Ever paused a movie to wonder if the dramatic underworld plots could be real? Take, for instance, the stark realities presented in Blood Diamond, where the lust for precious stones casts a shadow over grave ethical issues. These scenes are more than just Hollywood fiction—they mirror the harsh realities of conflict diamonds. In our  guide on conflict diamond education, we’ll explore the murky waters of the diamond trade, from its origins to efforts to eradicate this blight.

What Are Conflict Diamonds – The Origin

Conflict diamonds, also referred to as "blood diamonds," are gems extracted from conflict zones and used to fund military opposition against governments. Their origin is rooted in regions plagued by violence, especially in countries like Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The term gained prominence in the 1990s when global awareness rose about the severe human rights abuses connected with their extraction. These diamonds are sourced from mines where conditions are often brutal, and labourers, including children, are exploited under harsh and inhumane conditions.

How Conflict Diamonds Enter the Global Market

Conflict diamonds, or blood diamonds, often begin their journey in war zones—mined under extreme duress and shadowed by violence. These diamonds, defined by the United Nations as those originating from regions controlled by forces opposed to legitimate governments, are then smuggled out of conflict zones into neighbouring countries where the trace of their bloody origins starts to blur.

Once out of the conflict zones, these diamonds are often laundered through multiple layers of transactions, further obscuring their origins. They mix with legitimate gems in major trading centres where documentation can be falsified—transforming their identity from illicit to market-ready. This entire process makes it challenging to distinguish them from ethically sourced diamonds as they enter the mainstream jewellery market, sitting on the shelves as symbols of luxury.

The Impact of Purchasing Conflict Diamonds

Fuelling Violent Conflicts: When you buy a conflict diamond, your money directly funds armed groups and warlords in conflict zones. These groups use the revenue to purchase weapons and sustain their operations, which often involve violent acts against civilians. This cycle perpetuates ongoing wars and instability in regions already struggling under the weight of political turmoil.

Human Rights Abuses: The mining of conflict diamonds is frequently associated with human rights violations. Workers, including children, are subjected to brutal conditions—forced labour, violence, and scant regard for health or safety are rampant. These conditions echo the broader disregard for human dignity and rights that characterise regions afflicted by diamond-fuelled conflicts.

Undermining Local Economies: Instead of benefiting local communities, the wealth generated from conflict diamonds often ends up lining the pockets of rebels and corrupt officials. This simply diverts crucial resources away from development and into conflict, leaving local economies crippled and unable to fund education, healthcare, and other essential services for recovery and growth.

Environmental Degradation: Unregulated mining practices common in the extraction of conflict diamonds also lead to significant environmental damage. Forests are cleared, and soil is eroded, leading to habitat destruction and pollution. This impacts local wildlife and disrupts the livelihoods of communities dependent on these natural resources, severely affecting economic stability.

Each of these impacts demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of purchasing conflict diamonds. By choosing ethically sourced gems from reputed brokers, you can help break the chain of events that perpetuate violence, exploitation, and environmental destruction in diamond-producing areas.

International Efforts to Combat the Trade in Conflict Diamonds

The lucrative nature of diamonds makes them a prime target for such exploitation. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, up to 20% of the world’s diamonds were estimated to be from illicit sources, fueling conflicts, mainly in Africa. Despite efforts to curb this trade, by 1999, still over 3% of diamonds were conflict tainted, though this number has reportedly dropped to around 1% today due to measures like the Kimberley Process, an initiative by the United Nations, established nearly a decade ago.

This process aims to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. By requiring member states to keep detailed records of diamond exports and imports, this certification scheme has helped stabilise economies and make it tougher for criminals to exploit the system. Yet, despite these efforts, the smuggling of blood diamonds continues due to the high stakes involved and the sheer volume of the global trade.

How Consumers Can Avoid Conflict Diamonds

Seek Certified Retailers: Always purchase diamonds from retailers who are certified under the Kimberley Process to ensure that the diamonds have been sourced from conflict-free zones. 

Ask for Documentation: When purchasing a diamond, ask for detailed documentation that traces the diamond’s journey from mine to market. Reputable sellers in the industry should provide a history of where the diamond was mined, cut, and polished. This paper trail is vital for verifying that the diamond you purchase is conflict-free, helping you make an informed and ethical choice.

Support Ethical Brands: Choose to buy from brands and jewellers who publicly commit to ethical sourcing practices. Many jewellers now use part of their profits to support the communities affected by the diamond industry. By supporting these local Australian brands, you contribute to the welfare of mining communities and encourage more companies to adopt responsible sourcing practices.

Research before Buying: Do your homework before making a conflict-free diamond purchase online. Look up the company’s sourcing policies online and check for any third-party certifications. Companies with a strong commitment to ethical practices are generally open about their sourcing.

Consider Alternative Gems: If uncertainty remains, consider alternative gemstones or lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have a smaller environmental impact and are guaranteed not to contribute to conflict, making them ideal for eco-conscious and ethically-minded consumers.

The Future of Conflict Diamonds

As we peak into the future of Conflict Diamonds, it's clear that the diamond industry is at a crossroads, influenced by advancements in technology and a shifting consumer ethos. Blockchain technology, for instance, is a game-changer, offering a transparent digital ledger that tracks every diamond's journey from mine to market. This isn't just tech-savvy stuff—it means that every time you buy a diamond, you can actually see where it's exactly been and ensure it's not funding conflict.

On the other side, consumer habits are evolving too. Today’s potential buyers, especially the younger generation, want to know the impact of their purchases. They're not just looking for sparkle; they're after assurance that their bling isn't tinged with ethical issues. This shift is pushing the diamond industry towards more responsible sourcing practices, reducing the appetite for conflict diamonds.

However, challenges still remain. Even though the proportion of conflict diamonds has plummeted from about 15% in the 1990s to roughly 1% today (Britannica), that 1% still represents a substantial amount of money that could potentially fuel conflicts. The fight against conflict diamonds isn't just about reducing the number—it's about ensuring they don't enter the market at all. To do this effectively, global cooperation and strict enforcement of the Kimberley Process are crucial.

At the end of the day, the rise of lab-grown diamonds presents a bright spot on the horizon. These gems are exactly what they sound like—diamonds made in a lab, not dug out of the earth. They offer a conflict-free diamond alternative to traditional ones and are becoming increasingly popular with consumers who prioritise ethical considerations. As this trend grows, it could significantly decrease the demand for mined diamonds, potentially putting an end to the trade in conflict diamonds.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do conflict diamonds still exist? Yes, conflict diamonds still exist. Despite international efforts like the Kimberley Process by the United Nations, some diamonds from conflict zones enter the global market, particularly from regions with less stringent controls like Africa.
  • Why are conflict diamonds illegal? Yes, because they fund violence and war, contributing to human rights abuses and undermining legitimate governments. The international community, through agreements like the Kimberley Process, has made efforts to ban their trade globally.
  • Is it legal to buy conflict diamonds? No, it is not legal to buy conflict diamonds. 
  • What is a conflict-free diamond? A conflict-free diamond found at the Varoujan Jewellers is one that is mined and sold without financing civil conflict or human rights abuses. 
  • Are conflict-free diamonds more expensive? Conflict-free diamonds are not necessarily more expensive. The price can depend on many factors, including the size, quality, and retailer. The ethical assurance of conflict-free diamonds does not typically add to the cost.
  • What percent of diamonds are conflict-free? It is estimated that over 99% of diamonds on the market today are conflict-free due to stringent trade laws and practices like the Kimberley Process by the United Nations that have greatly reduced the circulation of conflict diamonds.