| So you're a diamond lover. You've got countless | | | | there are still some precautionary measures which |
| pieces of jewelry studded with diamonds. You are | | | | are in place and which you can take in order to |
| one of those people who just can't resist the | | | | avoid purchasing a blood diamond. For one, the |
| glitter and brilliance that goes with a diamond. | | | | international community has established a system |
| Then you learn about the existence blood | | | | wherein a "Certificate of Origin" is required. There |
| diamonds. Your world is suddenly turned upside | | | | are known areas from where blood diamonds |
| down. | | | | originate. With these certificates, you can have a |
| That may be a satiric narrative but the subject is | | | | way of knowing the origin of the diamond. Of |
| dead serious. Blood diamonds are used to fund | | | | course, certificates can and have been forged. |
| wars and other brutal activities in certain parts of | | | | Stricter measures and even stricter |
| the world. Diamonds sold in this illicit trade | | | | implementation is needed in order for this system |
| promote violence and kill people; you want to | | | | to work efficiently. |
| make sure that your own non conflict diamonds. . | | | | In addition to this system, some countries have |
| Many sectors emphasize the difference between | | | | set up their own measures in order to ensure |
| "clean" diamonds, often called non conflict | | | | that blood diamonds are not released in their |
| diamonds and blood diamonds". Even the UN | | | | markets. Amnesty International suggests asking |
| General Assembly was quick to point out that | | | | four questions when you are out shopping for |
| diamonds mined and sold legally help the economy | | | | diamonds. First, ask the salespeople how you can |
| and promote prosperity in certain parts of Africa. | | | | be sure that what they are selling are non conflict |
| In a resolution made in December 2000, they | | | | diamonds. Second, ask them if they know where |
| were also emphatic in stating that the sale of | | | | their diamonds come from. Third, ask for the |
| blood diamondsonly brings about pain and | | | | company policy on purchasing diamonds. Fourth, |
| suffering. That is why restrictions and standards | | | | ask if they can show you a written guarantee |
| have been put in place to differentiate non conflict | | | | from their suppliers. Chances are that if they are |
| diamonds from the blood diamonds. | | | | unwilling to help you out with your questions, they |
| Non Conflict Diamond Identification Tips | | | | might have something to hide. They might be |
| The practical question would then be: How do I | | | | unable to answer you simply because they |
| know if a diamond is a blood diamond or a non | | | | themselves do not have assurances as to the |
| conflict diamond? For all intents and purposes, the | | | | nature of their goods. In such instances, Amnesty |
| answer would really be: "There is no absolute way | | | | suggests that you go some place else. |
| you can tell, especially if the diamond has already | | | | These questions can help assure that you |
| been polished." Tough? Yes. | | | | purchase only non conflict diamonds. However, |
| This is especially difficult if you want to know | | | | unless everyone cooperates and there is |
| whether or not the diamond you already own is | | | | international transparency, there are still chances |
| "tainted" or if it's a non conflict diamond. However, | | | | that some blood diamonds may get through. |