Don't Ever Buy Conflict Diamonds!

Whether you are in a place where you are looking to purchase that diamond engagement ring, or you are simply shopping for a piece of diamond jewelry that will suit you, it is extremely important for you to stop and consider the source of those gorgeous gems. Diamonds have been considered amazing gemstones for hundreds of years, but it is only now that the public is getting good information on where they are coming from and what was done to get them. Ensuring that the diamonds that you have purchased were not involved in any sort of human atrocity is more difficult than you may think.

The way African wars have been conducted has changed drastically as a direct result of the trade in conflict diamonds. Through the blood diamond trade rebel or terrorist groups are able to secure the funds that they need to exist and to finance their wars. As a result, hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children have been injured, tortured, mutilated and killed. Conflict diamonds mean misery and suffering for countless ordinary civilians.

Angola is one country that has suffered due to the diamond trade. After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, there were several groups who fought for control of the country, and UNITA, the National Union for the Total Control of Angola, was one of them. This group sold diamonds abroad in order to finance their war on their government. In Cote d'Ivoire, a route has developed in order to take diamonds out of Liberia and the war zone of Sierra Leone. The Republic of Congo, despite having no official diamond mining industry, has faced sanctions due to the export of large numbers of diamonds with no explanation of where they are from.

In order to curb the sale of conflict diamonds in the world's diamond market, countries are looking for effective means to accomplish that objective. So far, the most thorough idea is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. The Kimberley Process is seeking a way to completely irradicate blood diamonds in the market place. In doing so the rebel groups would not receive their much needed funding and countless thousands of innocent people will be spared as a result. The process, the uncut diamonds that come from peaceful zones must go through, determines their country of origin. Due to its effectiveness it is quite understandable why it received approval by the United Nations.

Currently, there are 48 parties that actively participate in the Kimberley Process, with 74 countries represented. These participants include all major countries who have a hand in producing, importing and exporting diamonds. This is certainly an important step when it comes to banning the presence of blood diamonds in the market, but the truth of the matter is that the process still has a long way to go. There is a great deal of debate when it comes to ascertaining how diamonds are sourced and even how to track them.

It is truly essential that when you are faced with the issue of a diamond's origins, that you attempt to find out the truth as to whether it might be a conflict diamond. Although this is oftentimes far more easily said than done, it is still vital that you be persistent about the matter. Some companies will say almost anything to discourage the consumers from pressing the matter, even going so far as to claim that it is impossible for anyone to know where the diamond originated.

But if you are determined not to purchase a blood diamond, there are certain things that you can do that might help. Firstly, ask the jeweler to tell you where the diamonds originated. However, because there are many dishonest people out there you need more than just their word on the matter, and so, secondly, request proof that the diamonds are not conflict diamonds. If the jewelry company you are dealing with cannot provide you with written copies of their policy when it comes to blood diamonds, or statements from their suppliers, then this should definitely be viewed with suspicion on your part.

Make sure that you can purchase your diamond with a clear conscience. It might take some work, but it is certainly possible and extremely important. Always remember: when you buy a blood diamond you may pay with dollars or pounds, but by doing that you make innocent people pay with their blood.

Before you buy a diamond ring make certain it is not a blood diamond. All the diamonds used in our mens wedding bands and diamond tungsten carbide rings collections are conflict-free, 100% guaranteed! Our entire collection of wedding bands is sold at a 25%-50% discount and worldwide shipping is free. You can get a unique content version of this article.