conflict stones.

I came across this article that was put out by Global Witness (www.globalwitness.org) and Amnesty International USA (www.amnestyusa.org). While it was written a year ago, it argues that US jewelry retailers are still not doing enough to combat blood diamonds. One main argument was that the United States and other governments should carry out stricter oversight of the diamond industry in order to strengthen the enforcement of the Kimberly Process and the Clean Diamond Trade Act. One solution they presented was that all sectors of the diamond industry, including jewelry retail, should implement a third-party audit measure to ensure widespread compliance with the Kimberly Process and other laws affecting the diamond industry. One of the main complaints this article outlined of retail jewelers is that the majority still does not post their policies against conflict diamonds on their websites and they do not provide copies of their policies to customers in stores upon request. Since the public is becoming more and more aware of the existence of blood diamonds, I was surprised to hear that retail stores are still not doing this. We, as customers, should always ask for certification and for a copy of the retailer’s policies whenever purchasing a diamond.

Some other links to check out along with the Global Witness site and Amnesty International is (www.diamondfacts.org). Check out the education pack. And (www.blooddiamondaction.org).

The Kimberly Process is in existence for our benefit and for the benefit of those living in what were once conflict areas. We should help support its existence however we can. Insist on certification. Insist on seeing retailer's policies.

Bibliography for article:
(2007). Conflict Diamonds: U.S. Jewelry Retailers Still not doing enough. Global Witness and Amnesty Int. 1-12.