History of Diamonds in Africa

Diamonds in Africa were formed somewhere between 600 million and 3 billion years ago when titanic-force pressure and heat caused carbon 1,200 miles (1,931 km) below the Earth's surface to crystallize. As recently as a million years ago, erupting molten rock brought the diamonds closer to the Earth's surface.

A diamond hunter pans for gems near Koidu, Sierra Leone
Georges Gobet/AFP/Getty Images
A diamond hunter pans for gems near Koidu, Sierra Leone

Since then, they have brought joy into the hearts of those who receive them and stress into the hearts of those who can't afford them. The irony of diamond desire is that it centers around the idea that diamonds are precious and rare. While diamonds may be precious gems, they aren't even a little bit rare. Mines in Africa, Canada and other countries abound with the stones, which are mined, cut and then marked way up to result in a huge profit.

However, De Beers, the powerhouse that controls about 60 percent of the diamond industry, has spent the last decades waging a stunning marketing campaign that continues to gain momentum. Desire for diamonds has never been greater and the industry continues to grow despite rising costs and concern over legitimacy. Despite the company's seeming monopoly on the world's diamonds, De Beers insists that their diamonds are 100 percent conflict-free [source: De Beers].

The World Diamond Council, formed in 2000 to combat illegal diamond trading in Africa, maintains that diamonds benefit the world in many ways other than just looking pretty. For example, roughly 10 million people worldwide are supported by the diamond industry. Also, revenue from the diamond industry is integral to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.

How to Avoid Purchasing a Blood Diamond
Although efforts have been taken to reduce the number of blood diamonds on the legitimate diamond market today, the practice of smuggling makes it impossible to completely eradicate them. To ensure that your diamond represents love and purity, rather than greed and hate, ask your jeweler the following questions before plunking down your hard-earned cash:
  • What is your company's policy on blood/conflict diamonds?
  • From what country are your company's diamonds imported?
  • Can you provide a guarantee in writing from your diamond supplier stating that this diamond is not a conflict diamond?
Experts agree that any reputable diamond dealer should be able to provide the necessary documentation to put your mind at ease. If they can't do that, simply take your business elsewhere. Experts also recommend purchasing diamonds from Australia and Canada, although there are legitimate diamond mines in Africa.

What exactly are blood diamonds? Find out more on the next page.