Consider More Than Kimberley Process when Buying a Conflict-Free Diamond

Diamonds are not only beautiful and elegant, but they also hold a multitude of memories packed into one small stone. That is why so many people were left devastated when the disturbing stories of blood diamonds leaked out into the public. These stunning diamonds that brought so many good memories to life now had people wondering at what cost their precious gems were brought over the borders and into the U.S.

Although the countless stories were horrifying, the bloodshed that surrounded these blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, made the public more aware about what they were supporting when buying diamonds. Knowledge is power as they say, and because of awareness, the Kimberley Process was put into effect in 2003, making blood diamonds illegal.

However, consumers must be aware that when purchasing a diamond, relying solely on the Kimberley Process is not enough. The Kimberley Process only addresses certain issues that affect blood diamonds and does not take into consideration other types of human rights, such as the exploitation of workers and children. So while the Kimberley Process has improved some of the conflict that surrounds blood diamonds, many adults and children are still subject to abuse and hazardous conditions while working in the cutting and polishing centers.

So what can you do to ensure that the diamond you have is truly conflict-free, meaning that it's free from violence, practices fair labor laws and is environmentally friendly? First, make sure that your diamond has a tracking number. Conflict free diamonds have their own tracking numbers, which are used to identify their routes from the time they are mined, till the time they are sold. They will also come with a certification that guarantees that they are conflict free. Any diamonds that do not have a tracking number of have a gap in their timeline should serve as a red flag.

Also look for diamonds that come from Canada, where many of the conflict free diamonds originate from. Diamonds from Canada are tracked from the time they are mined and practice fair labor laws and follow environmental standards. Talk to your diamond retailer and ask questions as well - those who sell conflict free diamonds will be aware of their policies and happy to answer questions.

Retailers should provide you with a written guarantee when purchasing your diamond, as well as have their policies of selling conflict free diamonds posted publicly. Do not take a retailers word for it; many will try to convince customers that there's no real way to tell if a diamond is conflict free, but this is certainly not true.