Awareness about the issue of conflict diamonds is only the first step to its eradication. It raises immediate questions for the conscientious consumer about ethical buying practices. Where can conflict free diamonds be purchased? How can you know for certain that they are not tainted with the blood of civil war and human rights violations? Can one person's decision have an impact? Educating oneself about the issues and demanding that retailers hold themselves and their suppliers accountable for purchasing and disseminating conflict free gems is the key to ending this problem.

Conflict diamonds, or blood diamonds as they are often called, are raw stones which originate in countries fraught with rebel fighting, civil war, and political turmoil. The proceeds of this valuable resource are largely used by warlords to finance military armament and ongoing conflict in these countries, while workers caught in the mining business are enslaved and brutally treated. Since the beginning of the present decade much public attention has been focused on ways to combat and end the sale and trade of these diamonds. The United Nations, with the cooperation of the global diamond industry, has developed a program, known as the Kimberley Process Certification System, to guarantee the authenticity and legitimacy of conflict free diamonds. In addition, countries which certify that their diamonds are conflict free cannot trade with non-certified nations. Since its inception, the KPCS has reduced the percentage of blood diamonds in the market to 1%, but more can be done.

While the progress that has been made is encouraging, it is only a first step. In particular, the responsibility of consumers to require the exclusive availability of conflict free diamonds is the key to eliminating this human rights nightmare. If all retailers felt the financial pressure from scrupulous customers willing to take their business elsewhere, they would make certain to comply. Market demand fuels this problem, and the reality is that consumer's wallets carry the ultimate power. Without a buyer for blood diamonds, countries harboring such mines would be forced to yield or face serious economic consequences.

Amnesty International, the grassroots organization fighting to protect human rights around the world, has put together a helpful guide for those interested in buying conflict free diamonds. They suggest four important questions to pose to your retailer. First, ask for confirmation that they do not carry conflict diamonds. Then inquire after the diamond's point of origin. Thirdly, request a hard copy of the retailer's stance on conflict diamonds. Finally and most importantly, ask for the supplier's certification that the stones in question are, indeed, conflict free. If they cannot or will not answer these questions, chances are their diamonds are of questionable origin. By making the decision to take your business elsewhere, you can send a resounding message that the practice of buying and selling blood diamonds will not be tolerated.

Unfortunately, little can be done about previously bought, uncertified diamonds. While it is understandably upsetting to think that jewelry obtained in good faith and without knowledge of this terrible issue may have contributed to the problem of blood diamonds, it is important to focus on what can be done moving forward. Through research you can find retailers who openly advertise that they carry only conflict free diamonds, and if your present jeweler does not publicize their stance, just add a fifth C to the familiar 4 Cs of diamond buying -- Conflict. Making an ethical choice is as simple as asking your retailer the right questions and backing up those answers with a principled purchase, which may mean buying somewhere else. Certification and transparent transactions will win the battle against blood diamonds.