Beautiful gemstone alternatives to "blood diamonds"

  Many beautiful gemstones have emerged onto the marketplace recently, which can replace buying  "blood diamonds" from African nations. I have found that the less expensive alternatives found in department stores or eco-friendly websites can be more vibrant and increasingly unique. 

Alexandrite (pink), Rose Quartz (light pink), Carnelian (deep red), cultured pearls, and Zultanite (ethical diamonds from Turkey).

Stay on the lookout for any "conflict-free" diamonds, which are created in labs rather than mined. These do not fuel civil war and are just as beautiful and more durable than conventional diamonds.

Amnesty International's anti conflict diamond campaign.
"What price for diamonds?"