Conflict diamonds have funded devastating civil wars in Africa, ending millions of lives. These conflict diamonds also known as "blood diamonds" are associated with human rights abuses, environmental damage, and terrorism.
What are Conflict Free Diamonds?
Conflict free diamonds are guaranteed to originate from ethical and environmentally responsible sources. Conflict free diamonds are free from violence and human rights abuses, and are produced with minimal environmental impact.
Some time ago I wrote about conflict diamonds and the crippling impact the diamond trade has had on many African communities. Being very interested in diamonds and also a Canadian, I was happy indeed to recently discover Brilliant Earth at www.brilliantearth.com.
First of all, Brilliant Earth only sells diamonds from Canadian mines, guaranteed wholly free from violence and human rights abuses. They are also determined to promote sustainable practices by using environmentally responsible gold and platinum. Their precious metals come from secondary sources and are re-refined in order to ensure they are identical quality to newly mined metals. In this they strive to reduce the need for additional “dirty” mining by using renewed metals.
As part of its mission to promote industry-wide change, Brilliant Earth works in partnership with advocacy groups to promote awareness about conflict diamonds, labor and mining issues, and environmental concerns in the industry. Brilliant Earth also dedicates 5% of its profits to directly benefit local African communities harmed by the diamond industry.
What's So Unique About Canadian Diamonds
Canadian diamonds are amongst the only diamonds in the world with a guaranteed pure history. They lay hidden beneath the pristine tundra of the Canadian Arctic, and remained undiscovered well into the last century. When Canadian diamonds were eventually discovered, special priority was placed on negotiating mutually beneficial agreements with local indigenous populations and respecting the Arctic environment.
Canadian diamonds are mined according to Canada's strict environmental laws - which are among the most rigorous in the world. These high standards protect caribou and other wildlife, water, and fish habitats. Brilliant Earth sources Canadian diamonds from mines that have integrated sustainable development into all of their practices.
Currently, Brilliant Earth’s Canadian diamonds originate from two Canadian diamonds mines, the Diavik and the Ekati Diamond Mines, which both have demonstrated a strong commitment to the local Aboriginal people. The Diavik Canadian diamonds mine promotes sustainability through its environmental monitoring agreements and labor training programs with the Canadian Government and local indigenous tribal groups. A management plan governs the environmental stewardship of land and water at the Ekati Canadian diamonds Mine, which includes comprehensive tracking and response programs for wildlife and aquatics. Both mines are independently monitored and certified as ISO 14001 compliant for their environmental quality and control processes. De Beers does not own either the Diavik or the Ekati mine.
Brilliant Earth is Jewelry Collecting's Diamond Jewelry Resource of the Year!
For their ethical practices, environmental responsibility, and commitment to community as well as classic, elegant jewelry styles and highest quality loose diamonds, Brilliant Earth is Jewelry Collecting's favorite diamond jewelry resource of the year!
Feast your eyes on beautiful conflict free diamond jewelry and loose diamonds at Brilliant Earth!
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Article Sources:
Brilliant Earth
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