Most of us have heard about conflict diamonds, but how much is actually understood about
these marked stones and what can be done to ensure your diamond does not fall into this
category.
Because of their small size and high value, diamonds are the perfect form of currency in the
eyes of many. For centuries gemstones have been a sign of wealth and in times of hardship,
have been traded in place of coin.
Diamonds are easily concealed and difficult to trace.
Unfortunately, there are some who use diamonds as a medium of exchange for ill gains.
Recovering diamonds from the Earth can also be a dangerous and expensive process, and
again it is unfortunate that in the past diamonds may have been removed from their source
illegally and on sold without proper certification and tracking.
Diamonds that have been traded illegally or recovered unethically are known as conflict
diamonds.
To be sure our beautiful diamonds have only passed through legitimate mining and sales
sources, Solid Gold Diamonds is able to trace every rough diamond through certification
known as the Kimberley Process.
The Kimberley process started when Southern African diamond-producing states met in
Kimberley, South Africa, in May 2000, to resolve the trade in "conflict diamonds" and ensure
that diamond purchases were not funding violence.
December 2000 saw the result of these talks, with the United Nations supporting the
creation of an international certification scheme for rough diamonds.
Known as The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), it imposes extensive
requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as
"conflict-free" and prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade.
Members can only legally trade, with full transparency, with other members.
Each party must ensure all rough diamonds exported are done so with accompanying
certification stating that they are conflict free.
Encouraging these high standards, Solid Gold Diamonds underwent the arduous audit
process to become members of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Upholding the workings of the Kimberley Process, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
is an initiative established to ensure an international standard on responsible business
practices for diamonds, gold and platinum group metals.
Members must adhere to strict Code of Practices attaining high standards of ethical business
across many aspects.
Read more about the RJC here.
Having accreditation from The Responsible Jewellery Council and holding The
Kimberley Process Certification for our diamonds, Solid Gold Diamonds can offer a
written guarantee that all diamonds purchased from our showroom or online are
conflict free.
