CONFLICT DIAMONDS or BLOOD DIAMONDS
Though access to diamond mines is restricted, determined individuals can smuggle diamonds out for sale. Such diamonds are used by rebels to fund conflicts. These illegally traded diamonds used to fund conflicts are called CONFLICT DIAMONDS or BLOOD DIAMONDS. These are used to finance purchases of war such as food, medicines, weapons etc.
Conflict diamonds can be referred to as prisoners of war; if they are found on the field they are sold. Some times they are traded directly for weapons to reduce the traceability of the transaction or they may be exchanged for currencies of various nations.
Owing to the closed nature of the diamond industry and the difficulty in tracking and monitoring diamonds; diamonds are viewed by terrorist as the ultimate means to fund their operations.
The illicit trade of diamonds is identified as a social and political problem; centered severely in Africa including several nations like Liberia, Angola and Sierra Leone.
The problem is not the diamond but the rebels who intend to use diamonds for their illegal goals.
To eradicate the problem of conflict diamonds the United Nations, Governments and Nongovernmental Organizations worked out the Kimberley Process Certification System to ensure that the conflict diamonds do not enter the legitimate diamond supply chain. The diamond industry also adopted a voluntary System of Warranties to assure consumers that their diamonds are from sources free of conflict. B2cjewels.com is one such place where you get a wide range of Conflict-free diamonds in various shapes and designs. The diamonds at B2CJewels.com are certified and bought from established dealers of the industry.
Though the percent contribution of conflict diamonds to the diamond industry has gone down to 1% from 4%, the aim continues till the complete absence of conflict diamonds. The goal is indeed to end conflict. End the conflict and there will be only diamonds that bring prosperity.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Different Diamond Shapes
Diamonds, to most people, connote glittering round gems known to tempt women. True!
These dazzling stones are natural crystals with varied shapes and sizes formed in the earth over millions of years. By the diamond cutters prowess these crystals are carved into stunning and exhilarated stones. The greatest sized, flawless diamonds with most brilliance can be owed to the diamond cutter’s art.
Though individuality and taste determine fashion, the ten basic shapes of diamonds are:
Round Brilliant: This is, by far, the most popular shape and has set the standard for all other shapes. Often confused with Round, this shape is a modern, revised version of the Round which has been refined for brilliance.
Oval: The pleasing effect created by this elongated shape makes it very popular among woman with short hands for three stone rings, though not very popular for solitaires.
Marquise: Its elongated brilliant shape is inspired by the enticing smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. It looks as much elegant when used as solitaire as magnificent when enhanced by smaller diamonds.
Pear: A hybrid cut, combining the best of oval and marquise and resembling a luminous teardrop is the pear cut, predominantly popular with pendants and earrings.
Heart: This ultimate symbol of love is usually preferred for sentimental reasons.
Emerald: Having old world elegance, the emerald cut is a rectangular cut also known as the step cut due to its resemblance to the stair case.
Princess: This is a square or rectangular cut which has refractive properties almost near round brilliant and often finds its way in solitaire engagement rings. It complements hands with long fingers.
Trilliant: The exact design of this cut may vary from a traditional triangular shape to a more rounded triangular shape depending upon the diamond’s natural characteristics and the cutter’s personal preferences.
Radiant: Not widely popular, the radiant cut combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of the round.
Cushion: Similar to the radiant cut and rounded at the corners, this is an antique shape often referred to as pillow-cut or candlelight diamond. Owing to its awe-inspiring romantic and classic look, the cushion cut diamonds stand out from the crowd of round brilliant.
The innovation in trends of diamond shapes is reaching revolutionary new heights. Already added to the existing styles are the flower, cloverleaf, triangle and the kite. The enchanting work of the diamond cutter is what creates master pieces of art.
These dazzling stones are natural crystals with varied shapes and sizes formed in the earth over millions of years. By the diamond cutters prowess these crystals are carved into stunning and exhilarated stones. The greatest sized, flawless diamonds with most brilliance can be owed to the diamond cutter’s art.
Though individuality and taste determine fashion, the ten basic shapes of diamonds are:
Round Brilliant: This is, by far, the most popular shape and has set the standard for all other shapes. Often confused with Round, this shape is a modern, revised version of the Round which has been refined for brilliance.
Oval: The pleasing effect created by this elongated shape makes it very popular among woman with short hands for three stone rings, though not very popular for solitaires.
Pear: A hybrid cut, combining the best of oval and marquise and resembling a luminous teardrop is the pear cut, predominantly popular with pendants and earrings.Heart: This ultimate symbol of love is usually preferred for sentimental reasons.
Emerald: Having old world elegance, the emerald cut is a rectangular cut also known as the step cut due to its resemblance to the stair case.
Princess: This is a square or rectangular cut which has refractive properties almost near round brilliant and often finds its way in solitaire engagement rings. It complements hands with long fingers.
Trilliant: The exact design of this cut may vary from a traditional triangular shape to a more rounded triangular shape depending upon the diamond’s natural characteristics and the cutter’s personal preferences.
Radiant: Not widely popular, the radiant cut combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of the round.
Cushion: Similar to the radiant cut and rounded at the corners, this is an antique shape often referred to as pillow-cut or candlelight diamond. Owing to its awe-inspiring romantic and classic look, the cushion cut diamonds stand out from the crowd of round brilliant.The innovation in trends of diamond shapes is reaching revolutionary new heights. Already added to the existing styles are the flower, cloverleaf, triangle and the kite. The enchanting work of the diamond cutter is what creates master pieces of art.
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