How To Avoid Buying Blood Diamonds
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Diamonds, Diamonds Diamonds...
On one hand, Diamonds can evoke thoughts of love, beauty, eternity, togetherness and marital
unity. Their brilliance can ignite passions and remind us of the love we share for another. Their sparkle is
just the perfect reminder of the love we share that never ends. We could go on and on about our beloved
diamonds.
But on the other hand, there is a dark side to the diamond trade that has reared its ugly head
and we must confront it. What am I talking about? I’m talking about Blood Diamonds. They have become the bane to
an otherwise bright industry.
Q: What are Blood Diamonds?
A: We provide a full explanation and
definition of blood diamonds on the session entitled: Blood Diamonds - Get The Facts. You should read it to be
crystal clear on what we’re dealing with. Blood diamonds are diamonds that have been illegally seized or mined
through forced labor for the purposes of funding terrorist activities, civil wars, drug smuggling and money
laundering operations by militia, anti-government and other criminally minded elements.
Q: What is The Percentage of Blood Diamonds to The World’s Diamond Supply?
A: No one can give approximate or exact figures because we would be talking about
monitoring every diamond mine in the entire world 100% of the time. And that simply is not possible!
The diamond industry, (in a self monitoring process) states that it was previously four
percent and since the Kimberly Process was put in place, they state that blood diamonds represent only one
percent of the diamond market. Consumer advocates tend to disagree with those conservative figures; they state
that blood diamonds make up as much ten to fifteen percent of the world diamond supply.
Q: What is Being Done To Stop the Blood Diamond Trade?
A: Since blood diamonds are a worldwide issue, an international solution had to be
found. At the behest of consumer advocates, countries involved in the diamond industry, joined together in an
effort to address this crisis and came up with the Kimberly Process.
Q: What is the Kimberly Process?
A: The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme is an international certification scheme
that regulates the trade in rough diamonds. Its aim is to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, while helping
to protect the legitimate trade in rough diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme outlines the
provisions by which the trade in rough diamonds is to occur. The KPCS has developed a set of minimum
requirements that each Participant must implement.
Q: What Are Kimberley Process Goals?
A: The goals of the Kimberley Process are to document and track all rough diamonds
entering a participating country. The shippers agree to place stones in tamper-proof shipping crates and provide
enough detailed information about their origins to prove they did not originate in a conflict zone and therefore
are not blood diamonds.
Q: What Aren’t All Diamond Mines and Traders Involved In The Kimberley Process?
A: Mainly because the goals of the KPCS will take time to achieve. Many countries
haven't even committed to the program yet for various reasons. Remember, this is a self-regulating program that
that involves the cooperation of dozens of governments and non-governmental agencies on different sides of the
world who speak different languages.
Q: What Can I Do to Help Stop The Blood Diamond Trade?
A: First and foremost, make sure that you are not buying any blood diamonds. Next, you
can help by creating awareness by word of mouth. One simple yet powerful step is to e-mail this page to all of
your friends.
Q: How Can I Know If a Jeweler Is Selling Blood Diamonds?
A:
Simple, ask the jewelers, wholesalers and diamond traders for their guarantee. Read the Buyers' Guide prepared by
Amnesty International and Global Witness for more details and make sure that you get a diamond
certificate.
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