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Conflict Diamonds and Blood Diamonds

Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by factions opposed to internationally recognized governments such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Angola. The funds gained from diamond mining are used for military action in opposition to those governments. Also known as "blood diamonds", men, women, and children in war torn areas of Africa arm themselves with diamond-purchased AK-47s and help rebels sell the gems to unethical governments and terrorists such as Al Queda. Buy lovely estate antique jewelry, jewelry armoire and boxes online for discount prices.

Since the September 11th attack, The Clean Diamond Trade Act went into effect January 1st, 2004 as a step towards protecting consumers from purchasing blood diamonds. The tragic conflicts in Angola and Sierra Leone, fueled by illicit diamond smuggling, have led to action by the Security Council. Under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, targeted sanctions have been applied against UNITA in Angola and the Sierra Leone rebels, including a ban on their main source of funding -- illicit diamonds.

Despite the positive steps now being implemented by the UN, much more reform is needed. The current legislation does not prohibit polished stones and jewelry, and can exclude recognized governments such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Once polished, the origins of the diamonds brought to the market cannot be identified. In fact, legitimate rough diamonds mined in areas including Canada, Russia, India, and South America and sent to Belgium for cutting. Once in Belgium, illicit diamonds are often mixed in and returned to the market to be sold for public consumption.