The recent release of the movie "Blood Diamond" has raised the public's awareness of past abuses and ongoing concern about the ethical mining practices in the diamond industry. We at David Liska Custom Jeweler have, and continue to purchase, only those diamonds that are 100% Kimberely Process certifiable. "No profit is worth the price of human life," said David in a recent statement. "I believe one conflict diamond is one too many. However, it is important to understand that simply banning all diamonds from Africa would be an ironic twist of cruelty against the people of Africa because the $8.4 billion diamond industry is absolutely essential to their economy."
Some additional facts about the African diamond industry:
- Approximately 5 million people have access to health care due to diamond revenues.
- An estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry.
- Revenues from the diamond industry help provide necessary counseling, testing, education, treatment programs, clinics and hospices for HIV/AIDS patients.
For more information and a list of resources, visit www.diamondfacts.org.