You have probably seen or heard about the blockbuster movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, and Djimon Hounsou showing the horrific diamond trade in Sierra Leone. Or you may even vaguely remember a Time Magazine article documenting the return of the blood diamond.
What exactly is a conflict or “blood” diamond? Conflict diamonds are rough diamonds that are illegally traded to fund conflicts in war-torn areas, particularly conflicts in parts of central and western Africa. The diamonds have historically been extracted from mines using impoverished men, women, and children, and in some cases, people forced into labor, using primitive and physically demanding methods.
So now that you know what a conflict diamond is, how do you know if the diamond you are buying is from a conflict-free source?
Due to public outcry and concerns about conflict diamonds entering the international market, a global process was established to help trace the origin of rough diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, informally known as the Kimberley Process, is an international certification system established in 2003.
The Kimberley Process is a joint initiative involving governments, the diamond industry, and civil society organizations designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream market. Participating countries are required to follow specific procedures for the international trade of rough diamonds.
Kimberley Process certificates are attached to qualifying rough diamond shipments. These government-validated certificates are intended to verify that shipments comply with the Kimberley Process requirements and are not associated with rebel movements seeking to finance armed conflict.
The certification system requires participating countries to follow procedures designed to prevent uncertified rough diamonds from being imported or exported through participating countries. Failure to comply with the requirements can result in shipments being rejected or other sanctions under applicable laws.
Today, the Kimberley Process covers the vast majority of the global rough diamond trade, helping provide an international framework for preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate markets.
How Can You Make Sure Your Diamond Is Conflict-Free?
Now that you know about the Kimberley Process, how can you make sure that the diamond you would like to buy originated from a country participating in the Kimberley Process?
First, buy diamonds from reputable companies.
Only buy diamonds from reputable companies that can provide information about their sourcing policies and conflict-free practices. A diamond website like Diamond Hedge partners with leading diamond retailers and provides a platform for comparing individual diamond prices across these retailers.
If you are shopping for a diamond engagement ring, take the time to research the retailer and understand its sourcing and responsible-diamond policies before making a purchase.
Second, ask questions about the diamond’s origin.
Make sure the retailer can answer any concerns you may have about the origins and sourcing of the diamond you are interested in buying. It is important to ask questions about where the diamond comes from and what measures the retailer follows to ensure responsible sourcing.
If you are not satisfied with the answer, consider finding another retailer or consult the official Kimberley Process website for additional information.
Third, check the retailer’s conflict-diamond policy.
Look for information about responsible sourcing and conflict-free diamond policies. Reputable diamond companies should be transparent about the standards and policies they follow when sourcing diamonds.
When comparing loose diamonds, consumers can consider not only the diamond’s carat, cut, color, and clarity, but also the retailer’s sourcing and responsible-diamond practices.
Why Responsible Diamond Sourcing Matters
Buying a diamond is a significant decision, particularly when it is intended for an engagement ring. Understanding how diamonds are sourced can help consumers make purchasing decisions that align with their values.
Whether you are searching for a diamond engagement ring or comparing loose diamonds, responsible sourcing should be considered alongside price, quality, and design.
Diamond Hedge provides consumers with a convenient way to compare diamonds from leading retailers while exploring important diamond specifications and purchasing options.
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