Dana H asked:

So you’re a diamond lover. You’ve got countless pieces of jewelry studded with diamonds. You are one of those people who just can’t resist the glitter and brilliance that goes with a diamond. Then you learn about the existence blood diamonds. Your world is suddenly turned upside down.

That may be a satiric narrative but the subject is dead serious. Blood diamonds are used to fund wars and other brutal activities in certain parts of the world. Diamonds sold in this illicit trade promote violence and kill people; you want to make sure that your own non conflict diamonds. .

Many sectors emphasize the difference between “clean” diamonds, often called non conflict diamonds and blood diamonds”. Even the UN General Assembly was quick to point out that diamonds mined and sold legally help the economy and promote prosperity in certain parts of Africa. In a resolution made in December 2000, they were also emphatic in stating that the sale of blood diamondsonly brings about pain and suffering. That is why restrictions and standards have been put in place to differentiate non conflict diamonds from the blood diamonds.

Non Conflict Diamond Identification Tips

The practical question would then be: How do I know if a diamond is a blood diamond or a non conflict diamond? For all intents and purposes, the answer would really be: “There is no absolute way you can tell, especially if the diamond has already been polished.” Tough? Yes.

This is especially difficult if you want to know whether or not the diamond you already own is “tainted” or if it’s a non conflict diamond. However, there are still some precautionary measures which are in place and which you can take in order to avoid purchasing a blood diamond. For one, the international community has established a system wherein a “Certificate of Origin” is required. There are known areas from where blood diamonds originate. With these certificates, you can have a way of knowing the origin of the diamond. Of course, certificates can and have been forged. Stricter measures and even stricter implementation is needed in order for this system to work efficiently.

In addition to this system, some countries have set up their own measures in order to ensure that blood diamonds are not released in their markets. Amnesty International suggests asking four questions when you are out shopping for diamonds. First, ask the salespeople how you can be sure that what they are selling are non conflict diamonds. Second, ask them if they know where their diamonds come from. Third, ask for the company policy on purchasing diamonds. Fourth, ask if they can show you a written guarantee from their suppliers. Chances are that if they are unwilling to help you out with your questions, they might have something to hide. They might be unable to answer you simply because they themselves do not have assurances as to the nature of their goods. In such instances, Amnesty suggests that you go some place else.

These questions can help assure that you purchase only non conflict diamonds. However, unless everyone cooperates and there is international transparency, there are still chances that some blood diamonds may get through.

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