Conflict-Free-Diamonds
Are The Wiser Choice
Preferably, conflict-free-diamonds are chosen over the blood-diamond
for socially and morally responsible engagement ring shopping
and eco-friendly jewelry.
When planning an eco-friendly wedding, this is the type of purchase
you may not have realized had any type of significance. It is most
often overlooked, but most important.
This may also be the perfect time to consider asking family for
that treasured heirloom ring that will be handed down eventually.
If that option isn't available, you can also consider buying your
wedding rings "used" from an estate sale, or a vintage shop that handles used jewelry.
If brand new rings are your preference, read on about conflict-free-diamonds if you haven't heard of this term.
Conflict-diamonds refer to diamonds that are illegally traded to finance
civil unrest in any country. This means the buying and selling of illegal arms to perhaps
overthrow seated governments. The term blood-diamond means the same thing.
The means in which diamond mining is carried out to obtain these precious
gems also refers to these terms as well.
Diamonds can also be obtained
as a result of abusive child labor exploitation, poor wages, unsafe conditions
and unfair wages as well to adult workers.
When the giving of a diamond ring is supposed to be a symbol of love and
committment, it hardly makes sense to give something produced under
such harsh circumstances, and especially through criminal activities and
illegal trading.
Quite ironic, isn't it?
An Act created in 2003 was introduced to encourage governments to oversee
and monitor the sale of diamonds from reputable resources only.
The name
given to this Act is called the Process Certification Scheme.
The history of diamonds goes back to what seems forever, but it has taken
this long to invoke a process that governs fair trade certification, where
the buyers of the diamonds pay fair prices for their goods.
It is important that these gems are mined in a responsible manner and sold in a
responsible manner, and that the proceeds go back to the "country" in a positive way
in terms of financing schools, infrastructure, employment, and things of that
nature for the good of their citizens as a whole.
Since conflict-diamonds have
been the cause of funded civil wars, human rights abuse, and environmental
destruction, it seems only right.
Did you know that gold mining practices can be destructive too in much the same
ways?
By using recycled materials only, the need for newly mined resources are
reduced, and the recycled material becomes a "renewable resource." This is
why everyone should dig out jewelry they no longer need or want to wear, and
hand it down, or have it recycled into something someone else could purchase.
You may want to consider designing your own rings by making over old rings
if you have them. Talk to your jeweller about this, because many people do it, and that certainly constitutes an eco-friendly piece of jewelry.
Be sure to speak to your jeweller, and don't be afraid to inquire about where they get their diamonds.
Make it clear you are interested in purchasing conflict-free-diamonds only as you shop for your engagement ring or wedding bands or both.
Many companies today more and more are dedicated to ensuring that the gems they
sell are mined in a socially responsible manner, and deemed conflict-free-diamonds.
They won't support diamonds produced in illegal and inhumane ways. This way,
they can take pride that their jewelry comes from reputable sources, and please their customers of course, as more people demand it.
By also using only recycled precious metals, they can guarantee a product
truly considered as eco-friendly jewelry.
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