DIAMONDS ARE DANGEROUS

About the Book

Diamonds have become one of the world’s most valuable natural commodities. As gems, no other geological creation can compete with this versatile mineral. But diamonds also create individual and social problems when they are removed from their natural resting places. Some people say that diamonds are moody and disruptive, blaming them for all kinds of misfortune. Others speak of the luck diamonds bring them in their lives. The core of the book lies in the eighteen stories about IDB (Illicit Diamond Buying). These are presented as vignettes of varied lengths, introducing the reader to a variety of “cops and robbers” techniques used. Most of these IDB thefts take place in the DeBeers alluvial diamond mining areas and towns which remain fenced off from the outside world.

About the Author

Peter Carstens is a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. He was born in South Africa where he received his academic training as a social anthropologist. He immigrated to Canada in 1965.