Blood Diamonds and Conflict. What does that mean?

By Nicole Wilkinson

By Nicole Wilkinson
The term "blood diamond' refers to money gained from the mining of diamonds that is used to purchase guns and support war. Blood diamonds, often called conflict diamonds, are mined in war torn African countries by rebels to fund their conflict. The rebels grossly abuse human rights, often murdering and enslaving the local populations to mine the diamonds.

Since the production of the movie, "Blood Diamond" starring Leonardo DeCaprio, the awareness of diamonds mined in conflict has increased. There are many ways to insure your diamond is 'conflict free'.

1. Conflict diamonds come with guarantees. Since 2004, any diamond that is conflict free and doesn't aide war is documented and should come with a certificate or a guarantee from your jeweler.

2. Research when purchasing a loose diamond. "A diamond is a girl's best friend", and you want to make sure your purchase was a purposeful one. Canadian diamonds are almost ALL conflict free. If purchasing over the web, go with a reputable Canadian company that has been in business for many years, or work with a local jeweler, not a national chain. They are more likely to be able to trace the source of all of the stones in a piece of jewelry or loose stones purchased.

3. ASK! This is your $$. This is your big purchase. Make sure you make the right choice. If a jeweler cannot guarantee the stone is conflict free, that is ok. They are being honest and want to help you with your purchase. They WILL know the right places where they can find your perfect stone.

Feel free to stop in to Spectrum Art & Jewelry where we can order your conflict free stones today!