diamonds [aren't] a girl's best friend.

A few years back I saw the movie "Blood Diamond" and was really impacted by it's message. Before seeing this movie I had no idea what a conflict diamond was. You may not either. Conflict diamonds are stones that are mined and produced through the forced labor of men, women and children. They are produced in areas that are controlled by rebel forces. These rebels and warlords sell these diamonds and the money is used to fund their ciivl wars in Africa. Many died for the sake of diamonds. These diamonds were being sold in retailers across the world. A study showed that 83% of diamond buyers in the United States do not question the source of their diamond.

BrilliantEarth.com 

In 2003, an initiative known as the Kimberley Process was introduced to reduce the flow of conflict diamonds. The majority of diamonds sold in retailers today are conflict-free. However-may diamond retailers fail to provide sufficient assurance that their diamonds are in fact conflict-free. After seeing "Blood Diamond" I began to do some research on the subject and stumbled across a website called Brilliant Earth. They make sure that every gemstone is mined in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Their diamonds are mined in Canada and Namibia and are 100% conflict free. They also give back a portion of their profits to African communities that were affected by the diamond industry. So before you (or your loved one) go to buy a diamond: ASK where it came from! 


Oh and P.S. : Dear future husband: I don't know who you are. But just in case you are reading this : I like that ring. :)