Will the issue of "conflict diamonds" influence you in your decision to purchase or wear diamond jewelry?

Answer 1

It already has. Most of my stones (even non-diamond gems) are lab stones. I agree, mined stones are worse than clothing made in sweatshops. At least with the clothing, the money isn't financing wars and killings. Even with the Kimberley Process, there is too big of an unknown when buying natural diamonds. A regular jewelry store doesn't have a clue where the stones originated, so who knows what you are buying.

Besides, there are other benefits to a lab stone:
1. They are the exact same compound as a minded stone, so to the naked eye, the two types of stones are identical. Only a jeweler with his tools can tell the difference.
2. Because lab stones are made in a controlled environment, they are near-perfect stones every time.
3. Lab stones cost a fraction of the price of mined.
End result? You can have many beautiful pieces of lab stone jewelry at the same price as one piece of mined stone jewelry.

While the Kimberley Process has made a difference, I don't think it's enough. Only 43 countries so far have joined and met the minimum standards. In the meantime, lab stones have become more and more popular. Instead of mined stones, maybe one day in the future, lab stones will be the popular (or even only) choice in jewelry.

Answer 2

Of course. It's worse than buying clothes made in sweat shops. If anyone says no they should definatley find out a little more about these diamonds and the horrible things that happen to people in those regions just so we can wear something expensive a pretty that we don't really need. Diamonds are forever but so is mutilation and death.

Answer 3

It is one of the major reasons I went with sapphires on my engagement ring.

Answer 4

every diamond is a diamond