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Conflict Diamonds And The Kimberley Process

What are ‘Conflict Diamonds’ ?

Conflict diamonds, or commonly known as ‘blood diamonds’ are diamonds that have been sourced and traded through illegal means in order to fund conflict.

The term was coined in the later part of the 1990’s when rebel forces in some African countries used diamonds to fund armed movements against legitimate governments and caused a great many human rights abuses in the process.

At the height of the problem, diamonds from these sources accounted for around 4% of the world’s diamond supply. With the initiatives the industry has put in place since its discovery of such means, they now only account for considerably less than 1%.

 

What Is Being Done About The Problem Of Conflict Diamonds?

The international diamond industry, since the late 1990’s has been taking steps to address the problem of conflict or “blood” diamonds. Work between world governments, the United Nations and other humanitarian NGOs established two important programs to ensure that only legitimately sourced diamonds are traded.

The two programs are called;

  • The Kimberley Process Certification System (KP) and
  • The System of Warranties (SoW).

All diamonds traded after 1 January 2003 are required to comply with these programs. From that date all shipments of rough diamonds have been documented, tracked by customs services and imports and exports reconciled between governments.

 

How Can I Be Absolutely Sure I Am Not Buying A Conflict Diamond?

You can only be sure by buying jewellery from a reputable jewellery professional. All members of the British Jewellers Association are committed to eliminating trade in conflict diamonds and as such have put in place an auditable means by which they can prove all diamonds sold comply with the World Diamond Council’s ‘Kimberley Process’.

 

 

What Is The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme?

The Kimberley Process sets rules for the import and export of rough diamonds, ensuring that every shipment of diamonds that crosses a border must be certified, numbered and sealed. The diamonds are shipped in tamper-resistant containers and accompanied by Government-validated certificates in order to verify that the diamonds have been sourced from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict.

We fully adhere to this system and can provide evidence of this for all pieces.

 

 

How Does The System Of Warranties Work?

The diamond industry also adopted a ‘System of Warranties’ to further assure consumers of their diamonds. Once imported and ready to be traded, a written statement must accompany all invoices, guaranteeing that the diamonds or diamond jewellery being sold are from legitimate sources.

Each time that a diamond changes hands, the seller must attest to the diamond’s legitimacy by means of a warranty. The document’s content as agreed to by the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and the World Federation of Diamond Courses, is:

“The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds.”

Diamond traders and diamond jewellery manufacturers are required to keep records of their invoices and have them audited on an annual basis.

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We've trodden the path hundreds of times before so whether you have a clear idea about your requirements or are just looking for more information, let us guide you seamlessly through the journey by getting in touch today.