Blood Diamonds is not just another Leonardo De Caprio flick. It is a major issue in the diamond trade. Blood diamonds are synonymous with conflict diamonds. The term is designed to dramatically emphasize that behind the glamorous image of diamonds lies a web of corruption, influence peddling and brutality in some parts of the diamond-producing world.
According to United Nations General Assembly, Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council.
When the issue of blood diamonds surfaced in 1998, diamond consumers began clamoring for assurances that the diamonds they desired or purchased, even from Jewelers like Karats Jewelers, were not being used to finance conflicts. In answer to this the diamond industry took steps to address the conflict diamond issue by convening a meeting to plan a process by which diamond origin could be certified. In May 2000, diamond producing countries of southern Africa met in Kimberley, South Africa to plan a method by which the trade in conflict diamonds could be halted, and buyers of diamonds could be assured that their diamonds have not contributed to violence.
Because of this step, diamond consumers can buy diamonds from Jewelers like Karats Jewelers that are conflict free. But somehow blood diamonds still makes it way to the market. Here are some tips to avoid purchasing blood diamonds:
Purchase your diamonds only from Jewelry stores that are legal and recognized by the government like Karats Jewelers. Also, when buying diamonds ask for the Certificate of Origin of the diamond you wish to purchase. Legitimate diamond dealers like Karats Jewelers should be able to provide this for you but if not then the diamonds they are selling are most probably conflict diamonds. Another practice to avoid blood diamonds is purchasing antique, vintage or just plain 'used' diamonds. Recycling stands on it's own as both a social and environmental good. This is just a side benefit. If you have evidence that the stone was first purchased prior to 1990, you have good evidence that it was not involved in any of the subsequent conflicts of the blood diamond trade. Another option to avoid blood diamonds is by buying synthetic diamonds. Several labs have announced that they are or will soon be producing jewelry grade diamonds that are purely manmade. By eliminating the mine, they have eliminated the opportunity to exploit the miners.
The jewelers like Karats Jewelers should also play an active role to ensure that what they sell are not products of conflict. The most important promise that any diamond company can make is the promise that their diamonds are conflict-free and child labor free. Consumers are now well aware of the horrifying nature of the conflict diamond industry and they need reassurance that no blood had been spilled in the manufacturing of their precious gem. It is best that we keep vigilant regarding this issue, who knows maybe almost all diamonds in the market are blood diamonds, so beware.