WHAT ARE "BLOOD" OR "CONFLICT" DIAMONDS?

“Conflict” or "blood" diamonds are diamonds traded by warlords and rebels to buy weapons and fund bloody civil wars, primarily in African countries like Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire.  Millions of people have died, lost limbs, and suffered horribly in conflicts associated with blood diamonds.

ARE BLOOD DIAMONDS SOLD IN THE US?

Most diamonds are safe. However, despite the best attempts by US lawmakers and international bodies to regulate the diamond trade, loopholes in the system mean that conflict diamonds could still be sold in the United States. Despite this, don't stop buying diamonds! The legitimate diamond industry supports millions of honest people around the world.

HOW DO I PURCHASE A
CONFLICT FREE DIAMOND?

Read the Diamond Buyers Guide from Amnesty International USA's website to increase the chances that the diamond you are purchasing is conflict free, and that your money is going to jewelers who support the Kimberley Process.

↑ Click here to download the Diamond Buyers Guide from Amnesty International.

SO, WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP?

1. Tell your friends about the 5 C's of diamond buying:

CARAT * COLOR * CLARITY * CUT * CONFLICT-FREE

2. Educate yourself and everyone you know about the Kimberley Process, the international diamond regulatory system.

3. Urge the diamond industry to use its vast resources to address some of the complex social factors, including poverty and lack of governance, that contribute to civil wars funded by diamonds in Africa. For a list of key organizations, visit the website of the Diamond Council of America.

4. Buy and wear a Conflict Free Rocks t-shirt. All proceeds from t-shirts go towards making more t-shirts and outreach efforts like this website.

(100% non-profit tee)