This is a repost of what I wrote on this topic on DT:

I was HORRIFIED by this information about "blood diamonds" from Amnesty International. It made me literally ill. NO DIAMONDS FOR ME - not until there is substantial progress made in the tracing of diamond sources. I would not be able to enjoy the beauty of a stone that potentially came at the cost of a child's LIFE.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/amnestynow/diamonds.html


I am one who would torture myself with the thought that what I bought potentially came at the cost of a human being's basic rights (or even life).

I suppose almost anything made, bought or sold, when scrutinzed to the 'Nth degree,' could be of spurious origin, but that is the nature of life. How can we know 'the whole story' about everything? How can we be assured that what we are told is 100% correct. It is too exhausting to investigate every single issue.

To that end, I think we all have to pick and choose our battles (including those of conscience). If I am fairly certain that an activity harms or endangers the well-being of human beings, then I feel I have the moral obligation to abstain from participating in any supportive way in that activity.

If I broaden that stance to include harm to animals, then I have moral dilemmas literally every waking moment of my life. (PM me if you're interested ... this topic could well take all day to even lightly discuss.)

I guess, in the end, it's all about where you draw your line in the sand.

Stepping down from my soapbox now...

I usually respond to few posts....mostly a listener I guess, but this one is definately worth my 2 cents. I am very glad that you brought this issue up. I recently mentioned in another post that I would have a difficult time looking down at my finger and admiring something that could have cost the life of an innocent African person!!! It is just a freaking stone for god's sake... surely not worth a person's life. That is the reason that my Fiance and I chose to go wth a simulant. Yes... I think that diamonds are gorgeous, but so is the Grand Canyon but I'm not going to go skinny dipping in it!!!
So thank you Diamond Dreams...this is a topic well worth the read.

Champell

I am obviously in agreement with what you have said. Good to hear from a New Yorker. I grew up in Teaneck, NJ and was just back there for a visit a couple of months ago. I love the city! Have a great evening.

There are Canadian diamonds that are conflict free.
Supposedly they come with proof that they were mined and cut in Canada.
But I still don't want to spend the money.

I grew up in Englewood and most of my family lives in Teaneck!!! I am sure Colorodo was a big move for you!

And yes.. I heard about the Canadian diamonds and that is fantastic!

Champell

Champell, I didn't know you're from NJ! I grew up in Washington Township (next to Paramus), and hubby is from Secaucus originally, but moved to Hillsdale at 14 years old. What a small world!

Yeah girl..now I live across the bridge in good ol New York!!! Jersey Girls Unite!!!

Champell

OMG! Do you still live in Hillsdale? I lived in River Vale until I was 5 and then moved to Saddle River. Now that I am married I live in Morris county. You are right...what a small world! I saw that you were from NJ but never thought to ask where! My husband teaches at the high school in Hillsdale and we are looking to move back there within the next couple of years. We got married last June and we are just trying to save save save! I also have tons of family in Hillsdale and the neighboring towns. lol gosh that's just too funny!

No, but his mom does. I'm trying to talk hubby into moving back there. We're in Warren county.

how funny about teaneck, nj....i have a friend who grew up there with his family.. i believe his father retired from the fire dept there...small world....