What Is A Conflict Diamond?

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Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa. The United Nations (UN) defines conflict diamonds as "...diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council." These diamonds are sometimes referred to as "blood diamonds."Background

Conflict diamonds captured the world's attention during the extremely brutal conflict in Sierra Leone in the late 1990s. During this time, it is estimated that conflict diamonds represented approximately 4% of the world's diamond production. Illicit rough diamonds have also been used by rebels to fund conflicts in Angola, Liberia, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo (also known as Congo Brazzaville). Today, the flow of conflict diamonds has been reduced to considerably less than 1%.

Eliminating Conflict Diamonds

In July 2000, the global diamond industry made clear to the international community its zero tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. Dedicated to eradicating the trade in 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 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 their diamonds are from sources free of conflict.

Today 74 governments have enshrined into their national law the Kimberley Process Certification System, and now more than 99% of the world's diamonds are from conflict free sources. However, even one conflict diamond is one too many. The diamond industry continues to work with governments, NGOs and the UN to strengthen the Kimberley Process and the System of Warranties.

While diamonds have been used to fund conflict, the problem is not the diamonds themselves but the rebels who exploit diamonds (along with other natural resources) to achieve their illicit goals. The vast majority of diamonds come from countries at peace. These countries have been able to invest the revenue from diamonds into the development of infrastructure, schools and hospitals for the good of the communities in which diamonds are found. These countries include Australia, Botswana, Canada, Namibia, Russia, South Africa and Tanzania.

Today, more than 99% of the world's diamonds are now from conflict free sources and are officially traded under the UN mandated Kimberley Process.

Caring For Your Diamond

Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth but that does not mean they cannot be damaged.  A hard blow can cause a chip or scratch.  Dirt or grease or household products, such as hairspray and cleaning products, easily adhere to a diamond's surface and can cause it to lose some of its luster and brilliance.  When on the top of the diamond, such materials reduce the diamond's luster.  When on the bottom of the diamond, such materials interfere with the diamond's brilliance and fire. Even a thin film on the diamond can absorb some light reducing the amount reflected to a person looking at it.
Maintaining a clean diamond can sometimes be difficult since jewelry settings can obstruct cleaning efforts.  Cleanliness does not, however, affect the market value of a diamond since jewelers will clean the diamond before offering it for sale.  Periodic cleaning with a solution of 1 part ammonia and 6 parts water is best.  You can also use a soft brush to loosen debris that has settled on the diamond and setting interface.  
When you are not wearing your diamonds, place them in a soft, cloth pouch to avoid damage.  It is a good idea to get them inspected periodically by a jeweler to assure there is no loosening of the diamonds from the setting.  
Remember that most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover jewelry over a small amount and that you may need a separate jewelry policy if you want full coverage.  Talk to your insurance agent.

Diamond Buying Guide

 Buying A Diamond Guide 

Buying a diamond is one of the most difficult of all commodities purchased today due to one simple fact, what you cannot see makes the diamond more expensive. With all other commodities, sight is a great rationalizer; because I can see the difference then I can justify whether or not I need it.

In grading diamonds, we grade its characteristics by the four C’s (Clarity, Color, Carat weight, and Cut). The price of a diamond is based on its rarity. A rare 1.0 carat round brilliant cut diamond of D (colorless) color and Flawless in clarity cut within ideal parameters wholesales for $23,500.00 per carat. On the other hand, a 1.0 carat round brilliant cut diamond of M (yellow) color and I3 (Imperfect 3rd degree) cut outside ideal parameters wholesales for $1,000.00 per carat.

If price is of no object, then of course you would choose the rarest and feel good about paying that much for the diamond. Most of us can’t justify spending that much on a diamond so we start looking at what we are willing to sacrifice and still have a desirable diamond. You can accomplish this by moving up or down the scale on three out of the four C’s (Carat weight, Clarity, Color). The forth C (Cut) is already cut and what you see is what you get. Of all the C’s, the cut is what I personally believe is the only C I would not sacrifice on.