Bride Diamonds, Not Blood Diamonds

Whether to choose a diamond or not can be a surprisingly plaguing decision when you factor in the abuse of diamond miners as well as the number of starving and needy people on this planet. When I was sorting through this thought process with Chris, I had to ask myself why I felt the need to have so much money spent on a piece of jewelry.

Truthfully, part of my desire for a diamond ring was because that had always been how I dreamed of my wedding ring. Maybe I was influenced by my parents or the movies or magazines. I don’t know. But to me, diamonds were the traditional wedding ring stone. Ultimately, we got it because we are traditional people and because we wanted a symbol of our marriage that I would never tire of and that would last forever (as long as I didn’t lose it).

If you do choose a diamond, be diligent in finding a jewelry company that does not abuse or exploit the miners. Maltreatment and slavery within the diamond industry has finally been illuminated, and as Christians, we have a responsibility to take action against these cruelties.[i] By not doing your research, you could likely be supporting terrorist movements by purchasing a “blood-diamond,” otherwise known as a diamond that is involved with the smuggling of weapons or funding of rebel wars mostly in Africa.[ii]

Whether that means you actively fight against this cruelty or choose to boycott diamonds in general, at least let it mean that you will not give money to those who are abusing innocent people and aiding illegal schemes. Be knowledgeable so that you are not an unknowing patron of slavery or terrorism.

Companies with safe diamond mining are Igloo Diamonds (www.diamonds.ca) and usually Canadian, Australian, or Arctic diamond companies. Another way to navigate the jewelry companies is to look for diamonds that are certified by the Kimberley Process, which is an African process developed specifically with the intent of curtailing African blood-diamond mining.[iii]

Pray fervently over your ring because God might have a specific message for you regarding what kind to get. I do believe He will tell some to avoid diamonds and that He will point other towards them. For the majority of us, however, I think He will let us choose based on our wisdom, finances, and attitude of the heart.