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Article: Trees Lure South African Diamond Cutter to Augusta, Ga.(Originated from The Augusta Chronicle, Ga.)
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
- Article date:
- December 10, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Dec. 10--Trees, not gems, persuaded South African diamond cutter Philip Van Emmenis to live in Augusta instead of all the other places where he could have taken his unique skill.
Since August, Mr. Van Emmenis has operated a diamond-cutting factory in an 8-foot-square room in the back of Doris Diamonds at 487 Highland Ave. in Surrey Center. It's a long way from the 75-man factory he ran in South Africa.
His journey began two years ago when his daughter, then age 14, asked what careers were open to her in South Africa's declining economy. Mr. Van Emmenis said he and his wife decided then to emigrate to another country.
With job offers ...