Gina White, diamond polisher and analyst to change complexion of local diamond industry by adding the colour black

The African American entrepreneur has invested in the local industry, setting up office and manufacturing centre in the heart of the Diamond District in Maboneng, Johannesburg.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

She is certainly one of a tiny number of black entrepreneurs in the exclusive diamond industry in South Africa, but she is determined to make a difference through her participation in this industry that operates mainly in an opaque manner and is extremely exclusive.

Meet Gina White, who believes strongly that her participation in the South African diamond industry, will not only open doors for more blacks in the sector, but will empower particularly women entrepreneurs.

And her history with this industry is quite interesting as well.

White, is the only certified black American female rough diamond analyst who is also a jewellery designer, now setting her sights on making strides to bridging the financial, psychological, and spiritual divide that has permeated amongst the black diaspora for centuries. She started her career as a diamond wholesaler and today she is breaking down barriers to entry in the diamond industry with her South African based company.

Through her work as the owner and operator of a jewellery manufacturing and diamond polishing business that is situated in the Diamond District of Johannesburg, in Maboneng, South Africa, she and her highly skilled team of specialists analyse, source and purchase diamonds in their rough state, thereafter they can design, cut, and polish the diamonds to be sold to the public. Over the past several years, White has been hard at work, leveraging her innovative business acumen married with her expertise in the diamond industry, to penetrate this highly competitive and white male-dominated market.

CITYLIFE/ARETS recently had an interview with this polished diamond rough polisher, manufacture and trader.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: What is the name of your diamond business in South Africa  and giving it the name that you have, what inspired the anime?

Gina White: My business in Africa has many more layers then just diamonds. I have a complete jewelry manufacturing office in Johannesburg. It is there that I 100% beneficiate everything that comes into the office before it leaves the country. Everything can include colored gemstones, metals, and diamonds as well. Separately I have a jewellery collection that I am unveiling in the coming months. It is the Gina White Collection.

CITYLIFE/ARTS:. Whenand why did you start this diamond business in SA Africa?

Gina White: My physical office has been opened since last year but I’ve been in the industry for a few months  now. My intention is to bring awareness to an industry that is overlooked and over capitalized by non Africans and non blacks. I wanted to create a space for members of the diaspora to learn an industry that has been gate kept for centuries.

CITYLIFE/ARTS:  Being the only black certified diamond analyst in the US, must have been a difficult journey for you. Any comment on that statement?

Gina White: : I would like to clarify that I am the only black jewellery designer certified to analyze diamonds in their rough state specifically. All this means is that I’m able to see a stone all the way through the process. Though tricky, there’s nothing difficulties about the task itself. The difficulty is being aware that there is a task and utilizing the skill properly to have more leverage in my industry.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: .How have you been received by other business people who are predominantly male in this niche business?

Gina White: People are definitely surprised to see my face. I stand out not only because I’m a woman but because I am black American. I’m a newcomer in an industry that is typically generational. So I navigate people assuming I’m ignorant quite often. But many people have also opened their arms in support and are relieved to see a fresh face coming. It brings hope for a new wave and renaissance of sorts.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: . How many people do you employ in your company, and do you have any empowerment programmes, especially for women and the youth in your business?

Gina White: The office currently directly and indirectly employs right under two dozen black South Africans.