[Jewelry making - Article 01144] - Re: [Orchid] Suggestions for Lapidary Journal

[Lee Einer]

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>        How much do you think it would be true if we investigate other
>     products produced overseas,, that we all use and have no knowledge
>     of? Clothing and shoes have had this reputation. More important,
>     if it is true, what percentage is produced this way? Have you been
>     there and seen this? 

    Richard, child labor plays a significant role in the world gemstone
    market. It is a factor which those possessing a conscience should
    consider when purchasing gemstones. 

    If you desire eyewitness accounts, google 'em. There are plenty of
    eyewitness descriptions of gemcutting sweatshops using child labor.
    Of course, these could then be dismissed as "anecdotal." 
    Regardless, there are abundant articles available on child labor and
    the gem industry, articles supported by official government
    statistics as well as unofficial sources and eyewitness accounts. 
    Have a peek at this one- 

    http://cda.mrs.umn.edu/~stal0068/stalbergerindia.html 

    Or this one- 

    http://ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/actrav/child/proj/childiam.htm 

    India currently cuts about 70% of the worlds diamonds, and utilizes
    bonded child labor to do so. Bonded means the parents are paid a
    lump sum for the child, a concept similar to indentured servitude--
    or slavery.  Young children are actually preferred for cutting of
    small stones, as their eyesight is more acute. I am thinking that
    their eyesight does not stay sharp for long when they are cutting
    half-point diamonds under sweatshop conditions. 

    Thailand's government statistics indicate that there are 4-5 million
    children employed in that country. The gemcutting industry is one of
    those employing child labor in Thailand. 

>        Most gems are produced by very sophisticated people, with
>     integrity... 

    Can you support this statement with fact, or is this a conclusion
    based on your assumptions, which in turn inform your conclusion? How
    does the prevalence of child labor in the gemstone industry
    integrate with your theory? 

>        If these children did not work, do you think their family would
>     fare better or worse economically? 

    One of the great myths of child labor is that the families realize
    an economic gain. The reality is that utilization of child labor
    displaces adult labor, further impoverishing the communities in
    which it occurs. Our own Pullman factories were a good example of
    this phenomenon. 

    Your post did not contain a thesis statement, Richard, so I can only
    infer the point which you were seeking to make. Is it your position
    that we should not concern ourselves with child slave labor in the
    gemstone business? You seem to be arguing that the incidence of
    child labor in this area is insignificant, and that it is common in
    other industries also, and that the families affected are bettered
    by it. 

Lee Einer
Dos Manos Jewelry
http://www.dosmanosjewelry.com

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