Ever since the DeBeer’s Mining Company successfully connected diamonds with romance in the early part of the 20th century, it has been a custom in the U.S. to buy diamonds as a sign of love and affection.

“A diamond is forever” is a popular diamond slogan used today and to support this we have diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and, the symbol of true intimacy, the diamond engagement ring.

However, although diamonds are such a part of our romantic tradition, in spite of the fact that they look so beautiful on us, where they come from is often just the opposite.

Picture this scene: a young girl stands next to her mother; she is a pretty girl, dark from the sun, big brown eyes and a bright smile across her face, a happy little girl, especially for someone who has had her arm amputated. Amputation is a trademark terror tactic of the Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone, home of some of the world’s richest diamond mines.

In another scene, parents are lamenting the loss of their young son who was kidnapped to fight for the RUF. This is a reality in Sierra Leone. The RUF has been cited for these and several other brutal, terrorizing acts on the civilian population of Sierra Leone.

What does this have to do with diamonds here in the U.S.? The RUF is able to fund its terror because it has control of the rich diamond mines in the country. Its diamond sales have been estimated $25-$125 million per year, which they use to fund the revolution with its trademark amputations (amnesty international).

An article in the Washington Post, U.S. and European intelligence said they have also linked the al-Qaeda network to the RUF and the diamond trade (Nov. 2, 2001; page A1).

On July 5, the United Nations Security Council voted to ban international sales of diamonds originating from the RUF. On July 19, members of the diamond industry agreed to make a move to eliminate the “blood diamonds” through an international certification process. However, this will only move forward if consumers speak with their dollars.

Americans consume 65 percent of the world’s diamonds. Only a small percentage of those are estimated to be “blood diamonds.” However, these diamonds are in our stores and on our bodies and they will continue to be until we as consumers demand that our diamonds be clean. Demand that our diamonds not fund terror.

When we as consumers speak with our dollars, the jewelry industry will listen. So this holiday season, when we are in the jewelry stores looking at the beautiful array of diamonds, let’s ask the jeweler if the diamonds are clean. Ask them if they have a certification process in their buying to assure that their diamonds are not funding terrorism. If they don’t, then ask why not and if they will do it. Then let’s consider buying other gifts, the proceeds of which we can be sure will not fund oppression and hate.

For more information on blood diamonds and what you can do, go to www.amnesty.org or www.phrusa.org.

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