Background

Within the last decade conflict diamonds were brought to the national spotlight. Since then the Kimberley Process Scheme was developed to address the issue on a global scale. While the system maybe well intended, loop holes exist and enforcement and regulation are lacking. Unfortunately conflict diamonds are still traded by warring rebels and make their way into the "conflict-free" diamond market.

Current Situation Overview

Consumers:
Consumers are at a clear disadvantage with the lack of transparency in pricing, which the diamond jewelry industry voraciously protects. Positioning that diamonds are too unique to be priced like a commodity, the diamond industry is even bold enough to insist the value of "unending love," does not have a price. Continuing to expand the power of a marketing strategy that has blinded consumers into believing that diamonds are priceless--that consumers must continue to buy them at whatever cost, but never, no never, sell them, leaves consumers with stones worth a fraction of what they pay for them. This only adds value to the diamond supply chain, which happily remains "the one source for a new diamond that will symbolize the commitment of your one true love."

The Link: Thus, consumer demand for earth-mined diamonds continues to rise, adding to the continued power of conflict diamonds in the hands of rebel forces in Africa. Even those diamonds considered to be conflict-free are not always gentle on the environment and economically they often leave the consumer and diamond mining communities at an unfair disadvantage (see Conflict Diamond "Defined").

Africa: While rebels are also involved in the illicit trade of other natural resources, diamonds are especially favored because they are easy to conceal, hard to trace and highly profitable. Natural resources are in some ways considered a curse for many African communities as they are magnets for unscrupulous businesses and violent rebels. Looking at a map of Africa and identifying regions rich in natural resources is an easy way to locate strife and instability. Though the major civil wars are considered to be over, the conflicts continue. Only instead of bodies piling up from rebel attacks, a new favored weapon of war leaves victims suffering in silence. Tens of thousands of women, children and even infants are raped as a tactic of gaining power between warring factions. The largest death toll is now contributed to disease and lack of basic necessities for those hundreds of thousands of refugees displaced by the civil wars and unable to return home because of the continued conflicts and instability.

How you can get involved

The average consumer can contribute in two meaningful ways; 1) purchase diamond alternatives or guaranteed conflict free diamonds and/or 2) contribute to communities in need either directly by making a personal donation to a charitable organization or indirectly by supporting those businesses who are major contributors.

Your decisions do make a difference. *The U.S. accounts for 50% of global diamond jewelry sales. Approximately 70% of women in the U.S. own an earth-mined diamond, do you?

Source: www.fas.org, www.irc.org, www.conflictfreediamonds.org, www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx