It’s time to be Fancy AND Responsible!
Today’s Fancy Feature: Conflict-Free Diamonds
In 2000, the Kimberley Process was introduced as an effort to rid the world of “blood diamonds,” which comprised 4-15% of the diamond trade. As awareness has grown and more countries participate in this voluntary program, 99% of all diamonds in circulation are now considered conflict-free. While this is a great improvement, the idea that anyone is still suffering so we can wear pretty sparkly rocks is intolerable.
There is a simple solution to the problem. Shop wisely. Make sure that you use a reputable retailer that can provide you with the history of the diamond and the Kimberly Process “System of Warranties” certificate. Retailers such as Brilliant Earth and Tiffany & Co. use suppliers with both environmentally sound and conflict-free mining practices.
Here are some great sources for your fabulous and fabulously responsible diamonds.
Canadian Diamonds:
Not only ar
e Canadian diamonds incredibly beautiful, they are mined in strict accordance with environmental regulations and provide training and employment opportunities for local indigenous tribal groups. I personally own a stunning Canadian diamond necklace that sparkles like crazy. While Canadian diamonds are often thought to be the only guaranteed source of conflict-free diamonds, there are several others to be considered.
Australian Diamonds:
Argyle diamo
nds from Western Australia are my personal favorite. Argyle mines is the leading supplier of rare naturally colored diamonds in colors from champagne to, my favorite, pink. Argyle is committed to helping the surrounding community by providing training, employment and business development programs for the Indigenous people. Their goal is to create a sustainable local economy that is not dependent on the mining operations.
African Diamonds:
It would be e
asy to simply not purchase diamonds from African countries, however, that can create more harm than good. Most African countries have strong, ethical diamond practices upon which their economies depend. The diamond industry in these countries positively contributes to the economy (can be up to 33% of the GDP), helps tackle health issues (particularly counseling, testing, education, treatment, clinics and hospices for the HIV pandemic), provides extended education for the children and gives employment to over 38,000 people in South Africa alone.
Currently, the only country that is known to be dealing in “blood diamonds” is the Ivory Coast and steps are being taken to try and contain this. Our diligence can only help matters.
Diamonds mined in Russia, Brazil and India also use good ethical practices and are a good source for your glitter.
To learn more about conflict-free diamonds please visit www.diamondfacts.org.
Images:
www.keirfinejewellery.com/www.charmdiamondcentres.com/
http://indiaafricaconnect.in/catindex.php?category=Africa%20in%20India&cid=118
www.theage.com.au/.../
Love this post! This is such an important issue, and I'm so glad you wrote a post about it!
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