Diamonds are supposed to represent memories, emotions, and promises, but regrettably, many of them were mined in dangerous or conflict-ridden environments. It can be tough to determine whether or not your diamond is mined ethically and conflict-free.
In this article, we will take a look at how to buy an ethical diamond and become a more conscientious diamond buyer.
What Are Blood Diamonds?
Aside from the hazardous working environment, the diamond industry has been used to support civil conflicts and unlawful administrations in numerous African countries. In the early 1990s, the United Nations coined the term “blood diamonds,” which was popularized and brought to people’s attention in the 2006 Leonardo DiCaprio starring film “Blood Diamond.”
Diamonds mined in a war zone, usually by exploited or enslaved laborers, and sold to finance insurgent organizations and warlords are referred to as “blood diamonds.” The funds are then used to obtain firearms and infrastructure, permitting them to hurt innocent populations in their own countries. Even more senseless bloodshed occurs when rebel factions fight amongst themselves for control of diamond fields.
These blood diamonds are often referred to as “conflict diamonds” because of the violence and cruelty involved in the mining process. On the other hand, “conflict-free diamonds” are diamonds that are mined responsibly by private companies.
Buy Diamonds That Have Undergone Kimberly Process
Kimberly process was developed by several countries of the United Nations in response to stopping blood diamonds. The countries that have agreed to the Kimberly process should certify their diamonds as legitimate or conflict-free before sending them to the diamond market. It is said that the Kimberly process has certified 99.8 % of diamonds in the market conflict-free.
Do Proper Research
For ensuring that your engagement ring is made of conflict-free diamond, you need to talk with your jeweler first. They can answer you about the source of the diamond and make sure that the diamond has undergone the Kimberly process. Also, there are other ways to ensure that you are not buying a blood diamond. Canadian diamonds are certified conflict-free mainly because Canada has strict labor laws. Also, diamonds made in a lab are conflict-free and ethical since no miner is exploited during its making.
Buy A Lab-Grown Diamond
Many jewelers consider lab-grown diamonds as the best way to ensure that you are buying a conflict-free diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are made in a laboratory setting with the help of cutting-edge technology that mimics the conditions under the earth’s crust that helps in the making of natural diamonds. Even though they are made in a lab, the optical, chemical and physical properties of lab-grown diamonds are similar to natural diamonds.