Conflict Diamonds
Everyone considering purchasing diamond rings, especially a diamond engagement ring, wants to have a clear conscience about the diamonds they are buying. Diamond rings, and engagement rings, diamond pendants, diamond earrings, diamond bracelets – although containing the unique diamond fire and flash all have in the past run the risk of being traded to fund conflict.
As recently as the end of the last century, diamonds were illicitly traded for weapons and to fund conflict in central and western Africa culminating in the brutal conflict in Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Whilst this was only a small proportion (4%) of the world’s diamonds, it was hugely significant in perpetuating conflict and human misery.
The Situation Today – Conflict Free Diamonds
Today, conflict diamonds form only 1% of the world’s total trade thanks to the initiative in July 2000 of the global diamond industry which made clear to the international community its zero tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. It worked closely with the United Nations, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada to create the Kimberley Process Diamond Certification System. This system was formally adopted in 2003 and guards against conflict diamonds entering the legitimate diamond supply chain. The diamond industry also adopted a voluntary System of Warranties to assure consumers that the diamonds in their engagement rings and other diamond rings are free of conflict.
Now that conflict diamonds are all but eradicated the potential for diamonds to provide facilities for the communities in which they are mined or where the diamond industry is a major employer is becoming clear. For example in Africa:
- Access to health care
- Building hospitals,clinics and hospices
- HIV testing and treatment
- Building schools
- Buying books and educational materials
In India over a million people are now employed in the diamond industry, bringing much needed work to impoverished rural areas and it is estimated that 9 out of 10 diamonds in the world are polished in India.
The vast majority of diamonds come from peaceful countries such as
- Australia
- Canada
- Botswana
- Nambia
- Russia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
At Diamond Dealer Direct we sell only diamonds that have passed through the Kimberley Process Certification System so our customers can be confident their engagement rings and other diamond rings are conflict free.
Diamond Rings – a Lifetime Gift
Engagement rings are a gift with a purpose. They signify lifetime commitment and love. As a loving relationship progresses what better gifts than diamond rings to mark the important milestones? The first anniversary, the births of children, a job promotion, or whatever important event takes place in a couple’s life together, diamond rings help to preserve the precious memory.
Diamond Dealer Settings
All our diamond rings and engagement rings are available in 18 carat white or yellow gold, or platinum settings. At Diamond Dealer Direct we are happy to share our professional knowledge with our customers. If you would like more advice about the settings for engagement rings, or other diamond rings, please contact us on 0800 634 1570.
Help and Information about Engagement Rings and other Diamond rings
At Diamond Dealer Direct we are happy to answer any of your queries about the care of engagement rings and other diamond rings. Just contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff 0n 0800 634 1570
Diamond Dealer’s Commitment to High Value
Our professionalism as diamond traders means that we are dedicated to providing the most superlative stones at unmatched value to our customers. We can provide the best graded stones for unquestionably the best value .Here at Diamond Dealer Direct we believe that the beauty of well cut diamonds should be available to everybody. Please contact us to discuss your ideas and requirements.
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