A worker at a De Beers diamond facility in Botswana.

On Friday, Nov. 8, Lasker Jewelers debuted a nearly half-hour documentary film detailing local owner Nicole Lasker and her sister Liz Falkner Lasker’s recent trip to Botswana, Africa, at the Jamf Theatre at the Pablo Center at the Confluence. During their journey, which they purchased at a charity auction, they explored the mines and facilities where Lasker diamonds – Forevermark diamonds from the De Beers Group – are sourced. The film features photos taken by Nicole and Liz, footage of diamond mining and cutting supplied by the De Beers Group, and stunning imagery of Africa’s wild places.

Nicole and Liz recount their experiences in Botswana, the world’s largest exporter of diamonds.

“Our companies ensure that (the people of Botswana) have a prosperous career, that they are able to feed their families and educate their children. It really went full circle.”– Liz Falkner Lasker

“People are much more aware of what their retail dollar can do,” Nicole said.  “And the best part about this diamond company that we work with is that they have a very strong passion for helping the community they are mining in.”

In Botswana, the De Beers Forevermark company has partnered with the local government to establish and maintain four diamond mines in Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa, and Jwaneng. The partnership, called Debswana, provides job training, employment, education, and even healthcare to the region. Nicole and Liz toured a mining operation, a sorting facility, and even a hospital that was built by Forevermark to serve locals.

The sisters’ itinerary also included a Safari excursion where they got a firsthand look at the wildlife in Botswana.  Part of Forevermark’s investment in the country is in wildlife and environmental preservation to ensure the tourism industry grows alongside the diamond mining industry. At one point, Nicole and Liz were just feet away from a full-maned wild lion.

Nicole Lasker, right, and Liz Falkner Lasker appear in a documentary about their visit to Botswana.

The film features an in-depth interview with Nicole and Liz, where they emphasize the importance of businesses giving back to the communities they reside in.

“Our companies ensure that (the people of Botswana) have a prosperous career, that they are able to feed their families and educate their children,” Liz said. “It really went full circle”

In addition to responsible sourcing that benefits people around the world, the Laskers give back to local causes including the Boys & Girls Club, the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, the Pablo Center, King’s Closet, and more.  

“I think it’s a responsibility if you’re conducting business in our community and people are paying you for anything you should be able to give some of that back, so I want to be an example for other companies,” Nicole said. She and Liz plan to launch the full film on the Lasker Jewelers website in the coming weeks so that locals can enjoy learning about how the pieces they buy benefit communities near and far. 

For more information about Lasker Jewelers and Forevermark, visit www.laskers.com.