Would returning our diamonds to Sierra Leone help the problem? Does someone know how to set up or contact a charitable organization where people could send their diamonds and have the cash value of those diamonds used to help the people of Sierra Leone? What about returnyourdiamonds.org as a website name? Can anyone help? Polished and nicely cut crystal looks pretty much the same as diamonds-it's not that hard to give up a rock to save a life.
2007-01-04 16:01:18 · 8 answers · asked by anon24 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I recently found out some interesting information on this subject, which actually led to further questions as well. My initial thought is that ALL diamonds ARE blood diamonds, in that every time someone buys a diamond, it keeps the price of diamonds high. I recently read an article that addresses this in a lot more detail, and even showed me some shortcomings to my viewpoint. You can check it out at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/100989/are_all_diamonds_blood_diamonds.html
2007-01-12 15:00:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think returning your diamonds would solve the problem. Afterall, if what you're wearing is a blood diamond, the blood has been shed already -- you can't get it back.
I think what makes more sense is to simply ask when you buy them. Though I'm not sure about whether or not this is true, I was told that the company who's heavily involved in these Diamonds is DeBeers and that's why they don't have stores here in the states -- only overseas. But they do distribute to some of the sellers here.
Also, they're only allowed to do print advertisement in the states. No more commercials on TV.
2007-01-12 04:37:04 · answer #2 · answered by Christy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow. That's an awesome idea (giving diamonds to a charitable organization, not sending them to Sierra Leone's government). I'd be interested in helping.
But I think the biggest help would be to raise awareness among Americans to _not buy any diamonds in the first place_. Even profits from certified diamonds (whose 'lives' have been traced to assure they weren't obtained or sold illegally) never go back to the poorest laborers who mine them and who deserve but do not make decent livings. People must learn to be conscious consumers and forego such unnecessary decorations and status symbols as the diamond.
2007-01-05 00:08:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know I don't know you but I am proud of you. You are doing a very honorable thing. Not a lot of people realize where their diamonds come from or how buying diamonds effects the world.
As for charities and websites I hope these are helpful.
http://www.cryfreetown.org/
http://members.raincity.com/kenlans/schoolsforsalone/project.htm
http://www.allasone.org/
http://stopblooddiamonds.org/
http://www.villageaid.org/
2007-01-05 15:07:23 · answer #4 · answered by bunny_eared_lum 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Blood diamonds make up less than 1% of the diamonds available on the world market today.
Before you go patting yourself on the back and thinking you have such a great idea I suggest you read up on the issues and get the real facts.
I for one, am disgusted at the lack of actual knowledge regarding the "blood-diamond"/"conflict diamond" situation here.
someone please, read up on it ok?
go to
www.diamondfacts.org
and then form your opinions.
...............................................................................................
As for returning your diamonds to the Sierra Leone in order to help out, what kind of weird idea is that? You wanna give the diamonds back to the militant rebels that've been using the illegal sales of blood diamonds to finance their war? Give the diamonds back so they can re-sell em or something?.
How about if you want to help out..........
Don't stop buying Diamonds.
Don't buy Conflict/Blood Diamonds.
Its been made extremely simply in today's day and age to find out about the origin of the diamond goods you are purchasing.
Just about all large retailers have policies regarding Diamond Sourcing (where they get their diamonds from).
Google the "Kimberley Process" to find out how the Diamond industry regulates itself through a system of warranties all the way from the pipeline to the cutters to the vendors and into your hands.
...........
I apologize for the passion of this answer but this is a subject very near and dear to my heart and to see people so misinformed really kills me.
2007-01-11 07:00:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is a tough question because there is so much corruption...everywhere including church organizations. This may sound like a crazy answer but I would trust either Oprah or Angelina Jolie with anything to do with Africa. Red Cross is sometimes politically controlled (they are in Mexico). But keep working on this. It is a great idea.
2007-01-12 21:18:40 · answer #6 · answered by mayayucatan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be careful, DeBeers may put you on their hit list.
2007-01-12 19:34:17 · answer #7 · answered by Rosebudd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah you can donate those diamonds to me,i also am currently accepting cash donations just email me
2007-01-05 00:06:57 · answer #8 · answered by el chavo 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋