Our Articles » Say “NO” to Conflict Diamonds

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Maus Jewelers would like to inform you that those little sparkly treasures found on rings, necklaces, and watches of millions of people can come at a great cost.

Most diamonds originate from mines located in poverty-stricken Africa in places like Sierra Leone and Angola, where the average salary per person is under $1000 a year. In these places, it is common for people to turn to military factions since the governments are too underdeveloped to be able to provide supreme law of the land. As a result, the military factions take over diamond mines to produce funds for their military forces and further oppose the government. They are called “conflict” or “blood” diamonds because the military will murder or enslave innocent men, women, and children in pursuit of more diamonds.

To avoid purchasing a conflict diamond, you can check your jeweler (like Maus Jewelers) whether the diamond you are about to purchase has an official “Certificate of Origin,” which indicates the location of the mine where the diamond was found. If no, assume the diamond is a conflict diamond and refuse the purchase.

Maus Jewelers supports the fight against conflict diamonds, and we believe by refusing to purchase any conflict diamonds no matter the price will lead to peace in places like Sierra Leone, which will ultimately lead to development of the country, and through development, the entire civilization will prosper.

Source:
Campino, Anna F. “Sanctions and War.” Conflict Diamonds. 21 Mar. 2001. United Nations. 21 Mar. 2008.