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CONFLICT DIAMONDS
Diamond Exchange Ltd. is an
active participant in the process to eliminate conflict diamonds.
Our supply line from De
Beers DTC sight holders, BHP Billiton CanadaMark program and participants of
the Kimberly Process system of warranties ensures all diamonds sold by us
are guaranteed “Conflict Free”
Through our Trade
Memberships (see about us ) we are
affiliated to the following Kimberly Process participants and are bound by a
strict code on conduct:
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses
The International Diamond Council
The Canadian Code of Conduct
Warranties to
Consumers.
All diamonds sold by
Diamond Exchange Ltd. include the written warranty on the sales document as
contemplated by the Kimberly Process.
Verification of our
supplier warranties as contemplated by the Kimberly process can be third
party authenticated by IGI (International Gemmological Institute)
in Australia (for other countries please ask your customer service
consultant)
See Kimberly Process Mini
Guide produced by the International Diamond Council
 ConflictFreeMiniGuide.pdf
What are conflict
diamonds?
Conflict diamonds are diamonds that are illegally obtained by
rebel groups and then sold to fund conflict.
Putting an end to conflict diamonds.
In January 2003, governments, non-governmental organizations
and the industry created an intergovernmental agreement called the Kimberley
Process Certification System. It was established to eradicate the trade in
conflict diamonds.
Over 99% of diamonds are from sources free of conflict.
At their peak in 1999, conflict diamonds accounted for
approximately 4% of the world's diamond supply. Since the Kimberley Process
was established, conflict diamonds have been reduced to considerably less
than 1%.
Revenue from diamonds provides funds for hospitals, schools
and more.
Diamonds are helping transform lives around the globe,
especially in Africa. Revenues from diamonds ($8.3 billion in the last year
alone) have helped provide jobs, education and healthcare, especially in the
fight against HIV/AID
FAQ’s Kimberly
Process
What are
conflict diamonds?
Conflict diamonds, also known as "blood" diamonds, are rough diamonds used
by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflict aimed at
undermining legitimate governments.
What is the
Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that
regulates the trade in rough diamonds. Its aim is to prevent the trade in
conflict diamonds, while helping to protect the legitimate trade in rough
diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme outlines the provisions by which
the trade in rough diamonds is to occur. The KPCS has developed a set of
minimum requirements that each Participant must implement. See Sections II,
V (a), VI (8,9) of the KPCS document.
Who is
involved?
The Kimberley Process is comprised of states and regional economic
integration organizations (Participants) who are eligible to trade in rough
diamonds under the provisions of the KPCS. As of 30 April 2004 there are 43
Participants, including the European Community, representing all major rough
diamond producing, exporting and importing countries.
The Diamond Industry, via the
World Diamond Council, and Civil Society groups (Global Witness &
Partnership Africa Canada) are also integral parts of the Kimberley Process.
These organizations have been involved with the Kimberley Process since its
inception and continue to contribute to the effective implementation and
monitoring of the scheme.
What areas
of the world are affected by conflict diamonds?
The fighting that is fuelled by the trade in conflict diamonds has been
relegated to a few Central and West African countries. Many of these
countries have alluvial deposits of rough diamonds - diamonds much easier to
mine and thus more readily available to smuggle.
Recent Peace Agreements negotiated in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic
of Congo, and Liberia remain fragile. Implementation of the Kimberley
Process is an important contributor to maintaining the peace, by helping to
deny resources to rebel movements and by strengthening legitimate
governments.
What is the
difference between Kimberley Process Participants, Applicants and Observers?
Participant is the term used to describe states and/or regional economic
integration organizations who have met the minimum requirements of the KPCS
and are eligible to trade in rough diamonds under the auspices of the
Kimberley Process. The KPCS prohibits Participants from trading with
non-participants. For a current list of Participants click
here.
Applicants are those states that have expressed their commitment to the
Kimberley Process but have yet to meet the minimum requirements of the KPCS.
The term Observers refers to Industry and Civil Society groups that play an
active role in monitoring the effectiveness of the certification scheme and
who provide technical and administrative expertise to the Secretariat,
Working Groups, Applicants and Participants. There are three main Kimberley
Process Observers: the
World Diamond Council, representing industry and
Global Witness and
Partnership Africa Canada representing civil society.
How do I know I am
not
buying a conflict diamond?
While the vast majority of the rough diamond trade is regulated by the
Kimberley Process, here are some helpful hints to follow when purchasing a
diamond:
Always buy from a reputable retailer.
Don't be afraid to ask questions like, where were the stones imported from?
In which country were they mined? Were the stones traded under the auspices
of the Kimberley Process?
Your retailer should be able to answer these questions for you.
The most important tip to guard against purchasing a conflict diamond is to
use your intuition. Do not be afraid to shop around. If something arouses
your suspicions move on to another retailer. Unless you are satisfied with
the answers and service provided, do not make your purchase.
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