When you purchase a diamond what do you look for? Price? Quality? Uniqueness? The next time you purchase a diamond you might want to give some thought to conflict diamonds.
Conflict diamonds are diamonds which get traded illegally in order to raise money to support conflicts. In Africa, some of the poorest countries often have conflicts where rebels cease control of all of the natural resources. This will often include the diamonds the country produces.
Although conflict diamonds have gotten a lot of bad press, estimates are that only 1% of all diamonds are conflict diamonds. In addition, De Beers participates in what is called the Kimberley Process. Rough diamonds that need to cross an international border are placed in specialized containers and are given a conflict free certificate which is contains a unique serial number.
In addition, De Beers has agreed to show evidence to each purchaser up the chain that the diamonds are conflict free. This occurs all the way from the beginning of the Kimberley process to the final sale to the consumer.
Because of these safeguards, customers who purchase from De Beers can focus on finding the perfect diamond jewelry for their needs without having to be concerned that they are unknowingly supporting conflicts in diamond producing countries
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