Choosing the perfect diamond is already hard enough (no pun intended!), but as a global community, we have become more aware of where what we buy comes from. Read on to learn how to be sure you are buying a conflict free, ethically sourced diamond.
Diamonds are the gift that keeps on dazzling. Your diamond should represent love and other momentous occasions, unfortunately, diamonds that come from conflict zones or unsafe conditions take away that dazzle.
Read on to find out about conflict free and ethically sourced diamonds. So your only issue as a conscious consumer is which diamond to buy.
Table of Contents
What IS A Conflict Free Diamond?
A conflict free diamond is a diamond that has not financed a civil war. This term is in response to the infamous blood diamonds. Made famous by the movie of the same name, blood diamonds are diamonds that are mined in war zones and used to finance civil wars.
What Is A Blood Diamond?
Blood diamonds come from areas controlled by rebel and terror groups, blood diamonds are problematic to both human rights and the environment.
The conditions and treatment of workers in these war zones are horrific. Workers are underpaid and subjected to intimidation tactics and threats. Miners of blood diamonds frequently utilize child labor as well.
In addition to the horrendous human rights violations, blood diamonds wreak havoc on the environment. Regulations to protect the earth and air, particularly for surrounding areas, are wholly ignored.
The only concern when it comes to blood diamonds is their value and using this value to finance violence. Blood diamonds have understandably become a pariah of the diamond industry. Neither customers nor reputable retailers want blood diamonds.
Are Conflict Free Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Conflict free diamonds are absolutely real diamonds. They are simply diamonds that have not been used to finance a civil war. Conflict free diamonds are available in both earth-created and lab created diamonds.
Where Do Conflict Free Diamonds Come From?
Diamonds either come from the earth or a lab. Earth-created diamonds are formed far below the Earth’s surface. They are compressed over millions of years and ultimately form the diamonds we know today.
Conflict free diamonds are diamonds that have been mined responsibly. Coming from countries that are certified by what is known as The Kimberley Process (see below for more), conflict free diamonds cannot finance civil conflicts.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers origin reports on some of their certified diamonds. These reports help to identify the country a diamond was mined in, as an additional step to ensure a diamond’s ethical origin. All diamonds sold by James Allen are certified by either the GIA, the American Gem Society (AGS), or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
Conflict Free VS Ethically Sourced Diamonds: What’s The Difference?
Conflict free diamonds do not finance civil conflicts. Ethically sourced diamonds go further.
Not financing a civil war is hugely important, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Ethically sourced diamonds go further to ensure that diamond miners do not utilize harmful practices.
Miners of diamonds considered to be ethically sourced must abide by regulations to protect human rights, civil rights, and the environment.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Ethically Sourced?
Yes! Lab grown diamonds are conflict free and ethically sourced. So unless Susan puts her fish in the microwave again, everything about lab created diamonds is conflict free and ethically sourced.
Because as the name suggests, these diamonds are created artificially in a lab, there are far fewer people involved than a traditional mine, no back breaking labor, and minimal environmental impact.
Advanced technologies are utilized in a highly controlled laboratory environment, which is able to replicate the process and conditions that bring earth created diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds are just as real as mined diamonds, with the same characteristics, brilliance, and sparkle, but at a much lower price point. It is no wonder their popularity continues to increase.
FAQs About Ethically Sourced Diamonds
At James Allen we share your commitment. This is why we only offer conflict free, ethically sourced, top-quality diamonds.
What Is The Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process was created to increase transparency and oversight in the diamond industry. It is an international, multi-stakeholder initiative that was created to end the trade of conflict diamonds sold by rebel groups or similar, which fund civil war and similar conflicts.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme or KPCS, outlines the rules and minimum requirements that govern the trade of rough diamonds.
How Can I Be Sure I Am Buying A Conflict Free Diamond?
Research, research, research. In order to ensure you are buying a conflict free diamond, you need to look at the jeweler, vendor, or retailer.
Many retailers claim they sell conflict free and ethically sourced diamonds. But you need to make sure to ask questions. Do they provide information on where their diamonds are sourced? Have their diamonds been KPCS certified? Do they go above and beyond KPCS certification?
KPCS is a great place to start. But it is not a full-proof system and has many loopholes that can be exploited. This is why James Allen goes above and beyond the KPCS.
Are James Allen Engagement Rings Conflict Free?
James Allen surpasses accepted industry standards so that we can offer diamonds, including our engagement rings, that have been carefully selected for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins.
James Allen only works with vendors that sign and comply with our proprietary Diamond Responsible Sourcing Protocol (DRSP), which ensures that they are in compliance with the Kimberley Process and are also committed to social and labor ethics.
In addition, James Allen is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world’s leading standard setting organization for the jewelry and watch industry.
At James Allen, we have over 500,000 diamonds, all of which are certified conflict free and we are proud to go above and beyond many of the current industry requirements and standards to ensure we are offering you the best quality diamonds from the most responsible sources.
Visit our Education Center to read everything you need to know about selecting the best center diamond for you. You can also learn all about loose diamonds, engagement rings, diamond jewelry, gemstone jewelry, insurance, and more! And take advantage of our expert diamond consultants when choosing your conflict free James Allen diamond.
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With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.