Conflict Free Diamonds

What are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds, also known as "blood" diamonds, are diamonds procured or obtained to fund waging war or rebel groups who are involved in spreading communal disharmony. These diamonds are often procured by illegal and unethical means. Some examples include child labor, human rights violations or by bypassing environmental standards.

To control this universal threat, and put an end to their corrupt practices within the system, the worldwide diamond industry has worked relentlessly with government agencies like United Nations and the Human Rights Organization ratifying The Kimberly Process Certification and passed resolution in 2003. Abiding by this resolution, companies involved throughout the entire diamond supply chain have met the requirements of this resolution and assure that all diamonds passed through this infrastructure are free from "conflict" and "blood".

What are Kimberly Process and America's Patriot Act?

The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established to certify the origin of rough diamonds from sources known to be conflict-free. The goal is to ensure that conflict diamonds are kept out of the retail market. A 2000 meeting of southern Africa diamond producing countries established guidelines for the KPCS which were later adopted by the United Nations. To ensure compliance, independent auditing systems are tasked with tracking diamonds from their place of origin to delivery. Polished diamonds sold in the US must adhere to the Patriot Act which requires that every US dealer maintain Kimberly compliance or be subject to penalties from Homeland Security, the US Justice Department, and the US Treasury.

Eliminating Conflict Diamonds

Today, more than 99% of the world's diamonds are now from conflict free sources and are officially traded under the UN mandated Kimberley Process.