A lot has been done to address the issue of blood diamonds and conflict diamonds since then, but unfortunately, we still have a ways to go. ... While strides have been made to clean up the mined diamond industry, numerous examples exist where greed is still causing the exploitation of men, women and children.
How common are blood diamonds?
The World Diamond Council reported that by 2004 this percentage had fallen to approximately 1% and up to today the World Diamond Council refers to this illegal trade to be virtually eliminated, meaning that more than 99% of diamonds being sold have a legal background.
Are Blood Diamonds bad?
The tragic result is bloodshed, loss of life , and shocking human rights abuses – from rape to the use of child soldiers. Diamonds that fuel civil wars are often called “blood” or “conflict” diamonds. Although many diamond-fueled wars have now ended, conflict diamonds remain a serious problem.
Why is it bad to buy blood diamonds?
Before purchasing a diamond, it’s imperative that you ensure it’s conflict-free. Diamonds that are not conflict-free are known as blood diamonds, which means they are illegally sold in order to finance devastating wars and terrorism .
What do blood diamonds mean?
Blood diamond, also called conflict diamond , as defined by the United Nations (UN), any diamond that is mined in areas controlled by forces opposed to the legitimate, internationally recognized government of a country and that is sold to fund military action against that government.
How do I make sure I don’t buy a Blood Diamond?
Many diamonds are mined in areas with deplorable working conditions and violence. You can avoid these “conflict diamonds” by looking for a stone with a Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) certification .
Are old diamonds blood diamonds?
Conflict diamonds or “blood diamonds” are illegally traded stones that were mined sometime in the last 50 years . ... The only way to guarantee that a diamond is conflict free is to reuse vintage and antique diamonds that were mined prior to 1970...which is exactly what we do!
Is Blood Diamond a true story?
The diamond industry is abuzz over the new film Blood Diamond, a fictional account of rebel militias in Sierra Leone fueling a bloody civil war through the sale of the precious gems. ... FOREIGN POLICY: Blood Diamond stars Leonardo DiCaprio as an African mercenary on the hunt for a massive pink diamond.
Are all diamonds from Africa?
Countries in Africa producing the most diamonds are Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and South Africa . ... Canada – It wasn’t until 1991 that Canada began to successfully mine for diamonds commercially.
Why are real diamonds bad?
Diesel fuels, electricity, and hydrocarbons used in diamond mining all release harmful carbons into the air . These chemicals cause smog, climate change, and other environmental hazards yet to be discovered.
Are all natural diamonds blood diamonds?
All diamonds are blood diamonds . All diamonds are conflict diamonds. ... African people on their own land, laboring in the mines under slave-like conditions for pennies a day have no control over the diamond trade whatsoever and see no benefits from its profits.
How much is a diamond worth in Blood Diamond?
Diamond experts say the gem could be the 10th-largest ever discovered and initially pegged its value at $50 million .
Why are blood diamonds so valuable?
Blood Diamonds, also known as “Conflict Diamonds,” are stones that are produced in areas controlled by rebel forces that are opposed to internationally recognized governments. The rebels sell these diamonds, and the money is used to purchase arms or to fund their military actions .
How do I know if a diamond is conflict free?
Each diamond receives a Kimberley Process certificate —verifying that the diamond is conflict-free. With the widespread adoption of The Kimberley Process, the number of conflict diamonds
Where are diamonds found?
The following countries produce industrial grade diamonds: Australia, Botswana, Brazil, China, Congo, Russia and South Africa . Geologically speaking, natural diamonds are found in two environments. Most are found in kimberlites, which are pipe-like formations created as a result of volcanic and tectonic activity.
Does Tiffany use blood diamonds?
Yes , we have taken rigorous steps to assure that conflict diamonds do not enter our inventory. As global leaders in sustainable luxury, Tiffany & Co. is committed to sourcing natural and precious materials in an ethical and sustainable manner.
