How Cruelty-Free Are "Blood Diamonds"?

The Kimberley Process is supposed to certify "conflict-free" diamonds and bring an end to the trade in blood diamonds that most people have come to know and be shocked by over the last several years, if only because of the Hollywood movie by that name.

I've pointed out before that there are some holes in the system—now here's one more: the Kimberley Process monitor for Zimbabwe recently said he is likely to certify diamonds from the Marange district as "conflict-free"—despite that these mines are under military control and have massive human rights abuses affiliated with them. Read more about these mines and the loopholes in the jewelry industry that allow the continued trade of blood diamonds, from Brilliant Earth.

Brilliant Earth is a jewelry company that uses only recycled metals and ethically-sourced gems and says it was founded specifically as an alternative business model in an industry notorious for its human rights abuses.

People running the company spoke to state officials about these ongoing issues, and were told that in order to instigate reform, there needs to be greater pressure from consumers—so they launched a petition on change.org to "Demand Complete Reform of the Failing Kimberley Process to Prevent Conflict Diamonds."

Sign if you've got a minute, and if you're considering buying jewelry anytime soon, make sure you (and your jeweler) know where it's coming from.