TODAY'S TURN: Diamonds are forever - and fair

THE ISSUE:
Nothing says "love" like a diamond. And apparently, nothing says "soulless, worthless piece of crap" like not having a diamond. But not all ice is clear. Some of it's badly stained.

You've probably heard of "conflict-free" diamonds. It means the UN vouches that the country of origin doesn't use diamond funds to pay for civil wars or other conflicts. It's a good start, but not good enough.

But why not, when 99% of the diamonds in the US are deemed non-conflict? Because "non-conflict" only red flags war zones. Diamonds can be tainted by so much more than that. Human rights abuses, environmental damage, low wages and child/slave labor can still happen in "non-conflict" mining countries. Right now, an estimated 1 million diggers live on subsistence wages of $1 a day or less.

If non-conflict diamonds are a girl's best friend, fair trade diamonds are the best friend who takes in orphans, reads for blind nuns, and nurses injured sparrows back to health.

THE GOOD TURN:
Ask your jeweler about their diamond sources. If they're serious about these issues, they'll have info about where and how their gems were mined. Here's a short list of online jewelers who seem to be dedicated.

Canada is making a name for itself as a mother lode of fairly trade, ethical diamonds, led by two companies. Brilliant Earth donates 5% of its profits to benefit local African communities. Igloo Diamonds donates 40% of the mark-up price on every diamond to Adopt-a-Minefield, an organization that clears landmines left over from conflict in parts of Africa.

But personally, I'd like to see people continue to buy African. The poor people in these nations would simply suffer too much from a boycott. Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana says that "diamonds have played a major part in the transformation of our country's fortunes and the lives of our citizens. For our people, every diamond purchase represents food on the table; better living conditions; better healthcare; potable and safe drinking water; more roads to connect our remote communities; and much more."

If it's fair, of course.

CLICK HERE TO DO THIS GOOD TURN:
Read about Canadian diamond dealers commited to fair trade.
Here are some diamond facts.
How fair trade is good business for the diamond industry.
Member jewelers of StopBloodDiamonds.org.
See how the Rapaport Group is ensuring fair trade in the diamond industry.