Conflict Free Diamonds

What are Conflict Diamonds?

“Diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments” – The UN definition of conflict-diamonds

The Issue:

In recent decades, human injustice and illegal trade have defined the diamond mining industry.  The diamond industry is central to the African economy, however throughout history much of the diamond supply was used to finance illegal and detrimental programs.  In regions of Africa, miners work in dangerous conditions, are subject to human rights abuses, and many are paid less than $1 per day. In some of the poorest countries this workforce is made up of 30-50% children less than 16 years of age. In addition to these hazardous work environments, rough diamonds are often smuggled and used in illegal trade. Terrorists and other civilians use these conflict-diamonds to finance civil wars and terrorist acts that have killed millions worldwide. Many of these conflict-diamonds enter into the supply of diamonds sold in other countries, which fuels the diamond industry and perpetuates violence and unrest in these mining countries.

Global Witness and Amnesty International were the first organizations to address the issue of conflict-free diamonds and start programs to regulate the diamond industry.  Today, international organizations, local governments, and jewelry retailers are working together to stop selling conflict diamonds and improve the work conditions for diamond miners.

Advantages:

An informed consumer has the ability to make knowledgeable and altruistic decisions. When purchasing a diamond, it is important that your commitment to another person is also a commitment to improving the lives of others. Buying a conflict-free diamond is important in combating the underground diamond trade, which finances civil war and terrorism. Many companies use part of their profits from conflict-free diamond sales to support programs that promote human rights, better work conditions, and sustainable economies in developing countries by working in partnership with not for profit organizations.

Certification:

   In 2003, the Kimberley Process was developed to certify the origin of diamonds and prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate market of diamond sales. Currently 71 governments worldwide are members of the Kimberley Process and must maintain 100% adherence to the certification standards. Rough diamonds must be transported directly to Government Diamond Offices where the origin of the diamond is confirmed.

Under the provisions of the Kimberley Process, conflict-free diamonds are transported in tamper-resistant certified containers to prevent smuggling and assure authenticity. Diamonds can only be imported or exported from countries that agree to Kimberley Process. Worldwide, about 99% of diamonds are mined in the countries that adhere to the Kimberley Process. Although, the Kimberley Process is not a perfect system, the United Nations in partnership with the member governments continues to improve the Kimberley Process and ensure that all exported and imported diamonds are conflict-free.

Alternatives:

Kimberley Process certified conflict-free diamonds are imported from around the world and sold in many jewelry stores throughout America. Select jewelry stores partner with SHARED in the " Shop for SHARED " program, which refers customers to responsible conflict-free diamond vendors.  If you chose to patron the businesses partaking in " Shop for SHARED " please print out the following coupon and present it to the vender with your purchase. 

Conflict-free diamonds are sold with a certificate of origin. In recent years, Canada has built a multi-billion dollar diamond mining industry in the Northwest Territory. These Canadian Diamonds are mined ethically by an experienced workforce and are guaranteed to be conflict-free. The Canadian mining industry and government are collaborating in order to insure that local mining practices are also ecologically friendly and sustainable for the environment.

Furthermore, companies like Apollo Diamond have developed state of the art technologies for designing diamonds. These manmade gems are indistinguishable from mined diamonds.

For more information on the importance and scope of the issue of conflict-free diamonds please read the Consumer Brochure from The World Diamond Council.

To hear what other people have to say about the issue of conflict-free diamonds please view blogs.