2006

NGOs Issues Valentine’s Day Warnings

March 2006

Just before Valentine’s Day, Amnesty International and non-governmental organization Global Witness launched a guide for consumers wanting to find out about conflict diamonds.

It tells customers to ask their jewelers:

- Do you know where the diamonds you sell come from?

- Can I see a copy of your company’s policy on conflict diamonds?

- Can you show me a written guarantee from your diamond suppliers that shows that your diamonds are conflict free?

- How can I be sure that none of your jewelry contains conflict diamonds?

At the Diamond Registry, we have nothing against any of these questions, and feel that most customers should ask these questions. In most cases, retailers should be prepared with answers. The Diamond Registry has a long-time policy against conflict diamonds, which can be seen on our web site. We also regularly get "written guarantees" from our suppliers that state the diamonds do not originate from conflict zones.

However, we are still upset that the NGOs continue to publicize this issue, even though the problem has mostly been solved, both by the Kimberley Process and the fact that most of the heavily publicized wars fueled by diamonds — such as the one in Sierra Leone — have mostly fizzled out.