Conflict Free Jewelry
A conflict free diamond is one that is certified to have originated from a mine where ethical and environmentally responsible measures are taken. A blood diamond (or conflict diamond) on the other hand is produced in a mine that might use unfair labor practices (child labor or lack of fair wages), dangerous working conditions, or the profit utilized to fund war and conflict.
In the late 1990's awareness to the conflict or blood diamond was brought to the attention of the world. People began to realize that the beautiful diamonds on their fingers, around their necks, or in their earlobes were produced from diamonds that funded bloody civil wars in Africa. The result of this knowledge became the demand for conflict free diamonds - jewelry a person can wear with a light heart knowing that he or she did not contribute to human rights violations or environmental destruction.
In order for a diamond to be called a conflict free diamond it needs to go through a certification process. One of the more respected certification processes is called the Government Certified Canadian Diamond program, known as GCCD. This certification program guarantees the item you purchase is in fact conflict free jewelry. This certification process has stringent requirements that must be met including: the diamond must be mined, cut and polished in the same country; it must be engraved with a tracking / serial number; the mine where it was taken from must employ fair labor practices, employ locals, and adhere to environmentally responsible practices; the diamond must have a certificate from the government stating it meets all of these requirements.
There are few countries where conflict free diamonds originate. A jeweler might tell you that the diamond you purchase is conflict free when in fact it came from one of the countries where the sale of diamonds is used to fund war. A reputable dealer will be able to provide you with documentation to prove that the item you purchased is a conflict free diamond.
People would be horrified to learn of the atrocities associated with conflict or blood diamonds. It is imperative to get the word out about conflict free diamonds to help increase the demand for this item. If people aren't asking for conflict free diamonds then there is no reason for jewelry stores to provide them. As demand increases it will become easier to find conflict free diamonds online and in jewelry stores.
Engagement rings aren't the only pieces of jewelry where you need to be concerned. Anything made from diamonds is suspect and therefore it is important to ask if the item you purchased is conflict free jewelry. It doesn't matter if you are looking for a necklace, earrings, pendant, cocktail ring, bracelet or watch - if the item contains a diamond in it you should verify it is a conflict free diamond before purchase.