How to ethically buy a diamond

The Hollywood film, Blood Diamonds highlights what is a long-standing concern in the business of diamonds. Is it possible to purchase them ethically? Where were they extracted from? Did the workers receive a fair wage? And did the diamonds fund and create conflict? Probing questions that need to be considered before purchasing a ring with diamonds.

Blood diamonds

Learn about diamonds Buying a diamond for a loved one is a lifelong commitment, which means it's important to know where that diamond originated from. According to the International Labour Organisation, many miners, who in most cases are children, work in conditions that are unsafe. Mining itself can harm wildlife, deprive communities of natural resources and affect ecosystems. Furthermore, the dust produced from the mines causes respiratory diseases to those living nearby and the diamond workers, while blood or conflict diamonds produced in unethical conditions are often used to fund armed conflicts. When buying a diamond, ask where it has come from. An ethically-sourced diamond retailer should be able to tell you where the diamond started from in a conflict-free diamond mine to the consumer. Where to buy ethical engagement diamonds It is possible to purchase diamonds online that are ethically-sourced. Below are just three online companies to consider. Debeers diamonds On behalf of the diamond industry, Debeers, along with the World Diamond Council, helped to spearhead the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which came into effect on 1 January 2003. By purchasing engagement rings from Debeers, you are guaranteed to receive a diamond has been responsibly crafted and ethically sourced making it 100% conflict-free. Ingle & Rhode Ingle & Rhode provide bespoke ethical jewellery that only uses fair trade gold and conflict-free diamonds that can be traced back to the source. If you already have a design for your ring then Ingle & Rhode can custom make wedding rings that are made to order in the UK. Blue Nile The Canadian Nile Diamonds purchased from Blue Nile are sourced from the world's third largest diamond supplier, which manufacturers 15% of blue diamonds. Canada follows the Kimberley Process and has taken a leading role in making sure that the coloured diamonds produced follow the environmental and ethical guidelines and the practices for fair labour.

Certified Conflict-Free diamond rings

Doing your part It doesn't take much to ask where a diamond has been sourced. Assuming that all diamonds are conflict-free is ineffective and naive. Instead of brushing matters under the carpet, you can take a stand by asking questions of the retailer about the diamonds source. After all, a diamond, which is a huge investment should not be plagued with blood simply for others to enjoy its sparkle.