Non Conflict Diamonds are not Conflict Free.
As promising as it might sound, Conflict-Free Diamonds are not free of conflict.
Confused? You are not alone.
The issue of conflictfree diamonds rose from the increasing public awareness, due to investigative journalism, that one of man's (let alone women's...) most coveted object of desire & prestige, an item that embodies at the same time a statement of status and of commitment is, in fact ethically tainted.
War efforts were financed more often by the proceeds of Diamonds Trade
With the bulk of the world's rough supply originating in Africa, where vast deposits of this highly sought mineral--a pure carbon crystal-- are found, it was no wonder that as many Africa countries fell into political disarray so did this supply. It meant falling into the hands of corrupt leaders and ruthless rebels, who gained control of those deposits from each other in various countries at various paces, and who used them to cushion their pockets as well as to finance their respective warfare needs.
Armaments and war efforts that saw vast segments of the population maimed or killed were financed more often than not by the proceeds of illicit trade in diamonds. Hence the expression "blood diamonds" and the movie bearing this title starring Leonardo Di Caprio...
De-Beers, came up with an origin tracking instrument,the Kimberley Process,
Diamonds from military conflict afflicted parts of Africa came to be known also as "Conflict Diamonds". The sorry thing is the conflicting solutions to the tragedy of blood diamonds.
The diamond trade, reluctantly yet in appearances concernedly 'led' by its main and leading force supplier, De-Beers, came up with an origin tracking instrument, a procedure called the Kimberley Process, aimed at assuring a non-illicit origin from a non-conflict country, namely, a country where no armed conflict is financed by the proceeds from the diamond trade.
To ensure a supply that is of guarantied non-conflict diamonds.
The Kimberley process is based on voluntary reliance of each link in the supply chain on the extended assurance of the previous supply level that its diamond supply is in compliance with the "Kimberley Process" and hence, a supply of diamond that is Conflict Free or a supply that is of guarantied non-conflict diamonds.
Various enforcement and verification tools were put into place but the bottom-line remains that inter-link trust plays a major role in implementing the process and actual origin guaranties are not iron clad.
Conflicting views of the process still around.
Countries like Canada are a clear alternatives to blood diamonds.
At the same time countries that are known for their stable and peaceful political system, at least for over a century, such as Canada, that may be also fortunate to be endowed with promising deposits of diamonds became the clear alternatives to blood diamonds.With a tracking system in place as required by the Canadian Diamond Code of Ethics, whereby each diamond is assigned a "DIN"--a Diamond Identification Number that accompanies it from the rough to its finished and retailed stage, and by having it Laser inscribed on the finished diamond's girdle, all trackable through mandatory archiving and dBs by all levels of the supply chain complete with meticulous weight accountability, the tracking appears to be more solid.
Igloo Diamonds sells only true conflict free diamonds.
At Igloo Diamonds, one of the world's pioneering dedicated Canadian Diamond brands, we chose to specialize in those ethical source diamonds and do more than that. They allocate an amount from each sold diamond to remove one of war-torn Africa's ugliest war legacy--the scourge of landmines. Thus, the world's very first pro-actively ethical, non-conflict diamond was born. Igloo Diamonds sells only true conflict free diamonds, assured to originate with environmentally responsible mining practices and in collaboration with the local aborigine population of the Canadian Northern Territories.
In fairness, there have been also conflicting views of the ethical nature of Canadian diamonds. But the truth of the matter is that there extraction has been permitted only following lengthy environmental impact studies, public hearings, environmental damage bond deposits and guaranties to repair any such damage if any. Local aboriginals are employed in most of the operations and their communities benefit handsomely from the recent mining boom in their midst, all subject to progressive and liberal Canadian labour standards.
You can visit Igloo Diamondsat their site at www.diamonds.ca, accessible also from the ever befitting www.diamonds.org.
Classic Prong Settings With Igloo Ethical Diamonds
Igloo Diamonds offers a classic (and classy), Tiffany-style, Contour Solitaire settings (pictured in 950 Platinum ),with Certified CanadianDiamonds.
Igloo Diamonds in the News:
- Guilt-free diamonds: beyond blood to human rights By Matt Kennard
Columbia News Service, February 19, 2008
A Canadian-operated company trading only in native diamonds, Igloo Diamonds was started in 2003 by Gad Zak, and his wife, Maria Da Costa,both from Montreal, Quebec. They donate 40 percent of the mark-up price on every diamond sold to Adopt-a-Minefield, an organization that works to clear landmines left over from conflict in parts of Africa.- Mine Action Projects funded - Mozambique
Canadian Landmine Foundation, November 24th, 2006
The 40,000 square metre mined area was previously a battlefield where landmines were extensively used during the 16-year civil war. Over 2,000 families who live in the immediate area are impacted by the landmine situation. Agricultural authorities intend to develop the land, once cleared, as a high priority district development site.- Responsible Indulgences By Talia Berman
Wiretap, February 14th, 2006
Diamonds are beautiful, and we all know that they are forever. But what do you do when your desire for some ice comes into conflict with the industry's horrendous trade and labor practices? Buying diamonds can be morally hazardous, but luckily for you and me there are some less egregious and even eco-friendly options.
Choose Your Wedding Rings with Ethical Diamonds
It is becoming a tradition now.
Brides and Grooms are looking for non conflict ethical diamonds for the wedding rings. After all, it is a life time investment decision, and it must be an ethical decision.
Brides and Grooms are looking for non conflict ethical diamonds for the wedding rings. After all, it is a life time investment decision, and it must be an ethical decision.
- Ethical Wedding Diamondin in a Black Titanium Tension Ring
Choose Your Ethical Diamond from Igloo Diamonds and have it set in this beautiful Tension Sitting Ring from Absolute Titanium Design.
A fascinatinc Black Titanium Tension Ring pictured in 6.5mm wide band, set with a .65ct diamond (measuring ~5.5mm in diameter); high polish finish.
Please select the gem of your choice for this tension setting from our long list of choices.
Please inquire about our Lab Grown Diamonds
This design is an original & protected Maria da Costa creation. All rights, Trade Dress & Copyrights reserved.
- Canadian Wedding Diamondin in a Titanium Tension Ring - EXCENTRIS INLAY
Choose Your Ethical Diamond from Igloo Diamonds and have it set in this beautiful Tension Sitting Ring from Absolute Titanium Design.
An impressive Titanium Tension Ring pictured in a 4mm wide band set with a .75ct round, brilliant diamond(~5.5mm in diameter); with a platinum inlay and a satin/matte finish.
All other cut shape stones could be set in the tension.
Please select the gem of your choice for this tension setting from our long list of choices.
Please inquire about our Lab Grown Diamonds
Get Your Wedding Rings with Canadian Ethical Diamonds
It is becoming a tradition now.
More and more Brides and Grooms are insisting on choosing Canadian non conflict ethical diamonds for the wedding rings. After all, it is a life time investment decision, and it must be an ethical decision.
More and more Brides and Grooms are insisting on choosing Canadian non conflict ethical diamonds for the wedding rings. After all, it is a life time investment decision, and it must be an ethical decision.
- Canadian Wedding Diamondin in a Titanium Tension Ring - TANGO
Choose Your Ethical Diamond from Igloo Diamonds and have it set in this beautiful Tension Sitting Ring from Absolute Titanium Design.
A great Titanium Tension Ring pictured in 6.5mm wide band, set with a .65ct round brilliant diamond (measuring ~5.5mm in diameter); high polish finish.
Please select the gem of your choice for this tension setting from our long list of choices.
Please inquire about our Lab Grown Diamonds
This design is an original & protected Maria da Costa creation. All rights, Trade Dress & Copyrights reserved.
- Canadian Wedding Diamondin in a Black Zirconium Tension Ring - BLACK AMPHORA
Choose Your Ethical Diamond from Igloo Diamonds and have it set in this beautiful Tension Sitting Ring from Absolute Titanium Design.
An impressive Black Zirconium Tension Ring pictured in a 4.5mm wide band, set with a 1.00ct diamond (measuring ~6.5mm in diameter); All other cut shape stones could be set in this tension Ring.
Please select the gem of your choice for this tension setting from our long list of choices.
Please inquire about our Lab Grown Diamonds
This design is an original & protected Maria da Costa creation. All rights, Trade Dress & Copyrights reserved.
New Flickr Photos
MAYANK SHADI (53)
MAYANK SHADI (48)
MAYANK SHADI (54)
MAYANK SHADI (51)
MAYANK SHADI (47)
MAYANK SHADI (49)
MAYANK SHADI (43)
MAYANK SHADI (50)
MAYANK SHADI (45)
MAYANK SHADI (46)
MAYANK SHADI (52)
MAYANK SHADI (44)
MAYANK SHADI (42)
MAYANK SHADI (40)
MAYANK SHADI (37)
MAYANK SHADI (38)
MAYANK SHADI (39)
MAYANK SHADI (41)
MAYANK SHADI (36)
MAYANK SHADI (35)
MAYANK SHADI (34)
MAYANK SHADI (33)
MAYANK SHADI (27)
MAYANK SHADI (32)
MAYANK SHADI (30)
automatically generated by Flickr
I like to hear from you, What do you think?
Your openion is very important to us
submit
-
Reply
- Z Z Sep 2, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
- Hey I have a question for you. I love the tension set rings; I think they're beautiful! I was wondering if anyone has ever made a tension set bracelet, but I don't know how to receive your reply without leaving my e-mail address.
New Del.icio.us bookmarks
Blog Posts from Google
Wedding Resources:
Bridal Bargains, 9th Edition: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/28/2009) 
The Wedding
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories
Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 12/28/2009)
Four Weddings and a Funeral: The Screenplay for the Smash Hit Comedy
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Calendars, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/28/2009)
More Wedding Resources:
Martha Stewart Weddings
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 12/28/2009)
Brides (1-year)
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/28/2009)
Weddings Unveiled
Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 12/28/2009)
Wedding Cakes
Amazon Price: $59.73 (as of 12/28/2009)
Modern Wedding Flowers
Amazon Price: $40.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
New RSS:
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMore RSS
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMore RSS
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byListed on Squidoo Directory !!!!!
by Maria_da_Costa
Maria da Costa's background and formation almost spell the word "design". A trained, certified and experienced interior designer and a graduate of Bel... (more)
Explore related pages
About Black Titanium Wedding Bands, Black Titanium Solitaires & Black Titanium Engagement Rings- In the domains of fashion and jewelry black has always been considered the color...
Should I at all buy Canadian diamonds (known also as Canadian Origin Diamonds or Canadian mined Diamonds)?- Yes, I venture, one should buy Canadian Diamonds, Canadian mined diamonds, or Ca...
What do Canadian Diamond Mines have in common with Land Mines?- Now-- a lot. All due to Igloo Diamonds And in a good way too! This self-defined...
Choosing the ring metal for your jewelry.- Choosing a jewelry metal that will last a lifetime can be quite difficult. There...
Canadian Diamonds: Fair Trade diamonds or Conflict Free diamonds?- Are Fair Trade products fair? Are conflict free diamonds actually conflict-free?...
- What do Canadian Diamond Mines have in common with Land Mines?
- Now-- a lot. All due to Igloo Diamonds And in a good way too! This self-defined...
