Diamonds from the Rough ; Jewelers in Columbia and around the World Are Taking Steps to Be Sure the Gems They Sell Are Conflict-Free

Beginning of article

At least once a week at Tucker's Fine Jewelry, 823 E. Broadway, a stranger drops in on Rob Tucker to try to sell him a diamond. The seller generally carries a backpack or briefcase and doesn't speak English well. The seller might offer a great deal on a 50-point round cut, but Tucker won't bother with him. Tucker buys diamonds from two suppliers: Jim and Ezra, whom he has known since he was a kid.

Like other local jewelers who are wary of so-called "conflict diamonds," Tucker buys only from people he knows he can trust.

"They tell me about their trips and send my daughter pajamas," Tucker said. "I have all the confidence in them."

Conflict diamonds are …