The new public awareness of “blood” diamonds has pushed U.S. lawmakers into action too: “The symbol of love and happiness in America should not be paid for with the blood of Africans,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) as he proposed the “Clean Diamonds Act” on Capitol Hill earlier this summer. If passed, the bi-partisan bill would — like the latest EU proposals — back up the Kimberly Process by banning the import and sale of “dirty” diamonds across the United States. “Our legislation says ‘if you can’t prove to U.S. Customs agents that your diamonds are legitimate, take your business and your diamonds elsewhere,’” Durbin said.
According to the diamond industry, Americans buy more than 65 percent of the world’s diamonds in the form of engagement rings and other jewelry, so the proposed law could have a considerable impact on the illicit trade.