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By Marc Choyt

If you are in the market for a natural diamond that is ethically sourced, it may be confusing when confronted by a wide variety of websites and claims. Though a diamond may be certified “conflict free” under the Kimberley Certification Process (KPC), the regulatory process has become so weak that KPC has become meaningless. Even today, diamonds are leaking out of Zimbabwe are certified as “Conflict Free” by the Kimberley Process. They may even be finding their way into your local jewelry store.

What are the best options for a truly ethical diamond that is worthy of your commitment to your betrothed? Here are some tips that you need to know about in order to spend your dollars in such a way as to support the fair and ethical production of diamonds.

Canadian Diamonds

Canada is often marketed as the best place to find “conflict free” diamonds. Canada’’s four large diamond mines are among the most regulated in the world and there is generally little difference between them.

Almost all diamonds are gathered in central polishing locations where they are mixed up regardless of their sourcing. Canadian diamonds have a tiny Canada that gives you assurance that the gems were actually mined in Canada. Cutting takes place in third party certified facilities. The companies that run the mines know that their brand image depends upon the assurance of a seamless mine to market pipeline.

What those who push Canadian diamonds as the perfect choice do not talk about is the infrastructure required to transport millions of gallons of petrol to run the machinery and generators in the arctic tundra, creating disruption to the environment. Those who consider themselves environmentalists need to understand that the diamond mining in Canada is part of a larger trend that is drastically impacting North America’’s last Serengeti.

Another conflict associated with these mines occurred within First Nation communities, who had rights to the land where the diamond mines were located. The pro-development Natives had conflict with those people who had more traditional values. The mines were a wedge issue, massively impacting small villages. Both these types of conflict are generally entirely glossed over by those who see Canadian diamonds as the ethical choice.

Nevertheless, a Canadian diamond is one of the best choices for those seeking an ethically soured diamond.

Namibian Diamonds

Many countries in Africa heavily depend upon the diamond trade to survive. Yet only in a few instances can you find situations where there is significant downstream benefit and training for workers. One of the places where this is happening is Namibia.

Namibia is a Southern African country with about fifty percent of the land mass of Alaska. Much of the country is desert and unsuitable for agriculture. Thus, for revenues extractive industries are critical. Namibia is a politically stable country.

Previously diamonds from Namibia were taken to other countries to cut and polish. But now it is possible to purchase diamonds that are not only mined in Namibia, but cut as well. The economically empowering polishing operations, which represent great skill transfer and support local economy, create well paying jobs. Workers in the diamond industry earn twice the average national salary.

Beneficiation as illustrated in Namibia represents a best practice within the diamond sector. Those who are seeking ethically mined diamonds for engagement rings should consider a diamond mined and polished in Namibia.

Created Diamond

If you feel that the talismanic quality of converting coal to diamond under the earth is not important, consider industrially grown diamonds, marketed as a “created diamond.” Created diamonds have the exact same composition of natural diamond. They are considerably less expensive than natural diamonds.

Like all industrial processes, created diamonds impact the environment to some degree, but they represent a good option for some people.

Final Thoughts

Diamonds are a commodity and ideally we can our purchasing power to benefit producer communities while minimizing environmental impact. In the quest for an ethical diamond, perfection should not be the enemy of the good. Canada’’s careful mining practices and the efforts in Namibia, represent some of the best of what the diamond sector has to offer.

Consider buying a diamond with the acknowledgment that everything in life has a cost. If you believe that our very living means we incur a debt to existence, perhaps what the diamond represents is a dedication to giving something back in the form of a strong courageous love that blossoms outward, giving us strength to be in service to the great mystery that connects us all.

The most critical thing to remember when purchasing a diamond is, can the diamond be traced it back from mine, through the cutting, to market. Ask your jeweler. If your jeweler cannot tell you the answer honestly, you may well be purchasing a conflict diamond.

About The Author

Marc Choyt is President of Reflective Images, a designer jewelry company, http://www.celticjewelry.com selling conflict free diamonds and unique wedding rings at: http://www.artisanweddingrings.com. Marc authors http://www.fairjewelry.org, a website covering fair trade gem and jewelry issues.