Conflict-free Diamonds: What To Look For

Recently a reader asked a very important question: How can I make sure that a diamond is conflict free? That got me thinking, and I wanted to share with you the concept and history of conflict diamonds, also called blood diamonds, and what has been done to certify conflict free diamonds.

Conflict diamonds are defined by the United Nations as diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the UN Security Council.

In addition, they must be mined in an environmentally responsible fashion. Profits must not be used to fund wars and they must be mined under ethical conditions.

Conflict free diamonds address more than the UN definition, and are free of all violence and human rights abuses, as well as child labor or environmental destruction. They are individually tracked to ensure that ethical practices are used in mining, cutting and polishing.

Conflict free diamonds are high quality natural diamonds, and they should be examined according to the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color and carat weight, as you would any diamond. The fifth C, certification, should always accompany your diamond purchase.

What is the best way for the buyer to know whether the diamonds they are considering are conflict free?

1. Diamonds that originate in Canada: The origins of Canadian diamonds are verified though an independent body, and a certification guarantees conflict free status.

2. Diamonds from Namibia: Ethical origin diamonds are mined, cut and polished in Namibia. Certification processes are still being developed, but diamonds sold by reputable dealers are carefully traced to ensure responsible environmental and labor practices.

What should you expect from your jewelry retailer? Every diamond retailer should have an official written policy on conflict diamonds, and you should be able to view it easily. If they dont have a written policy, and the staff isnt aware of the company policy or government regulations forbidding the sale of conflict diamonds, find another retailer!

Your retailer should provide uninterrupted tracking and certification of country and mine of origin and certification of cutting and polishing facilities. There should be a written guarantee that all diamonds they sell are truly conflict free, along with certification by an independent agency.

Here are some questions to ask your retailer:

1. What are your conflict diamond policies? There should be a written policy available with clear definitions of conflict free.

2. Where is your policy stated or published? Is it on a web site, or in a printed brochure?

3. How do you define conflict free? The policy should provide Kimberley Process compliance, and avoid furthering violence, child labor or harm to the environment. The origins of the Kimberley Process were dramatized in the 2006 motion picture Blood Diamond, which helped to publicize the abuses in the African diamond trade.

4. Do you provide official certification of conflict free status?

5. Where do your diamonds originate from? Is there information about the conditions where they are mined, cut and polished?

6. Are your diamonds fully tracked and monitored? Is there an independent certification of the origin and transport?

Becoming educated about conflict free diamonds and holding diamond retailers to conflict free standards is the best way for the consumer to fight the blood diamond industry and help ensure that the jewelry industry adheres to international environmental and human rights standards.