No one wants to think of their engagement, bridal or other diamond jewelry as being tainted with the label “blood diamond” but at one time, a large number of diamonds being sold came from war- and violence-stricken areas where they changed hands among parties whose goal was often financing more violence. Today, much of the diamond industry operates differently and there are steps you can take to ensure the diamonds you buy are conflict-free, whether you’re shopping for a conflict-free diamond engagement ring or conflict-free diamond wedding bands.
The Process of Bringing Conflict-Free Diamonds to Jewelers
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme formulated by the United Nations in 2003 established rules and regulations for bringing diamonds from mine to market. Participating countries are obliged to transfer diamonds according to strict protocols in packaging and paperwork that ensure only diamonds whose source is known may be bought and sold. That paperwork follows the diamond all the way to the jeweler, who should be able to produce it for you upon demand. It’s called a System of Warranties statement and it shows to and from whom the diamond was transferred in its path to you. Since the establishment of the Kimberley Process, the percentage of illegally traded diamonds has plummeted, according to the World Diamond Council.
What You Need to Know About Conflict Free-Diamonds
Visually, there’s no discernable difference between conflict- and non-conflict diamonds; that’s why the accompanying paperwork is so important. Diamonds sold under the Kimberley Process aren’t supposed to get marked up because being conflict-free makes them more valuable; in fact, a conflict-free diamond should not cost more than any other comparable gem with similar characteristics.
When shopping for ethical diamonds in your conflict-free diamond engagement ring, it’s important to see the stones you’re considering buying in-person. While some online jewelry retailers will sell conflict-free diamond wedding bands that include paperwork indicating the gemstones are conflict-free, stick with your local Dallas jewelry store to be assured of authenticity. If you have questions or concerns, your jeweler is the most knowledgeable person to search for your answers, instead of a customer service rep from an online company who may not actually be involved in procuring diamonds at all.
Trust Your Local Jeweler
Your Dallas jewelry store is the best source for buying gemstones and diamond jewelry that’s been mined ethically. Your jeweler understands the supply chain that brings diamonds to his shop and has the insight to pick up on any unusual signs, packaging or paperwork that suggest the diamonds’ path hasn’t followed the Kimberley Process. A jeweler can help you find just the right kind of stones that display the qualities you want most in a diamond, from cut, carat, color or weight. Whether you’re seeking the perfect diamond solitaire for a once-in-a-lifetime proposal or looking to find a stone to match a piece of jewelry you need repaired, your jeweler knows the most reputable sources for diamonds.
Contact Gem Classics today for the best selection of conflict-free diamonds near you. From diamond engagement rings to diamond wedding bands, diamond stud earrings and more, the jewelers at Gem Classics have the ability to source the gems you’re looking for, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your diamonds are a symbol of eternal love and not tragedy.
