A Guide To Buying A Conflict-free Diamond

By Author: jacksmith
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Perhaps before deliberating over what a conflict-free diamond is, you should know what defines a conflict diamond. Needless to say it has nothing to do with the actual stone, which is still a diamond, a thing of splendour and beauty, and you cannot tell from the cut, colour, clarity and carat of the diamonds in your engagement ring or pendent if your diamond is a conflict diamond.
What are Conflict Diamonds?
Conflict Diamonds are also known as blood diamonds because many people lose their dignity, families and even their lives every day by being forced to extract these reluctant gems out of their natural environment deep underground. More people are maimed and or killed trading conflict diamonds, and of course countless people are harmed by the associated terrorist actions that are funded by the mining of these diamonds. That does not even touch upon the massive environmental damage being created on a daily basis in pursuit of these diamonds.
How The International Community Has Responded To Reduce The Availability Of Conflict Diamonds
Fortunately this illegal trade has been reduced to around 1% of the ...
... word trade, due largely to the actions of many world Governments and the United Nations who combined forces in 2003 to develop a certification system to help prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade.
This system of certification is known as the Kimberly Process Certification System (KPCS), and is today used by 74 Governments world-wide. Thankfully, these days 99% of the world's diamonds are from sources free from conflict, and are traded under the United Nations mandated KPCS.
The member countries of the Kimberley Process pledge not to import or export rough diamonds tainted by conflict. The Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint initiative by Governments, industry and civil society to stem the flow of conflict diamonds.
Conflict-free diamonds are guaranteed to come from responsible sources and are not associated with violence, human rights violations or unrestrained environmental damage. A system has been put in place so that the source of any modern diamond can be tracked from where its place of origin to when it is purchased by a retail customer.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free'. Implementation is monitored through review visits and annual reports as well as by the regular exchange and analysis of statistical data. It has evolved into a process for stemming the trade of conflict diamonds and is a recognized preventative measure.
Ensuring Your Diamond is Conflict Free
So how exactly can you, personally distinguish between a blood diamond and a non-conflict diamond? Well, when you go to buy your diamond, ask every retailer you go to if they are a member of associations such as the GIA (a new Diamond Cut Grading System), DCA (Diamond Council of America) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
Ask for the KPCS Certificate with your purchase
And finally always remember that if you find a bargain diamond in a jewellery store avoid it.
Taking those basic steps will leave you satisfied that the sparkler on your finger is a true conflict-free diamond.
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