Leonardo DiCaprio Movie Creates Sensation for Diamond Industry in South Africa

South Africa is the top place for diamonds. When there is diamond trade in Africa, there are many stories of injustice and tears. Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest movie has caused some controversy about this matter.

Moneyweb reported:

New Hollywood blockbuster, Blood Diamonds, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has raised the hackles of many in the SA diamond and jewellery industry as well as questions about their integrity.

Though the diamond industry's response to the film's depiction of the trade in arms for diamonds - better known as `Blood Diamonds'- has been widely dispersed, our vocal jewellery industry appears to be avoiding the subject altogether. It would however seem, that the diamond industry response, though appropriate, has not quelled the tide of interest and concern that would fully sate the South African public.

One jeweller prepared to face the issue head-on is Western Cape based, Uwe Koetter Jewellers.

"It is extremely important to verify the source of any diamonds you purchase and insist on seeing the appropriate certificates, it is only by doing this, that unscrupulous jewellers and diamond dealers will be forced to conform. We must never forget the loss of life caused by the trading of these blood diamonds" says Johan Louw, Director and Chief Designer at Uwe Koetter Jewellers in Cape Town.

More films need to made in Hollywood about this issue.