Not only are they a girl's best friend but the _ advertisers tell us they're for ever. The many facets of diamonds are the subject of this two-part documentary.
The first film explores the history of the lucrative diamond industry and the remarkably successful DeBeers cartel at the heart of it. DeBeers control most of the output of Africa's gem-diamond-rich fields and their organisation is so efficient that they successfully turned stocks of smaller stones to their advantage by launching a new product - the eternity ring.
The Diamond Empire investigates one of the most durable business monopolies in history and asks if diamonds are as rare as they appear. How long will it be before the industry loses its lustre?
Director Gavin McFadyen Producer Laurie Flynn