Concord Times (Freetown)
Bohoyy Jalloh
23 October 2008
The newly-launched Ruff & Cut diamond jewelry company has combined conflict-free diamonds from Sierra Leone and Canada with recycled gold to create stylishly rustic rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings.
Though not all of the gems are the perfect specimens we are accustomed to seeing the designs stand for much more than a simple display of wealth. Having said that, the ring in the first image is priced at $110,000. However, a very simple 1.91 carat solitaire is available for $4,900.
Wade Watson of Ruff & Cut said "I had a chance to listen to Watson speak earlier this year at the fair trade jewelry conference and was impressed by how passionate he was about both the country and the people of Sierra Leone and the good diamonds can do there."
For Watson it's a personal mission to help lift up this country which is one of the richest in natural resources but the poorest in so many other ways.
The Ruff & Cut name refers to the mix of both rough and cut diamonds used in the designs. Designers such as Me&Ro, Tracy Matthews and Todd Reed each have their own collection under the Ruff & Cut brand. The jewelry uses recycled gold and "conflict-free" diamonds coming from Sierra Leone and Canada. Many of the rough diamonds come from the Pride Diamond mine in Sierra Leone. Each piece comes with a certificate of origin.
For every piece sold the company donates 10% of their profits to their nonprofit partners working in Africa to improve the lives of those affected by mining and jewelry manufacturing. During their launch event, Oct 16th - Nov 16th, they are bumping that number up to 20%.
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