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Ethical Diamonds
From TipThePlanet
(Redirected from Guilt-free diamonds)
- Ever heard of conflict diamonds? Ever wondererd where that beautiful stone came from, how it was extracted from the ground and which poor unfortunate soul had to remove it and how much they were paid?
- That's a lot of questions you should be asking before you pop the question with a diamond ring.
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[edit] Problems with the diamond industry
- A diamond ring is a beautiful symbol of love and fidelity. It can also be the product of exploited workers, environmental degradation, armed conflicts, and human-rights abuses.
[edit] Labour
- One of the biggest concerns about diamond mining is that it's associated with labor exploitation. According to the International Labour Organization miners (including children) often work in cramped and unsafe conditions without the proper tools.
[edit] Environment
- Environmentally, mining can alter local ecosystems, harming wildlife and depriving communities of natural resources. And the dust from mines can cause respiratory diseases in workers and residents of nearby communities.
[edit] Conflict
- Then there's the concern that diamonds could have funded some of the fiercest armed conflicts in the world. Amnesty International has expressed concerns over possible links between diamonds and money laundering by groups like Al Qaeda.
- Fortunately, you can buy responsibly mined diamonds.
[edit] Tips for buying diamonds
To ensure that the ring you buy will be a symbol of your everlasting love and your commitment to a just and sustainable future, try one of these options:
- Seek out companies like GreenKarat, Leber Jeweler Inc., and Sumiche Jewelry Co., all independent jewelers selling conflict-free diamonds traceable from mine to point of sale, many in recycled or responsibly mined metal settings.
- Buy a used ring, so no new mining is required. Many antiques shops offer lovely vintage rings, or you can check auction sites like eBay.com.
- [www.jewelers.org/ Jewelers of America] has developed a "Social, Ethical, and Environmental Framework" that its members are expected to use to guide their business practices. Be sure to ask your jeweler whether he or she has adopted these principles.
- Brilliant Earth provide conflict free diamond jewelry made with renewed gold and platinum and donate 5% of their profits to the Diamonds For Africa Fund.
