La Dolce Vita : Bling bling money ain't a thing....really?

Women love the blings. Which woman wouldn't go weak when presented with a beautiful diamond ring? I know I would.

Nice???

Of course! You say.

Let's look at the routine when one goes diamond shopping.

OOhhh....nice ring/bracelet/necklace etc! wife says "Husband...I want to take a look please." Wife skips into shop merrily while husband weighs the possibilty of walking out of the shop a few thousands poorer.

Wife spots a piece of bling and asks to take a closer look and the questioning begins.

1st question : How many carats is this?

2nd question : What is the clarity of the diamond?

3rd question : What is the colour grading of the diamond?

4th : What cut is this?

Typical conversation right? But the most important set of questions is almost always never asked.

WHERE DO THESE DIAMONDS COME FROM?

IS THIS A CONFLICT DIAMOND?

DO YOU HAVE CERTIFICATION TO PROVE IT?

What are conflict diamonds and why is it important to be aware?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa. The United Nations (UN) defines conflict diamonds as "...diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council."

These diamonds are sometimes referred to as "blood diamonds."

Would you want to buy a diamond and unknowingly fund the killing of hundreds of fellow human beings in another country?

Although today only 1% of the world's diamonds production are conflict diamonds, they still exist. Imagine how many millions or even billion pieces of diamonds out there and calculate the 1%.

To learn more about conflict diamonds, google it.

You could also catch the movie "Blood Diamonds" showing on channel 5 this Sunday to see a depiction of the horrors these diamonds inflict on the African people. If not please get a DVD. This movie is one of the must watch on my list.

So the next time you buy a diamond, remember to ask the most important question of all. Yes, that diamond might look oh so pretty on you. But would you want to support an illegal military force who enslaves their own people so they are able to dig more diamonds to fund weapons? Would you want to have blood on your hands?

In wanting to look good, we women have to also be civic minded with our choices. I always believe in that.