Guide to Choosing Ethical and Conflict-Free Diamonds

Guide to Choosing Ethical & Conflict-Free Diamonds

What are conflict diamonds?

• Diamonds mined in war zones

• Extracted through forced labor and child labor

• Sold to finance armed conflicts against governments

• Prevalent in countries like Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo

• Kimberley Process Certification Scheme established to prevent corruption and abuse

History of Conflict

Diamonds

• Conflict diamonds have existed for centuries

• Term refers to illicit production of diamonds in war zones

• Initiated the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003

Impact of Conflict Diamonds

Conflict diamonds fund violence and human rights abuses

Displacement of people and Kimberley Process effectiveness questioned, illegal channels still

Importance of avoiding purchasing conflict diamonds

Characteristics of Conflict-Free Diamonds

• Similar in size, shape, and color to conventional diamonds

• Produced without illegal techniques or human rights violations

• No child or forced labor involved

• Look for Kimberley Process Certification on jewelry

Benefits of Conflict-Free

Diamonds

• Support ethical and responsible diamond sourcing

• Promote peace and human rights

• Guarantee the diamond is not funding violence or abuse

Determining if a Diamond is Conflict-Free

• Check for certifications like Responsible Jewelry Council or Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

• Ask jewelers about diamond sourcing and tracking

• Consider lab-grown diamonds as an alternative

Sustainability of Conflict-Free

Conflict-free diamonds are a sustainable alternative

However, resource and energy requirements should be Issues of transparency and reliability of certifications

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

Ethically Sourced Diamonds vs. Conflict-Free Diamonds

• Ethically sourced diamonds promote environmental accountability and fair labor

• Conflict-free diamonds are not used to fund armed conflicts

• Research and due diligence required for both types

Selecting Diamonds from Conflict-Free Areas

• Choose diamonds from conflict-free areas

• La Joya brand as an example of ethical, conflict-free diamonds

Alternatives to Conflict-Free

Lab-grown diamonds as a sustainable alternative

Antique or vintage diamonds from before modern conflicts

Other ethical gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and moissanite

Ethically Sourced Diamonds at La Joya

• Commitment to elegance and ethical standards

• Carefully sourced diamonds from mines following labor and environmental laws

• Transparency and sustainability throughout the entire process