diamond prices and controlled distribution through what the author called a "cartel" system. 💎 Author Janine Roberts spent seven years researching the diamond trade, traveling to mines in Africa and conducting interviews with industry insiders. 🔸 The book challenges the popular belief that diamonds are rare, revealing that vast stockpiles are maintained to create artificial scarcity and maintain high prices. 💎 Roberts documents how the "diamonds are forever" marketing campaign was created in 1947 by De Beers and N.W. Ayer & Son advertising agency to boost diamond engagement ring sales. 🔸 The author faced significant resistance while researching the book, with several diamond industry figures reportedly attempting to block her access to information and sources.