Responsible Shopping in the Age of Blood Diamonds

The sparkle, shine, bling, twinkle and brilliance of diamonds have been the calling cards of the world’s aristocrats, powerful and elite for over a century. From Lil’ Wayne to the Queen of England, the diamond is one of the most loaded symbols in our culture. And more than just a universally recognizable sign of style, elegance and wealth, the diamond adorns the ring that rests at the center of our marriage rituals.

Everywhere you look, from flashy LA boutiques to modest New England chapel weddings, the brilliant diamond radiates its unmistakable glow across the globe. But, behind the glamour and glitz of a prominently displayed piece of ice, there is often a tragic history of human suffering, loss, and cruelty. Organized crime, corrupt regimes, and international terrorist organizations have their hands deep in the pocket of the diamond industry. That is why it is important as consumers to be wary of the origin and human implications of our diamond purchases. It is very easy for a careless future groom to unwittingly purchase a diamond that’s proceeds help fund genocide, slavery, war or terrorism.

What is a blood diamond?

A blood diamond, also known as a conflict or war diamond, is a diamond mined in a war zone that is later sold to bolster the coffers of warlords, military factions or other extralegal groups. In addition to supporting the activities of criminal groups, blood diamonds are almost universally mined under deplorable working conditions.

Through the 90s up to the present, large quantities of blood diamonds are being sold out of Angola, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries. In 2000, for example, the UN applied sanctions to Liberia because its president, the notorious Charles Taylor, was training and arming insurgency troops in Sierra Leone in exchange for diamonds. Earlier, in 1998, al-Qaeda is purported to have smuggled diamonds from Liberia around the time of the United States embassy bombings.

It is a tragedy that diamonds such as those that flowed from Liberia at the dawn of the century are now resting on the left ring fingers of brides the world over. Most of whom are blissfully unaware of the human suffering that accompanied their beautiful diamonds from African mines to Western showrooms.

How can I ensure that I don’t buy a blood diamond?

Fortunately, as public awareness of conflict diamonds has spread, the UN, United States, Canada and Europe have all made significant commitments to reducing trade in blood diamonds. Thanks to UN sanctions and executive orders from Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, diamond importation is highly regulated in the United States and trade in known blood diamonds has virtually ceased.

As individual citizens, some of the most effective measures available include verifying the origin of a diamond via the Kimberly Process documentation procedure. More information on Kimberly Process documentation is available at kimberleyprocess.com. Additionally, shopping with trusted retailers with transparent diamond acquisition practices helps guarantee a conflict free diamond.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect engagement ring or a memorable anniversary pendant, insist on conflict free diamonds. All ten of our top online jewelry retailers engage in fair and open diamond trade practices.

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