Horizon Season 2000 Episode 3 The Diamond Makers

The Diamond Makers is the third episode of the 2000 season of Horizon. In this episode, the show delves into the world of diamond making and exploration. The episode explores the different processes for creating diamonds - natural and synthetic. It examines the industry of diamond mining and its impact on local communities.

Through interviews with scientists, diamond experts, and industry insiders, we learn about the process of creating synthetic diamonds. The episode travels to the headquarters of General Electric in the United States, where we see the process of creating a diamond from a small piece of graphite. We also see how these synthetic diamonds are being used in industrial applications such as cutting tools and semi-conductors.

The episode also features the story of how diamonds were formed naturally. It takes us through the geological processes that created diamonds billions of years ago and how they were brought to the Earth's surface. We visit one of the biggest diamond mines in the world, located in Botswana. It's an impressive feat of engineering that has been designed to extract diamonds from deep within the earth. We see the difficult and dangerous work of the miners, who risk their lives every day to extract the precious stones.

The episode also explores the darker side of the diamond industry, focusing on the impact it has on local communities in countries such as South Africa. We see how mining operations have destroyed the environment, leaving toxic waste and contaminated water sources. We also hear about the exploitation of workers and how they are not paid a fair wage for their hard work.

Throughout the episode, we see how the diamond industry has become a symbol of wealth and power. We learn about the history of how diamonds became associated with engagement rings and the romantic ideal of true love. We hear stories about how the industry has manipulated the market to drive up prices and create a sense of scarcity around the precious stones.

Overall, The Diamond Makers is a fascinating exploration of the diamond industry. It sheds light on the intricate and varied processes of diamond creation and mining, while also raising important questions about the industry's ethical and environmental impact. The episode is an informative and thought-provoking look at one of the world's most valuable and sought-after commodities.