Thanks to the upcoming release of Blood Diamonds, the subject of Conflict Diamonds or "blood diamonds" will finally be brought to the public’s attention. Conflict Diamonds are diamonds mined in a war zone and sold to diamond suppliers in order to fund an insurgent or invading army’s warfare. This funding then leads to fighting against legitimate democratic governments, grave human rights abuses, and prolonged crippling wars. Nothing, much less a simple mineral, should ever be a part of such injustices.

Although conflict diamonds make only a small proportion - less than 5% - of all diamonds, it is no coincidence that wars have become common occurrences in diamond producing areas.

In 2002 the United Nations approved The Kimberley Process aims to prohibit conflict diamonds from entering the market. Named after one of the most notable diamond mining towns in South Africa, The Kimberly Process is a preventative measure that, if effectively implemented, stops armed groups from using diamonds as a source of funding current or future wars. Kimberley Process approved diamonds are exported with a certificate saying they are conflict-free, and are issued by the producing-country’s governments.

All diamonds sold at Calvin’s are Kimberley Process approved. We are proud to be a part of the movement that is supporting freedom, and human rights around the world. Although these are some of the most precious stones produced on earth, nothing is more precious than life.