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9 Great Places to... [article] - Smart Splurges [article]
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Engagement Ring [article]
Check for Certification
Any well-established, reputable jeweler should be able to tell you about a diamond's history and guarantee that it's conflict-free. How do you know a jeweler is telling the truth? Ask to see the diamond's System of Warranties statement, and know what these certificates look like before you shop -- you can see examples at DiamondFacts.org.
Shop Smart
You can also opt to shop at a retailer like Brilliant Earth, which specializes in conflict-free jewelry (their diamonds come from Canada, and 5 percent of their profits are donated to a fund to benefit local African communities harmed by the diamond industry). And a store you've certainly heard about -- Tiffany & Co. -- deals exclusively with suppliers who use environmentally sound, conflict-free mining.
Look Beyond Canada
Many buyers believe conflict-free must mean the stones are Canadian. Although Canada has a solid reputation for diamonds that are mined in an environmentally conscious and conflict-free way, you shouldn't consider stones from Canada the only diamonds that are conflict-free. Other producers are Russia, Australia, and yes, many African countries. The important thing is that the diamond has documentation all the way from the mine to the jeweler. Currently, the Ivory Coast is one country the UN cites in which diamonds are being mined and smuggled by rebels. You can find more information about countries participating in the Kimberley Process at DiamondFacts.org.
