I was specifically referring to the diamond cartel as 'scum'. You are right, and there are real practical uses for stuff that gets taken out of the earth. I see

I was specifically referring to the diamond cartel as 'scum'. You are right, and there are real practical uses for stuff that gets taken out of the earth. I see no problem with that since most uses could be considered as a net positive. Diamonds to be a "girl's best friend" though, much less so.