Conflict Diamonds

Conflict diamonds - or “blood diamonds” - is the term given to diamonds which have been mined in conflict zones, such as Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Typically, also, the funds generated from the mining of diamonds in these areas have been used to fund illegal activities against legitimate governments and authorities, resulting in a massive level of human suffering.

The “Kimberly Process”, founded in 2003, is the diamond industry’s attempt to eradicate the world supply chain from such diamonds which are smuggled into the market. Reports state than anywhere from 1% - 5% of diamonds in the supply chain are conflict diamonds.

In December 2006, a Hollywood blockbuster movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio called “Blood Diamond” was released by Warner Brothers, bringing this important issue to public awareness.

When buying diamonds, always make sure it is a “conflict-free” diamond - after all, a diamond is given as a token of love…..which should not, and must not, be tarished by a dark history.

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