Business Roundup 2007
To keep our website up to date with the important issues and concerns in our work, we read a lot about conflict diamonds. And the global nature of the conflict diamond trade means that it gets covered from many different angles — in terms of human rights, civil conflict, environmental concerns, governmental regulations, and industry concerns.
Below, you’ll find a cross-section of articles from 2006 and 2007 that show how consumer concerns are forcing diamond sellers and retailers to respond to conflict diamonds.
Shopping for the Guilt-Free Diamond
BusinessWeek – Oct 18, 2006
In an industry fraught with human-rights abuses, one retailer is targeting socially conscious consumers with its “conflict-free” stones
Blood gems ‘a drop in ocean of global trade’
Independent Online – Nov 30, 2006
A report by Business Leadership South Africa, an association of the country’s top executives, warned that consumer concerns over “conflict diamonds pose a long-term threat to the industry”.
Choose gems that are legit
USA Today – Dec 4, 2006
How can you make sure the diamond you are buying is not a conflict diamond? Talk to your jeweler.
A Bloody Reputation
Jerusalem Post – Feb 1, 2007
The release of the Warner Brothers movie Blood Diamond is rocking the global diamond industry to the tune of a $15 million public relations campaign being launched by DeBeers and the World Diamond Council to counter the negative impact the industry fears it might have on consumers.
Antwerp’s Diamond Dealers Polish Their Image
Deutsche Welle – Feb 3, 2007
Antwerp’s diamond industry is worried about its image. Since the Hollywood film “Blood Diamond” was released, the gem dealers have been campaigning to keep customers buying their stones.
Blood Diamonds on Amazon? Without Certification, It’s Hard to Tell
Wired News – Nov 7, 2007
Amazon announced on Tuesday that the company is selling 75 percent more diamonds this year than last year. What the retail giant won’t tell you is whether all the jewelry it sells is “conflict-free.”
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