DIAMONDS AREN’T FOREVER by Manouska Jeantus

OVERVIEW  History  Diamond Symbolisms  Diamond Effects: -Conditioning & Industry Manipulation -Economically-Environment -Blood Diamonds  Diamond Alternatives

History of Diamonds  The first recorded history of the diamond dates back some 3,000 years to India. n those days, the diamond was used in two ways-for decorative purposes, and as a talisman to ward off evil or provide protection in battle.  The popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques, growth in the world economy, and innovative and successful advertising campaigns.  Today, diamonds are mined in at least 20 countries around the world; the majority of diamonds are found in Australia, Zaire, Botswana, Russia and South Africa.

Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend

Industry Manipulation  The De Beers group is an internationally based diamond mining and trading company that has controlled the flow of diamonds in the US market place for decades  De Beers is well known for its monopolistic practices throughout the 20th century, whereby it used its dominant position to manipulate the international diamond market. monopolistic  De Beers inflate diamond prices  Release Diamonds out of vault every so often

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Diamond Value & Your Pockets  Diamond prices have been artificially inflated by the diamond cartel.  The average diamond sold in the U.S. has been over- graded in quality by 2 grades,  The average U.S. citizen pays twice the regular price for an engagement ring.  DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER - Try to trade, sell, or pawn it and you’ll be sorely disappointed, because their “worth” has been artificially inflated! Diamonds aren’t scarce or rare.

Shiny Rock vs. Earth  Diamond mines damage the environment. all types of mining, not just diamond mining.   Diamond mining uses a variety of methods, some of which involve the removal of large quantities of soil and minerals from the earth   Diamond Mining: -Energy use and emissions -Waste and recycling -Use of water -Impact on Biodiversity  Mines are dangerous for workers (including children)

Blood Diamonds Converted diamond, conflict diamond, hot diamond or a war diamond Converted diamond, conflict diamond, hot diamond or a war diamond Diamond conflict Occurring in Sierra Leone Africa to Botswana Diamond conflict Occurring in Sierra Leone Africa to Botswana Global Witness was one of the first organizations to pick up on the link between diamonds and conflicts in Africa in its 1998 report entitled "A Rough Trade" Global Witness was one of the first organizations to pick up on the link between diamonds and conflicts in Africa in its 1998 report entitled "A Rough Trade" The international diamond industry's trading The international diamond industry's trading centers in Europe funds this war by buying up to $125 million worth of diamonds a year centers in Europe funds this war by buying up to $125 million worth of diamonds a year Child soldiers, Amputees, Exploitation & indentured services Child soldiers, Amputees, Exploitation & indentured services 50,000 to 75,000 have been killed 50,000 to 75,000 have been killed

DIAMONDS AREN’T FOREVER  Diamonds are made out of hard and soft carbon pressed minerals  Diamonds are not as rare as Valued- De Beers has a huge vault where they keep most of the world’s supply of diamonds. If it ever got released into the market, DIAMONDS WOULD BE WORHT NOTHING!  DON’T LET THE SLOGANS FOOL YOU-They will not keep your LOVE “alive”

Conflict Free Alternatives  In May 2000, the passing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1295 and the diamond producing countries of southern Africa meeting in Kimberley, South Africa to plan a method by which the trade in conflict diamonds could be halted, and buyers of diamonds could be assured that their diamonds have not contributed to violence…ALL DIAMONDS SHOULD GO THROUGH THE KIMBERLY PROCESS United Nations Security Council Resolution 1295KimberleySouth AfricaUnited Nations Security Council Resolution 1295KimberleySouth Africa  The Clean Diamond Act will hopefully help regulation  Ask Jeweler: “Where is this from?” or “Is this a Conflict-free Diamond?”  Still unsure?....Do not purchase

ECO-Friendly Alternatives Brilliant Earth Brilliant Earth Green Karat Green Karat

ALTERNATIVES

ALTERNATIVES Sapphire & Moissanite

SUMMARY  Diamond Effects: -Conditioning & Industry Manipulation -Economically-Diamond Value & Your Pocket -Environment-Shiny Rock vs. Earth -Blood Diamonds  ECO-friendly,Conflict-Free & Different Diamond Alternatives

SOURCES ever-sold-is-a-fantasy-covered-in-blood ever-sold-is-a-fantasy-covered-in-blood ever-sold-is-a-fantasy-covered-in-blood ever-sold-is-a-fantasy-covered-in-blood conflict-diamonds-and-problems-with-diamonds/ conflict-diamonds-and-problems-with-diamonds/ conflict-diamonds-and-problems-with-diamonds/ conflict-diamonds-and-problems-with-diamonds/ Chagrined-When-Jewelers-Scoff-At-Fabulous- Fake-Diamonds&id= Chagrined-When-Jewelers-Scoff-At-Fabulous- Fake-Diamonds&id=70974