Here is a very informative article about DeBeers, their control of the diamond industry, and the way they strongly impacted the public's view of diamonds throughout history. http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/198202/diamond
I don't believe that DeBeers deals in conflict diamonds anymore after coming under much international scrutiny
Concerning GIA lab created diamonds, here is another great article about the GIA transitioning to giving their stamp of approval on lab created diamonds that meet their standards. Man-made diamonds cost a tenth of what naturally occurring diamonds cost and even a jeweler would have problems telling them apart. : http://www.jcrs.com/newsletters/2006/2006_11.htm
A real diamond engagement ring loses much of its value as soon as it is purchased and leaves the store. In my mind, a man-made diamond is a very cost-effective purchase...looks like the real thing, is basically the real thing, but costs much less. Use the thousands you have saved to put a down-payment on a house or fund your 401K. Don't tell the naysayers that your multi-carat bling-bling is not a naturally occurring diamond, and they will think you have spent a mint and you can laugh all the way to the bank
