subject: Conflict Free Diamond Rings: High Quality Characteristics [print this page] On July 19, 2000, the World Diamond Congress adopted at Antwerp a resolution to strengthen the diamond industry's ability to block sales of conflict diamonds. The resolution called for an international certification system on the export and import of diamonds, legislation in all countries to accept only officially sealed packages of diamonds, for countries to impose criminal charges on anyone trafficking in conflict diamonds, and instituted a ban on any individual found trading in conflict diamonds from the diamond bourses of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.
The Kimberley Process was led by the diamond-producing African countries themselves. Also in tourist countries like Dubai, The United Kingdom, before gemstone could be allowed through their airport to other countries, the Kimberley Certification must be presented by the gem's owner or obtained from a renowned attorney.
Conflict diamonds, sometimes called blood diamonds, are diamonds that are sold to fund the unlawful and illegal operations of rebel, military and terrorist groups. Countries that have been most affected by conflict diamonds are Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo -- all places where citizens have been terrorized, mutilated and killed by groups in control of the local diamond trade.
High quality conflict free diamond rings are currently available in popular shapes and sizes and are known for high quality characteristics such as minimal fluorescence. The quality of any conflict free diamond should be measured by the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight as any diamond would. You shouldn't have to compromise between quality and conscience!
Retailers cannot guarantee that the diamond you purchase is conflict free diamond engagement rings. As consumers, we have the power to change that by demanding details about the diamonds we buy. Demanding proof that a diamond is conflict-free sends a powerful message to the world that we will not support an industry or nation that helps fund terror groups. Change won't happen overnight, but it will happen if we are persistent.
The goals of the Kimberley Process are to document and track all conflict free diamond engagement rings entering a participating country, with shippers placing stones in tamper-proof shipping crates and providing enough detailed information about their origins to prove they did not originate in a conflict zone.
The KPCS isn't fully operational among its members -- probably normal for an agreement that involves the cooperation of dozens of governments and non-governmental agencies. Many countries haven't even committed to the program.
The goals of the KPCS will take time to achieve, but what's already been accomplished is significant. Because it's a self-regulating program, additional controls are necessary to truly ensure that blood diamond trade is halted -- or at least minimized, conflict free diamond rings. The Voluntary Code of Conduct for Authenticating Diamond Claims sets a standard for authentication of claims that a diamond is conflict free diamond.
Adhering to The Code requires each company to initiate a paper trail that tracks a diamond's progression from the mine to its retail destination. The Code also includes rules for proper handling, packing and marking of all diamonds that are represented as stones. Even with the guidelines, there's no way to absolutely guarantee a diamond is Canadian, but the process definitely helps eliminate doubt, conflict free diamond.
