Peaceful Diamonds

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

“That person’s a real diamond in the rough.”

“Neil Diamond’s music is top-notch.”

These are all verifiable and true statements in our culture about diamonds (except that one about diamonds being a girl’s best friend, as it’s actually usually puppies or chocolate).

What was I saying? Oh, yes—diamonds. They’re everywhere in culture, as well as many a chick flick and Pinterest search history and "wedding dream board." But then, there’s also...

blood diamond…
conflict diamond…

I don’t like these words, and I’m sure you don’t either. In fact, for some time I’ve avoided watching the movie about this type of diamond (you know, the Leo DiCaprio one) because I imagine that a lot of tears would be involved. I’ve known for awhile that there are terrible conditions surrounding diamond mining in the world, and I know that when looking for jewelry, people should specifically purchase “conflict free” diamonds. 

Hearing the detailed realities about conflict diamonds can be really hard to process. It makes me want to put on my superhero gear and go storming into these places and take out any evildoers in sight. But I don't have any superhero gear (yet), and the corruption in these places runs deep.

So what can anyone do?

Well, recently I discovered the group Diamonds for Peace (DFP). The DFP team works hard and is making huge strides in raising awareness and affecting real change in the lives of diamond miners. Check out their website here, and how they got started here. They have a blog, news updates, and a donation page that are effective in letting everyone know what is happening and how they can help.

The Diamonds for Peace team is hard-working, determined, professional, friendly, and truly making a difference. So even though you and I don't have our superhero gear, we're not powerless when it comes to fighting corruption. I've been doing volunteer work with Diamonds for Peace, and I've felt SO encouraged to hear about positive changes happening (as we speak!) that are getting rid of corruption in the diamond mining industry. Check it out for yourself! You'll see how rewarding it can be to partner with people across the globe to help make the world a better place.

(Oh, and...by the way, Neil Diamond’s music absolutely is top-notch.)

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