RAMALLAH, March 31 (JMCC) - Israel is the world's leading exporter of diamonds, reports the Electronic Intifada, and a boycott of the Israeli jewels would deeply impact the Israeli economy.
Contrary to claims by the diamond industry and jewelers that all diamonds are now conflict free, they are not. Israel's dominant position in the industry means that diamonds crafted in Israel are interspersed globally with diamonds crafted in other countries. Consumers who purchase diamonds that are not laser-inscribed to identify where they were crafted run a significant risk of purchasing a diamond crafted in Israel, thereby helping to fund gross human rights violations. The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme strictures only apply to rough diamonds, thus allowing diamonds crafted in Israel to freely enter the market regardless of the criminal actions of the Israeli government and armed forces. The Kimberly Process is seriously flawed and is being used by the diamond industry and jewelers to pull the wool over consumers' eyes by telling them that all diamonds are now conflict free without explaining the limitations and exactly what that means.
Read the full study at the Electronic Intifada...