DiamondGeezer.com Bans Diamonds from Marange

Posted in News by Admin on November 27th, 2009

DiamondGeezer.com implemented an immediate trading ban on diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange diamond fields due to severe human rights violations. The U.K.-based online retailer cited reports from Partnership Africa Canada that Zimbabwe’s diamond industry is out of control, which led to its decision. 

“Severe human rights violations have taken place in the diamond fields of Marange, Zimbabwe and the DiamondGeezer.com board of directors has passed a resolution banning the trade or use of  any Marange diamonds,” according to a company statement.

The government has expropriated diamond lands and companies without due process and awarded the prizes to ZANU-PF supporters and to the military, the company explained. “It has used brut force to clear the diamond fields…murdering hundreds of people in the process. Increasing military control in almost all of the diamond mines, and over the ministry suggests that a new conflict scenario may be developing,” the retailer added by quoting Partnership Africa Canada.

Based upon diamond export statistics, DiamondGeezer concluded that there was a 1.33 million carat shortfall between what the country mined and what the country  exported, thus the general belief was that amount had been illegally smuggled out.

“Simply ensure that the diamonds you buy this Christmas are purchased from a reputable, accreditated  diamond jeweler, whether online or traditional, and be aware and question  the source of any diamonds that seem to be too good to be true,” according to DiamondGeezer.