Gemstone expert Ira Weissman reports on his site that jewelry label De Beers is responsible for the way our culture prizes diamonds as the ultimate gesture of love. In 1946, De Beers launched their “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, which positioned the stone as a symbol of affectionand eternity, as well as a wise investment strategy. Consumers bought into the slogan, and the diamond evolved from a pretty decoration into an emblem of status and power.

In recent times, however, the stones have taken on a more sinister meaning, becoming symbols of brutal overseas insurgencies. If you’re not familiar with the term “blood diamond,” you should be, especially if you’re thinking of giving or receiving any diamonds this Valentine’s Day.

A blood diamond is a stone mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency or a warlord’s activity, usually in Africa. According to the Global Policy Forum, conflict diamonds date back to the early 1900s when European entrepreneurs gained control of diamond mines by instigating wars between African tribes. Over a hundred years later, conflict diamonds are still affecting the lives of people throughout Africa.

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