Learn The 4 C's Of Diamonds - James Allen Collection

CUT...A diamond's cut is not only about its shape,the formation of a government of national unity.
but how effectively the stone can return lightThe United Nations and the Economic Community
back to the viewer's eye. A well-cut diamond willof West African States (ECOWAS) helped
appear very brilliant and fiery; while more poorlyfacilitate the negotiations. In resolution 1270 of
cut stones can appear dark and lifeless, regardlessOctober 22, 1999, the Security Council established
of color or clarity.the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone
Color...When shopping for a diamond, it is generally(UNAMSIL) to help create the conditions in which
preferred to have the least amount of colorthe parties could implement the Agreement.
possible. Diamond color is divided into five broadSubsequently, the number of personnel were
categories:increased and tasks to be carried out by
Colorless: Diamonds within the colorless range areUNAMSIL adjusted by the Council in resolutions
the most rare and valuable of all the colors. color1289 of February 8, 2000 and 1299 of May 19,
stones display virtually no color, whereas colored2000, making UNAMSIL the second largest
diamonds will display a nearly undetected amountpeacekeeping force currently deployed by the
of color when viewed face down by a gemologist.United Nations (the largest such contingent is in
Near Colorless: Diamonds within the near colorlessthe Congo.
range appear colorless in the face up position, butFollowing international concern at the role played
do display a slight amount of color when viewedby the illicit diamond trade in fueling conflict in
face down against a perfectly white background.Sierra Leone, the Security Council adopted
This trace amount of color will be undetectable toresolution 1306 on July 5, 2000 imposing a ban on
an untrained eye once the diamond has beenthe direct or indirect import of rough diamonds
mounted. Near colorless diamonds offer afrom Sierra Leone not controlled by the
tremendous value for the money.Government of Sierra Leone through a Certificate
Understanding Fluorescence - How does it effectof Origin regime. An arms embargo and selective
a diamond?travel ban on non-governmental forces were
Some diamonds can display a visible light calledalready in effect under resolution 1171 of June 5,
fluorescence when exposed to an ultraviolet light1998.
source. This fluorescence will be measured asOn July 31, 2000 and August 1, 2000,
inert, faint, medium or strong. Blue fluorescence isAmbassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Chairman
most common, however diamonds can alsoof the Security Council Committee established
fluoresce white, yellow, and orange (among otherpursuant to resolution 1132 (1997) concerning
colors). Fluorescence usually has no effect on aSierra Leone, presided over the first ever
diamonds appearance in regular light conditions.exploratory public hearing by the Security Council
Strong blue fluorescence can make a yellowin New York. The hearing was attended by
colored diamond appear more white, but in rarerepresentatives of interested Member States,
cases can cause a stone to appear milky or oily.regional organizations, non-governmental
This milky or oily effect is called an "over blue"organizations, the diamond industry and other
and only applies to a small number of "strong" andrelevant experts. The hearing exposed the link
"very strong" fluorescent stones.between the trade in illicit Sierra Leone diamonds
Which Color should you Choose?and trade in arms and related material. The ways
Most people find it very difficult (if not impossible)and means for developing a sustainable and
to tell the difference from one color grade towell-regulated diamond industry in Sierra Leone
another. The difference in price, however, can bewere also discussed.
significant.However, you can find a tremendousAs called for by resolution 1306 of July 5, 2000,
value while still achieving a "colorless" look.the Secretary-General, on August 2, 2000,
Shopping on a budget or trying to maximize theestablished a Panel of Experts, to collect
size of your stone? If so then "J" diamonds areinformation on possible violations of the arms
most affordable and still near colorless. You mayembargo and the link between trade in diamonds
also want to consider choosing a diamond withand trade in arms and related material, consider
medium or strong fluorescence. Since thesethe adequacy of air traffic control systems in the
diamonds are discounted slightly in price you canWest African region for the purpose of detecting
often afford a higher color stone without payingflights suspected of contravening the arms
the premium.embargo, and report to the Council with
Angolaobservations and recommendations on ways of
In 1998, the United Nations (UN) placed Angolastrengthening the arms and diamonds embargoes
under sanctions forbidding countries from buyingno later than October 3, 2000. The Chairman of
diamonds from them. This was the first resolutionthe Panel was Martin Chungong Ayafor
of the UN which specifically mentioned diamonds in(Cameroon). The other members were Atabou
the context of funding war. Reports estimatedBodian (Senegal), Johan Peleman (Belgium), Harjit
that as much as 20% of total production in theSingh Sandhu (India) and Ian Smillie (Canada). The
1990s were being sold for illicit purposes, and 15%Panel submitted its report to the Security Council
were specifically conflict in nature.By 1999, the illiciton December 19, 2000. On January 25, 2001 the
diamond trade was estimated by the WorldSecurity Council, at its 4264th meeting,
Diamond Council to have been reduced to 3.06%considered the report of the panel of experts.
of the world's diamond production.The WorldDiamond revenues in Sierra Leone have increased
Diamond Council reported that by 2004 thismore than tenfold since the end of the conflict,
percentage had fallen to approximately 1%.from $10 million in 2000 to about $130 million in
Angola is a former colony of Portugal and gained2004,although from 1989 to 2003 Liberia was
independence in 1975. Although independent, theengaged in a civil war. In 2000, the UN accused
country saw civil war between the PopularLiberian president Charles G. Taylor of supporting
Movement for the Liberation of Angola (PMLA)the RUF insurgency in Sierra Leone with weapons
faction, and the National Union for the Totaland training in exchange for diamonds. In 2001 the
Independence of Angola (UNITA) faction. DuringUN applied sanctions on the Liberian diamond
this war, diamonds were traded by rebel groupstrade. In August 2003 Taylor stepped down as
to fund their war. The UN recognized the role thatpresident, and after being exiled to Nigeria, now
diamonds played in funding the UNITA rebels, andfaces trial in the Hague. On July 21, 2006 he
in 1998 banned countries from buying diamondspleaded not guilty of crimes against humanity and
from Angola. Today Angola's civil war has endedwar crimes.
and the country is now a legitimate part of theLiberia today is at peace and is attempting to
diamond trade.construct a legitimate diamond mining industry.
Sierra LeoneThe UN has lifted sanctions and Liberia is now a
In July 1999, following over eight years of civilmember of the Kimberley process.
conflict, negotiations between the Government ofOk back to love and holiday blessing.
Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United FrontCelebrate your wedding or anniversary with a
led to the signing of the Lome Peace Agreementspectacular James Allen band. We offer a wide
under which the parties agreed to the cessationrange of classic and contemporary designs as well
of hostilities, disarmament of all combatants andas three-stone and eternity rings.