Blood Diamonds

[a&o 4]

When you see what gold mining has done and continues to do to communities and the forests in Ghana, gold becomes something you don't want on your finger, either.

And we decided it's not just about where it comes from, since as you wear it you continue to place the value on these things that makes them such a force of destruction: environmentally, politically, etc.

So, we bought locally (in Ghana) crafted rings made from palm nuts and mother-of-pearl. We are united in nut-tiness! They are unique and beautiful, and didn't put money in the pockets of the American/European companies that keep bad leaders in power in Africa who let them continue to extract resources and give very little back.

I know it's hard to consume with a conscience all the time, everywhere, but this is an easy one, in my opinion.

[Ta Ta 1]

The movie is about the conflict in Sierra Leone where my fiance lives.

He did give me a crafted gold band with a beautiful diamond from his area where he lives and I shall forever treasure it.

When purchased here in the US the jeweler must certify that the diamond is

not a conflict diamond and adhere to the set regulations.

It is true that the western world exploits the wealth of Africa.

The corrupt politicians get most of the profits and very little goes for betterment of

the country and it's people.

Today still the country does not have garbage removal and power outage is a daily

burden.

However Sierra Leoneans are allowed to purchase a "very expensive" lisence

to find diamonds in the mines and there is peace now.

It would hurt the country even more if in peace times no diamonds would

be sold.

War time is a different story as you can be certain it is financing the rebels.

But now there is peace and the country which was on the bottom UN list as the poorest country in the world is trying hard to get back on it's feet.

The small trickle of the diamond trade in Sierra Leone is vital for it's people.

It is not so simple to just boycott diamonds without understanding the

flow of the trickle down effect to the very needy.

Some is better than none.

[Queen Jenn 0]

We haven't discussed it, but I am totally against conflict diamonds. I will only buy from a jeweler who certifies that the diamond is not a conflict diamond.

[jms 0]

I saw this before and also decided to for-go diamonds

How funny!! We have chosen Sept 8th for our wedding date!!! Does it take a long time to get everything ready to submit for AOS? Did you start long before the marriage? I have no clue as I need to study AOS process. All my concentrations up till now, have been on getting the visa!!!

[Galateia 1]

We aren't going for a diamond for financial reasons (mostly that we feel it's better spent elsewhere) but Canadian diamonds are the way to go if you're looking for an ethical diamond.

Not only do you avoid conflict diamonds, you are putting money into the hands of the Native peoples who are getting decent employment for the first time, arguably, since Europeans started taking over this landmass. I did a lot of research into Canadian diamonds, and spoke with Geologists who do fieldwork up there. Not only are the mining conditions made as safe as possible, the First Nations members work in every level of the companies, from miners, administrators, cutters (considered the most important position in the production of a diamond, a 'mastery'), and shareholders. There are laws in the NWT about what % of companies must be owed/run by Native peoples, so the diamond Cartels are having a hard time forcing their way in.

Ethical diamonds are possible. Thank goodness for Canadian diamonds!

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

Omoba!

I am excited to see that your fiance is in Sierra Leone as I did my senior research papers on the founding of Sierra Leone!!!

[Ta Ta 1]

Omoba!

I am excited to see that your fiance is in Sierra Leone as I did my senior research papers on the founding of Sierra Leone!!!

I suggest two documentaries for you to view and weep !

Cry Freetown ( www.cryfreetown.com ) and The Empire of Africa ( available at netflix).

It is not for the faint of heart and very tough to watch but needs to be seen by the world.

Possibly the most violent thing you wil ever see in your life time.

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

Omoba!

I am excited to see that your fiance is in Sierra Leone as I did my senior research papers on the founding of Sierra Leone!!!

I suggest two documentaries for you to view and weep !

Cry Freetown ( www.cryfreetown.com ) and The Empire of Africa ( available at netflix).

It is not for the faint of heart and very tough to watch but needs to be seen by the world.

Possibly the most violent thing you wil ever see in your life time.

Thanks so much, I shall do as you suggest!

[reeses16 8]

Thats really interesting. I had no idea Canada went so far as enacting law to ensure Native peoples benefit financially from the diamond trade.

We aren't going for a diamond for financial reasons (mostly that we feel it's better spent elsewhere) but Canadian diamonds are the way to go if you're looking for an ethical diamond.

Not only do you avoid conflict diamonds, you are putting money into the hands of the Native peoples who are getting decent employment for the first time, arguably, since Europeans started taking over this landmass. I did a lot of research into Canadian diamonds, and spoke with Geologists who do fieldwork up there. Not only are the mining conditions made as safe as possible, the First Nations members work in every level of the companies, from miners, administrators, cutters (considered the most important position in the production of a diamond, a 'mastery'), and shareholders. There are laws in the NWT about what % of companies must be owed/run by Native peoples, so the diamond Cartels are having a hard time forcing their way in.

Ethical diamonds are possible. Thank goodness for Canadian diamonds!

[reeses16 8]

Thank you for recommending these documentaries. I will definitely get my hands on them.

Also, thank you for pointing out that in the right context, the diamond trade can be a good for people and the local economy.

-DA

Omoba!

I am excited to see that your fiance is in Sierra Leone as I did my senior research papers on the founding of Sierra Leone!!!

I suggest two documentaries for you to view and weep !

Cry Freetown ( www.cryfreetown.com ) and The Empire of Africa ( available at netflix).

It is not for the faint of heart and very tough to watch but needs to be seen by the world.

Possibly the most violent thing you wil ever see in your life time.

[shayrene 0]

I chose not to have diamonds. When I was in college, a classmate of mine maxed out her credit cards to get her family out of Sierra Leone to London. Her grandmother's throat was cut and she could not find alot of her male family members. I kept wondering why this wasn't on the news. (another commentary for another day on poor American news) Ever since then, I said I would not have a diamond. Even if a jeweler says that they are non conflict diamonds, the borders in Africa are easily crossed. So can it truly be a non-conflict diamond. I understand that the conflict is over, but I realized I can't do it. I have a citrine stone engagement ring. (yellow color)