Honest Artisan Hands Back Lost Diamonds Worth $12,000
September 30, 20
(IDEX Online) - A struggling artisan in India found a 30-carat bag of diamonds, worth over $12,000 . . . and handed them back to their owner.
Rajesh Rathod admitted he did consider keeping the gems to sell after stumbling upon them near a diamond market in Varachha, Surat, on 25 September.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen his wages working in the diamond industry almost halved to around a $120 a month.
But after a sleepless night the father-of-two contacted broker Haresh Viradiya, who had lost them.
He says the parcel of gems fell from his pocket as he removed his handkerchief.
"I am extremely humbled by Rathod's honesty," he told the Times of India newspaper. He added that Rathod had refused a cash reward.
Generic pic of parcel of diamonds