Blood, Sweat and Earth: The Struggle for Control over the World's Diamonds Throughout History

Blood, Sweat and Earth is a historical expose of the diamond industry, focusing on the exploitation of workers and the environment, and the monopolization of uncut diamonds. It describes the use of forced labor and political oppression by Indian sultans, the Portuguese in Brazil, and South African industrialists, and the hoarding of diamonds to maintain high prices. Recent discoveries of diamond deposits have ended monopolization, but advances in synthetic diamonds have not yet eradicated exploitation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2021
Publisher: Reaktion Books

Blood, Sweat and Earth is a powerful and eye-opening historical exploration of the diamond industry, shedding light on the profound exploitation of workers and the devastating impact on the environment. The book delves into the historical practices of forced labor, political oppression, and the monopolization of uncut diamonds, revealing the intricate web of power and control that has shaped this lucrative industry for centuries.

The narrative unfolds across various regions and historical periods, including India, Brazil, and South Africa. It highlights the ruthless tactics employed by Indian sultans, Portuguese colonizers, and South African industrialists to maintain their dominance in the diamond trade. These practices included the forced labor of indigenous communities, the suppression of political opposition, and the strategic hoarding of diamonds to maintain high prices.

The English East India Company, for instance, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the diamond trade in India. Through its coercive measures and exploitative practices, the company amassed a vast fortune from the extraction and trade of diamonds. Similarly, the Portuguese in Brazil and the South African industrialists exploited their colonial powers to control the diamond supply and exploit the local workforce.

Despite recent discoveries of diamond deposits in Siberia, Canada, and Australia, the book underscores that the monopolization of the diamond industry has not been entirely eradicated. While these discoveries have brought some respite to the industry, they have not yet addressed the root causes of exploitation. The world's insatiable thirst for sparkle continues to fuel the demand for diamonds, leading to the continued exploitation of workers and the destruction of ecosystems.

Furthermore, the book highlights the advancements in the production of synthetic diamonds as a potential solution to the exploitation caused by the diamond industry. While synthetic diamonds have gained popularity in recent years, they have not yet been able to fully replace natural diamonds in terms of quality and value. This highlights the complex challenges faced by the industry in transitioning towards more sustainable and ethical practices.

In conclusion, Blood, Sweat and Earth is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the historical and contemporary implications of the diamond industry. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the exploitation of workers and the environment, shedding light on the power dynamics that have shaped this lucrative industry for centuries. Through its detailed narratives and insightful analysis, the book offers a roadmap for a more sustainable and ethical future in the diamond industry.

Weight: 830g
Dimension: 226 x 320 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789144352