I am always bemused when I tell Chinese people that I am from South Africa and getting the response: “Ah… diamonds!” or “Ah… gold!”

I sometimes wonder, when the locals enjoy (South African) abalone at their banquets, if they know about the destruction to our marine resources brought about by the mindless poaching taking place along the South African coasts?

However, when I see prices like these below, I understand (in part) why poaching is such a huge part of the livelihood of the poor fisherfolk along the shores of the Western Cape.

I wonder what the folks at Chow Tai Fook will make of the following diamond ad?