If you are shopping for a diamond engagement ring, you may have come across the term "conflict diamond" or "blood diamond". This refers to a diamond that has been mined in a war zone and sold to help finance an insurgency or possibly a warlords efforts. The proceeds of these diamonds fall into the hands of evil men and rebel movements that attack innocent government - innocent people suffer because of it.

Many people do not like the idea of buying a diamond that has been mined under these circumstances. It's an ethical decision and one that is made in order to try to do "the right thing". The trade in these illicit stones has contributed to devastating conflicts in countries such as Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone. Canadian diamond companies have caught on to this and are now marketing their diamonds as being Canadian and therefore conflict free. It's a way for customers to know that the diamonds they are purchasing are not "blood" diamonds.

So do you need to but a Canadian diamond to be sure the diamond is conflict free? Well, perhaps to be 100% certain. But the good news is that because of the Kimberley Process - a joint government initiative, international diamond industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds that was established in 2002 - the percentage of blood diamonds in circulation is extremely small. It is estimated that only 0.2% of diamonds (1 in every 500) have some sort of ties to these illicit organizations. It really depends on your level of comfort. If you must be 100% certain that your diamond is "conflict-free", you should consider purchasing a Canadian diamond. These diamonds are laser inscribed so you know exactly what you are getting.

However, the number of conflict diamonds on the market is getting smaller and smaller each year. It is highly unlikely you would ever come into contact with one - however I suppose you can't be 100% certain. As rare as it may be, even lightning can strike twice. If you are shopping for a diamond, I put together a guide that will help you out. You can find it at my website - you will be happy to hear that it will save you money. Diamonds aren't cheap! This will help you get the most out of your money.