vBoutique

Diamond Life

by: Nicole LoPresti | Apr. 10, 2007

 

When we think of diamonds, we imagine bling, not blood.

But recent media coverage of the dirty diamond trade in Sierra Leone has taken shine from the billion-dollar diamond industry. Conflict diamonds are mined by rebel groups in African war zones and sold, in order to finance an invading army's war efforts.

In response, the World Diamond Congress initiated the Kimberley Process to track the flow of conflict diamonds through a system of certification. Now hip hop pioneer and human rights activist, Russell Simmons, has come up with a way to indulge consumers with the lux stone, guilt-free.

His answer: The Green Bracelet. The Simmons Jewelry Company designed and crafted the piece from native African materials, including green malachite beads and a conflict free diamond. Now Vixens can be conscious and cute at the same time. At a reasonable price of $125, 50% of the net profits will go towards education programs in Africa.

You can pick up your own bracelet at simmonsjeweleryco.com. Best of all, purchasing these conflict-free diamonds, makes for 100% guilt-free shopping!