What is a 'Blood Diamond'? The term “blood diamond” has nothing to with the qualities or properties of a precious stone. Rather it refers to the instability of the region it has been mined from and the human misery caused by activities financed through the sale of these diamonds.
Sometimes referred to as “conflict diamonds”, these gem stones are extracted in appalling and dangerous conditions in some of the most desperate countries on the planet. Profits from the illegal trade in blood diamonds are used to fund blood thirsty rebel regimes engaged in brutal civil wars with governments already struggling to cope with the grinding poverty of its citizens. Prominent producers of blood diamonds include:
Angola
Liberia
C´te d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Zimbabwe
E.S. Designs is vehemently opposed to the illegal trade in blood diamonds. Rest assured, we source our diamonds from legitimate, ethical sources by purchasing stones direct from only the major international cutting centres. All of our supply sources use only diamonds shipped from De Beers DTC sight holders.
Support Fair Trade At E.S. Designs it’s our job to supply you with only the very best stones while protecting both the safety and well being of workers in the diamond mining industry and the human rights of citizens in diamond producing areas. We are completely opposed to the trade in blood diamonds and active in our support for organisations such as:
We constantly endeavour to raise public awareness, making data available regarding the negative impact of this trade along with information relating to the fair and ethical extraction and sale of diamonds.
Put an end to the misery Organisations such Stop Blood Diamonds campaign actively to restrict and halt this illegal trade. . The continued supply of blood diamonds creates an on going cycle of instability, bloodshed and misery. Rebel groups use them to fund conflicts that destabilise and impoverish entire regions and countries. By working together, these organisations, along with governments and mining companies hope to eradicate this malpractice and the misery it causes.
Top quality guaranteed To full appreciate our position watch this short video of Martin Rapport speaking about Fair Trade Diamond.
No more exploration Diamond mining has an unfortunate history of worker exploitation and injustice. Many African workers have perished toiling in extreme conditions to bring diamonds to the surface. It’s time to draw the line under this and ensure that inhuman attitudes and practises are consigned to the history books. Fair Trade stands was introduced to ensure a better deal for all. Since its inception, prices have a guaranteed minimum and working conditions have improved beyond all recognition in terms of safety and comfort.
Our Stance
Diamonds are precious, but no diamond is worth dying for. Human lives must not be sacrificed in the quest to extract diamonds from the ground. We say a resounding no to blood diamonds and implore you to support us in our cause for Fair Trade practices in our industry.
