You are most likely going to run into this question during the holiday season... "Does your company sale "blood diamonds" or "Conflict Diamonds"?  The purpose of this lesson is simply to teach you a little about the issue, how to respond to this question as well as provide you with additional resources to obtain more information.

There is a movie coming out Dec 15th 2006 "Blood Diamonds", staring Leo Di Caprio. This will dramatize the issue even further.

In the late 1990's, the world became aware that rebel armies in parts of Central and Western Africa were illegally using the diamond trade to fund conflict against legitimate, internationally recognized governments.
The rebels used inhumane practices, including torture and slavery, to extract diamonds from the region. These diamonds became known as conflict diamonds, also referred to as "blood diamonds". Putting a stop to this human rights crisis became one of the highest priorities for governments, the United Nations, the diamond industry, and non governmental organizations. 

When you are asked the above question about Brownlee Jewelers stance on "conflict diamonds" , your response should be... "I'm glad you asked; We absolutely do not buy or sell conflict diamonds. We are a member of the Continental Buying Group and we require as a group that all diamond suppliers pledge in a signed contract to never supply any conflict diamonds. We've been doing this for years. We also require every vendor to mark every diamond invoice to us with the same pledge."

On the employee login Page You will find a short quiz, PLEASE TAKE THE QUIZ AND SUBMIT.
For more information; visit www.diamondfacts.org
Additional information has also been given to your store manager and should be covered in your next store meeting.
Harold & I will be asking you the above question when in your stores.