Conflict diamonds (aka blood diamonds) finance terrorist, rebel, and militant groups, mainly in Africa. These diamonds are also mined under horrendous human rights violations, like child labor, sexual abuse, and exploitation. In 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was founded in an attempt to help regulate the diamond trade and keep conflict diamonds from entering the global diamond market. The problem is that the Kimberley Process has not been 100% successful in its efforts. Diamond smuggling still occurs and conflict diamonds are still finding their way into the international diamond market, which is why diamond buyers and consumers have to be extremely cautious when purchasing diamonds in order to avoid inadvertently buying conflict diamonds.

The first sign of a conflict diamond is often the price. Diamond dealers and retailers are well aware of diamond prices so diamonds sold at uncharacteristically low prices are usually a warning sign that the diamonds in question could very well be conflict diamonds. It is absolutely crucial that diamond consumers do not give in to temptation and purchase conflict diamonds if the blood diamond trade is ever to be obliterated.

One of the most efficient ways to discover whether or not a diamond is a conflict diamond is to have a composition test performed on the diamond in question. Since stones from different diamond mines will have dissimilar chemical compositions, such tests reveal the origin of the gemstone. The only disadvantage of this method is that the testing can be quite costly. It is virtually impossible for diamond buyers to test every single diamond, but it is certainly a viable option for those that have the means to do so.

In addition, diamond consumers have a great deal of influence on what is acceptable in the diamond industry. If consumers demand details that prove the diamonds are conflict free, the diamond industry will be sure to meet this demand in due course. Of course, change may not set in as quickly as we would like, but demanding conflict free diamonds makes a strong global statement.

Another way to avoid buying conflict diamonds is by purchasing diamonds only from sources you know and trust, like a reputable diamond jewelry provider. Always make sure to inquire about the origin of your diamond and ask to see the diamond certificate. If the diamond was mined in a major conflict diamond area, like Central or West Africa, then chances are, it is a conflict diamond. Also be to check if the country from which you are purchasing diamonds is part of the Certificate of Origin regime, which provides governmental standardization of diamond certification. These certificates are distributed to nations that deal in diamond exportation and are committed to the fight against the conflict diamond trade.

Perhaps the best way to avoid supporting the conflict diamond trade is by purchasing diamonds mined in Canada, since such diamonds are definitely excavated in a peaceful area and in adherence to human rights laws. Canadian diamonds go straight from the diamond mines of Canada, to diamond dealers, and eventually diamond jewelry boutiques. Nonetheless, when seeking to purchase conflict free diamonds, it is important to note that Canadian diamonds are not more conflict free than others, they are simply the most reliable source of conflict free diamonds.