Are you looking to purchase a special piece of jewellery but afraid of ending up with a piece made from conflict diamonds?  Conflict diamonds, which can also be called blood diamonds, are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments.  These particular diamonds are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council of the United Nations.

Conflict diamonds have been used to buy weapons to continue fighting in mainly African countries such as Angola, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

It is illegal to buy or sell conflict diamonds. The United Nations General Assembly adopted in a unanimous vote a resolution on the role of diamonds in fuelling conflict, breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict, as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts (A/RES/55/56). This happened on 1 December 2000.

How can you protect yourself from buying a piece of jewellery made from conflict diamonds? It is best to purchase your diamonds from well-established legitimate stores. You are in safe hands if you seek to purchase from the friendly retailers in Hatton Garden, London’s diamond quarter.  Not only will you find a competitive market place through the sheer number of diamond retailers but you will also discover a well-structured ‘Certificate of Origin’ regime.  This can be an effective way of ensuring that only legitimate diamonds end up on the display stands of the diamond retailer.

The friendly retailers in Hatton Garden can help you find the perfect precious piece for your special occasion.  Why not pay a visit.