The presentation and acceptance of a diamond engagement ring is one of the major highlights in a couple journey through life.   However, take a step back and look at the route that your diamond has taken to reach you.  Are you completely sure that it comes from a legitimate source?

The issue of conflict diamonds came roaring into the public domain in 2006 when the Hollywood blockbuster movie “Blood Diamond” was released, starring Leonardo di Caprio.  Set against the backdrop of civil war in the 1990s, it highlighted the plight of many diamond producing countries and the many people who worked the mines.

Conflict diamonds is the term given to diamonds which are mined in areas of conflict.  The human cost of conflict diamonds is vast, with legitimate stories from certain African nations being extremely distressing, involving the lives of men, women and children alike.  Workers are often subjected to harsh working conditions, and earn pittance.  The rough diamonds are then siezed by the malitia, and the funds generated from the mining of the diamonds are often used to fund wars against legitimate governments or similar activities.  These rough diamonds find their way into the diamond supply chain, are cut, certified and sold to retailers who then sell to the public.  At its height in the 1990s, it was believed that conflict diamonds accounted for anywhere between 5-10% of the world’s diamonds.

In the year 2000, the diamond industry launched its own process of self-regulation, called the Kimberely Process.  This requires that all rough diamonds be sealed and certified at source, so their background can be traced.  Nowadays, it is believed that only 1% of all diamonds are conflict diamonds.  Yes, the Kimberly Process has been successful, but even 1% is 1% too many.

Upon purchasing your diamond engagement ring, any reputable jeweller will be able to demonstrate that your diamond has followed the Kimberly Process.  Ask them to prove it.  If they’ve nothing to hide, then it won’t be a problem. 

It takes a joint effort by everyone involved in the jewellery business including, to a certain extent, those consumers purchasing diamonds, to ensure that we all do our bit to stamp out this disgraceful trade in conflict diamonds.  After all, a diamond is a token of love, and is not something which should be tarnished by a dark history.