How To Avoid Buying Blood Diamonds

Much of the recent buzz about the movie "Blood Diamond" is focused on actor Leonardo DiCaprio and whether his performance is worthy of an Academy Award nomination.However, plenty of other people are talking about the movie itself. DiCaprio plays a mercenary caught up in Sierra Leone's civil war.

It was a war paid for by diamond exports. It is no accident the movie opened during the holidays and just before Valentine's Day. Producers hope it will encourage Americans to ask questions about the diamonds they buy. More than 60 percent of the diamonds on the market are purchased in the United States. Some buyers, like Beth Gertstein, worry about more than color, clarity and cut. She shopped for a guarantee her stone is "conflict free.

""It was certainly very important for us to buy an engagement ring that was symbolic not just our love and commitment but also of our values," she said.Experts around the world continue to debate the availability of conflict diamonds. The war in Sierra Leone ended in 2002. Since then, the United Nations has worked with diamond exporting countries on a global regulatory system called the Kimberly Process.But a recent report by the Government Accountability Office says the U.S. is, "still vulnerable to illicit trade of rough diamonds."

The report recommends steps the government can take to stay on top of the situation DiCaprio's movie and a hit song by rapper Kanye West, "Diamonds From Sierra Leone," have given the controversy a lot of publicity. Many companies now promise to guarantee a diamond's history. For instance, you can buy a man-made stone. Robert Linares, with Apollo Diamonds, says his gems are actually grown in a lab.

"What we have done is to figure out how to start with a seed diamond and grow on that, by adding carbon atoms, one atom at a time," he said.Canada now markets its diamonds as conflict free. That's why Gerstein chose to buy a Canadian diamond for her engagement ring. But the World Diamond Council says many countries offer that guarantee. It says 99 percent of all stones throughout the world are free of conflict."We're working very hard to make sure that there are no conflict diamonds anywhere, in anybody's inventory," said Cecilia Gardner with the Council.Global charities like World Vision say that is true, to a point.

The charity says boycotting diamonds is not an answer for those worried about conflict diamonds. Such an action could hurt countries that market their diamonds to pay for health care and schools.What should you do? It is not a bad idea to ask questions. Does your jeweler have a conflict diamond policy? Many will offer warranties from their suppliers.

"If you're going to a reputable jewelry store, all of their diamonds will be covered," Gardner said.The charities say questions from customers will keep the pressure on both retailers and suppliers to ensure conflict diamonds do not end up in your hands.