Awareness of diamond trading that resulted in money going to wage wars in diamond producing countries reached a peak in the last two decades. Countries that are embroiled in civil wars took advantage of diamond resources to purchase weapons, drugs, and slave soldiers. When you are making a large investment in a diamond, it’s understandable you would want to ensure your money is not paying for “conflict diamonds.”

In 2000, South African diamond producing countries met in Kimberley to come up with a way to stop conflict diamonds. Within 7 months, the United Nations adopted a resolution supporting an international certification to make buying and selling of rough diamonds safe and ethical. By 2002, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was agreed upon in cooperation with governments, civil society organizations, and the international diamond industry.

Photo Credit: Hearts On Fire

Under the terms of KPCS, participants must meet minimum requirements and must put in place national legislations and institutions; export, import, and internal controls; and commit to transparency and the exchange of statistical data.

The participants in KPCS can only legally trade with other participants who have also met the requirements, and all international shipments of rough diamonds must be accompanied by a KP Certificate. By 2012, fifty participants representing seventy-six countries were adhering to the requirements of the Kimberley Process. This has resulted in 99.8% of the global production of rough diamonds being accounted for and declared conflict-free. Today, only 0.2% of rough diamonds may potentially use conflict diamonds.

Photo Credit: Hearts On Fire

Commitment to maintaining these standards is strong. Twice each year KP participating countries, along with industry and civil society observers gather, while groups and committees meet on an ongoing basis to keep the percentages of conflict-free diamonds high.

Every diamond we sell adheres to the Kimberly Process, so you can confidently make your purchase and know, without any doubt, your money is not falling into criminal hands.

If you have more questions about how diamonds are ethically sourced, feel free to stop by any of our Richmond or Charlottesville locations to speak with an expert and learn more.