Your Guide to Buying Ethically Sourced Diamonds and Rings
Finding out that a beautiful diamond ring is literally soaked in the blood of children can be quite the turnoff for couples in love.
Diamonds can be surrounded by an unhealthy amount of conflict, human-rights abuses, and unfair labor practices. This makes trying to buy ethically sourced diamonds a nightmare of epic proportions.
However, learning more about the process helps with identifying what makes diamonds conflict-free. Keep on reading for a quick guide on what is exactly is a conflict diamond, and how to get ethically sourced diamonds instead.
What Are Conflict-Free Diamonds?
The terminology “conflict diamonds,” also interchanged with “blood diamonds” was coined in the late 1990s. It was put in place in reference to rebel groups in central and western Africa, who were taking over mining areas there.
Once a takeover is complete by deadly force (and systemic rape in some cases), they would trade diamonds for weapons and money.
Unfortunately, these diamonds made their ways to jewelry stores on a global scale without consumers knowing. They became known as “blood” or “conflict” diamonds once things came to light with the arrest of Michel Desaedeleer.
The Kimberly Process Certification System
Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification System was created to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the diamonds supply chain. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a flawless system.
While you can be somewhat confident that diamonds sold through legal sources are not funding civil wars with rebels at the helm, the certification process doesn’t cover diamonds that are sourced via child labor, violence, and environmental ruin.
How to Get Ethically Sourced Diamonds
This brings us to the million-dollar question. How can you get ethically sourced diamonds as a regular consumer who isn’t an industry insider?
1. Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds
Some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world are man-made. Lab-grown diamonds (otherwise known as man-made diamonds or lab-created diamonds) are way more ethical and affordable than other earth-mined diamonds.
By crystallizing carbon into diamonds (which mimics the earth’s natural process), you get diamonds that are identical to earth-mined diamonds. Therefore, buying lab created engagement rings would grant you peace of mind, as well as leave you with a fuller wallet.
2. Check Diamond’s Origin With Your Jeweler
If you still want to go the earth-mined route, then asking your jeweler about the source of your diamonds is the first step to getting ethically sourced diamonds.
Your jeweler should know every step taken by your diamond from its mine to their store counter. If they don’t, then they’re not a responsible jeweler and you should move on.
3. Select the Right Country
There are specific countries that you should avoid their diamonds and others that keep strict regulations in place.
You should avoid diamonds from Zimbabwe and Angola. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented human rights abuses in (and around) their mines.
On the other hand, Namibia and Botswana are good to go. Both countries work with small-scale miners in addition to the large-scale mining industry. This ensures that income from diamond mining is creating jobs. In addition, it follows strict labor regulations and environmental standards.
Ready to Learn More?
There is little that can compete with a diamond ring’s shine and sparkle. Yet, it’s crucial that you make sure that people (and the environment) haven’t paid dearly for it with blood and illegal labor.
Now you know how to get ethically sourced diamonds. Furthermore, now you have a better understanding of what conflict diamonds are, so you’re in a much better place to start your diamond shopping.
Moreover, make sure to check in with our lifestyle section to learn more.
Reem Kandil wrote this article on behalf of FreeeUp. This is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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