changing attitudes
diamond rings
diamonds
lives affected by diamond trade
mining diamonds
movie topic
Seen the movie Blood Diamond? Did it take away any sparkle from your ring?
By rx4life
@rx4life (1930)
United States
April 17, 2007 9:41pm CST
Just wondering if anyone that has seen this movie came away with different feelings about the diamond you may wear on your finger?.The movie was very well made...and the topic was disturbing...people dying over diamonds...the supply and demand creation...just the whole subject was very eye opening. Several years ago I met a man that told me about the diamonds in Africa and how they were mined and the atrocities that were committed for these "gems"...then when I saw the movie it was just as he had explained. I know it really made me think...and I do have 3 diaimond rings..one was my mother's engagement ring ( a diamond so small you can barely see it..but it means a lot to me) and a diamond ring my husband bought me when we had been married 10 years ( couldn't afford anything but a silver band when we married..which I still love the best) and a 3 diamond ring that I purchased after my mom passed away from the same jeweler my father bought my mother's engagement ring from....Now I can't speak for the first 2 but the 3rd ring is certified to be a non-conflict diamond, mined in Canada. This makes me feel better but I still look at the other 2 and wonder how many lives were affected for me to own them...and you?..if you've seen the movie or know the history of most diamonds...do they still sparkle as brightly for you or have they lost a little luster since you learned of their possible history?
3 people like this
6 responses
@blackkatdreamer (1461)
• Canada
5 May 07
First it you look at breepeaces post you'll find out that some certificates have been forged... I was never a big fan but after watching the movie I did a little research and decided I no longer want a diamond ever... to many lives lost over a rock
1 person likes this
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
6 May 07
I know these certificates can be forged...the only consolation I have is that the jeweler I bought from is a family friend for 60 years and he does his own buying...he deals with Canadian diamonds but who knows where they make their way!! I agree....too many lives lost and put in harm's way for such a petty item!!!
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
24 Apr 07
While I hadn't actually seen the movie, I did see a special on tv that was basically the same idea of showing how the poor are abused in 3rd world countries to mine gems. Now I'm not cloistered and figured they didn't make much but to see how little and see the conditions they work in and are forced to work in as a harsh reality of the real world amazed me. I have to say, I've wondered if I could ever really purchase or receive a gem without knowing it's origins and what price someone has paid in their blood for the gem. I'm not a huge jewelry fan anyways but I have a good friend in the gem business that is always offering me items and now I have to honestly ask him about the mines that he helps his company oversee. It's rather frightening to think about and has definitely made me realize that I need to know the true origins of the gem.
1 person likes this
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
24 Apr 07
For sure the origins are so important...but I'm beginning to think I was right years ago when I only wore silver jewelry ( still do mostly) and didn't have any of these conflict diamonds to worry about...If you get a chance to see the movie it's a good rent...if you like Leonardo di Caprio..I wasn't a big fan of his but he really stays in character in this one and does a great job!!!
@kathy77 (7486)
• Australia
18 Apr 07
Well in actual fact I have never seen ths movie Blood Diamond, but I shall keep my eyes open for it seeing you are highly recommending this movie. Oh I bet that there are a lot of atrocities that go on in regards to these diamonds in Africa, I also have 3 diamond rings, one from my deceased mother along with her eternity ring and my own as well. I have never heard of this story before but it has a whole new meaning to it when people want diamonds doesn't it.
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
18 Apr 07
Yes it is a moving movie...it is sad to think that people are treated with no regard and an inanimate object is more important than a human life in this world..( the world of trade and commerce in many countries.) We should all see it...and take it to heart...we need to do our parts to stop these atrocities where ever they are happening!!!
1 person likes this
@bethed (277)
• United States
18 Apr 07
I have never been a big diamond lover.After seeing the movie I am glad.I could not believe the people that are effected by the sole purpose of owning a diamond.The one ring I own is diamond flecks that was bought for me for mothers day by my children several years back.I am thrilled that my taste run into other areas when it comes to jewelry.I just hope that other people watch the movie and realize the true nature of the jewel.
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
18 Apr 07
I was never a diamond person either...I inherited my mom's ring when she passed away and the one I bought was one she wanted me to have several years ago and I did get the certification of non conflict. I will not be buying anymore diamonds in my life as far as I can see...My true jewelry tastes are Indonesian and Italian sterling silver and hand made silver bracelets and rings..I love silver and always will...I also hope the movie makes impressions on people and they respond accordingly.. Thanks for responding...:)
@Savvynlady (3684)
• United States
19 Apr 07
I haven't watched the movie, but I knew about the trade of diamond trading most recently from Kanye West's song, "Diamonds are Forever". that song will make you take a pause and think.
@whywiki (6066)
• Canada
19 Apr 07
I came home from the movie and told hubby it was the best $10 he spent. I bummed the cash for the movie off him. We have been together forever and have never been able to afford a nice diamond ring, now I don't want one. It was a real eye opener to say the least. I am not a big leonardo fan but the co star was excellent. I was surprised by what a good movie it was. The only diamond I would want to wear is one made of a loved one's ashes. I hear they can do that and you can even choose the colour! I've told my other half if he goes first I will make him into a yellow diamond.
