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Dec 11, 2006 9:03 pm US/Pacific
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Bay Area Company Sells Conflict-Free Diamonds
by Jeanette Pavini
(CBS 5)
"We didn't want to buy an engagement ring that had such tragedy surrounding it," Beth Gerstein remembers.
When Gerstein got engaged, she wanted a conflict-free stone.
That search led her and a partner to start their own jewelry business, Brilliant Earth.
"I think once people start to hear about some of these atrocities, the civil wars in Sierra Leone and Angola, it will really raise public consciousness," Gerstein said.
The diamond industry says things have improved since the times depicted in the film Blood Diamond.
In 2003 a certification system known as the Kimberley Process began.
It requires producers to ensure diamonds aren't used to pay for bloody civil wars or terrorism.
But according to Gerstein, that's not the only problem.
"The Kimberley Process doesn't do anything to address human rights abuses with child labor (or) worker exploitation."
Brilliant Earth sells only diamonds mined in Canada.
"Our metals are all recycled. There's no new mining necessary, and gold mining one of the most destructive industries that you'll find out there," Gerstein added.
Rights groups recommend asking stores where their diamonds come from, and for a written guarantee.
Gerstein hopes more informed and active consumers will help bring about change.
"Given that these are symbols of love and commitment, I think it's important that consumers wear something that reflects their values," Gerstein said.
"If diamonds are a girl's best friend then we've got a lot of friends," says Leslie Drapkin of Jest Jewels.
For everyday glamour, shoppers can find guilt-free cubic zirconium at many stores including Jest Jewels in San Francisco.
"They are graded much the way diamonds are," Drapkin said. "There are some that are better than others. It's all fun, and very often, you can't tell."
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)