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How to Buy a Conflict-Free Diamond
Nearly a decade ago, Leonardo DiCaprio rocked the big screen in Blood Diamond, a film about a smuggler, an American journalist and a farmer all in search of a rare pink diamond in Sierra Leone. Since Blood Diamond first raised awareness about the diamond trade – and how rebels use the diamond trade to finance conflicts against legitimate governments, exploiting local labor with deadly consequences and human rights violations – brides-to-be have increasingly opted for conflict-free diamonds. But how do you know if a diamond is truly “conflict free”? From choosing diamonds certified by the Kimberley Process to re-setting vintage rings and family heirlooms, here are three ways that savvy brides-to-be are finding the perfect engagement ring that’s also an ethically responsible choice.
Trend Spotlight: Colorful Engagement Rings
Photo by: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com
Trendy brides-to-be are increasingly opting for colored diamonds. Nontraditional engagement diamond colors, like yellow and pink, let brides-to-be stand out from the crowd. Kelly Clarkson’s yellow canary diamond engagement ring is a true stunner and made even more special by the fact it was custom-designed by her husband, Brandon Blackstock. Not to be out done, fellow American Idol alum Carrie Underwood has been sporting a flawless, yellow diamond engagement ring since her 2009 engagement to hockey player Mike Fisher. Perhaps the most stunning celebrity engagement ring belongs to Blake Lively, who wears an extremely rare seven-carat pink diamond set in delicate rose gold and pave diamonds.