For many diamond consumers, the idea of conflict free diamonds may not have yet taken hold in their consciousness. As they learn more about how their diamond purchases may be tied to various wars and terrorist actions throughout the world, however, their desire to avoid any connection to that violence should cause them to rethink the types of diamond products that they buy.
This revelation has taken place in light of the growing awareness of how diamond sales can fund violent activities in various regions of the globe. The connection between this trade and the innumerable deaths became so obvious that people began to refer to any gem that generates money for militants as a blood diamond.
One tie that has been especially troubling for many consumers is the link between certain aspects of the diamond trade and organized terrorism. Imagine how surprised many consumers were to learn that their favorite diamond pieces may have generated revenue for terrorists and resulted in hundreds or thousands of innocent deaths.
In search of a clean diamond
Thanks to a certification measure known as the Kimberley Process, efforts have been made in recent years to better track the origins of every diamond. This has been in direct response to the international community's recognition of the way in which the illicit diamond trade has funded mayhem and murder.
Despite those efforts, however, many retailers and others have still not come into full compliance with certification demands. For consumers, the only concrete way to ensure a diamond's pure nature is to insist on seeing the documents that certify its origins.
The sad thing for many people is how these timeless symbols of adoration have been knowingly used for nefarious purposes. To fight back against the terror and death that blood diamond trade perpetuates, the consumer's best option is to steadfastly refuse to purchase anything other than non conflict diamonds.
This revelation has taken place in light of the growing awareness of how diamond sales can fund violent activities in various regions of the globe. The connection between this trade and the innumerable deaths became so obvious that people began to refer to any gem that generates money for militants as a blood diamond.
One tie that has been especially troubling for many consumers is the link between certain aspects of the diamond trade and organized terrorism. Imagine how surprised many consumers were to learn that their favorite diamond pieces may have generated revenue for terrorists and resulted in hundreds or thousands of innocent deaths.
In search of a clean diamond
Thanks to a certification measure known as the Kimberley Process, efforts have been made in recent years to better track the origins of every diamond. This has been in direct response to the international community's recognition of the way in which the illicit diamond trade has funded mayhem and murder.
Despite those efforts, however, many retailers and others have still not come into full compliance with certification demands. For consumers, the only concrete way to ensure a diamond's pure nature is to insist on seeing the documents that certify its origins.
The sad thing for many people is how these timeless symbols of adoration have been knowingly used for nefarious purposes. To fight back against the terror and death that blood diamond trade perpetuates, the consumer's best option is to steadfastly refuse to purchase anything other than non conflict diamonds.
About the Author:
Tyler Senecca is an author and diamond trade authority focusing in conflict and blood diamonds. He works with organizations to develop fine diamond alternatives such as lab diamonds, moissanite, cubic zirconia and other synthetic diamonds. Before purchasing an engagement ring, check out his informative website for insider tips and tricks of the trade.