United Nations Collectibles

United Nations Collectibles

I recently made a very important question: "How can I be sure that the diamond is conflict-free?" It made me think, and I wanted to share with you the concept and history of conflict diamonds, also called "blood diamonds", and what has been done to certify diamonds free of war.

Conflict diamonds are defined by the United Nations that diamonds from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate governments and international recognized and used to fund military action against governments or in violation of Security Council decisions UN. "

They must be extracted in a responsible environment. The benefits should not be used to finance wars and must be operated under ethical conditions.

Conflict diamonds without addressing more than the UN definition, and are free of violence and violations human rights and child labor or environmental destruction. They are individually monitored to ensure that ethical practices are used in the mining industry, cutting and polishing.

Conflict diamonds are free of high quality natural diamonds and should be considered according to the four Cs: cut, clarity, color and carat weight, like any other diamond. The fifth "C" certification should always accompany your purchase of diamonds.

What is the best way for buyers to know if you are considering diamonds are conflict free?

1. Diamonds that originate in Canada: the origin of Canadian diamonds are checked when an independent and certified conflict-free guarantees.

February. The diamonds in Namibia: the origin of diamonds are ethical mined, cut and polished in Namibia. certification process are being developed, but the diamonds sold by reputable dealers are carefully established to ensure responsible environmental practices and labor.

In What to expect at your retailer of jewelry? All retailers must have a formal written policy diamond about conflict diamonds, and you should be able to see easily. If you do not have a written policy and staff are not aware of company policy or government regulations prohibiting the sale of conflict diamonds, we find another dealer!

Your vendor must provide continuous monitoring and certification of country and mine of origin and certification of facilities and polishing. There must be a written guarantee that all diamonds sold are really free of conflict, as well as certification by a independent.

Here are some questions to ask your dealer:

1. What are their policies on conflict diamonds? Must have a written policy available with clear definitions of conflict free.

2. Where is the policy announced or published? Is on a website, or print the brochure?

3. How do you define conflict? The policy must be consistent with the Kimberley Process, and to avoid foment violence, child labor, damage to the environment. The origins of the Kimberley Process have been directed in the 2006 motion picture "Blood Diamond, "which has helped publicize the abuses in the diamond trade in Africa.

4. The official certification of conflict free?

5. Where diamonds come from? Is there information on the conditions where they are mined, cut and polished?

6. Your diamonds completely tracked and monitored, it is an independent certification of origin and transport?

Become educated Conflict and the holding of free diamonds diamond retailers in the conflict of norms Free is the best way for consumers to fight against the blood diamonds "of the industry and ensure that the jewelry industry adheres to international environmental standards and human rights.

I'm Deena O'Daniel, an artist, writer and entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, by way of California. Please visit my web site, http://www.oakhillboutique.com for a large array of costume jewelry, china, pottery, collectibles and gifts. You can also become a fan of Oak Hill Boutique on Facebook and be the first to see what's new. For more articles about jewelry, please visit my blog at http://www.oakhilljewels.com.