Question about conflict-free diamonds

There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.

Ira (Ruffles have Ridges) Z.
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If you're looking for diamond shopping tips...this (along with this update) might do the trick!

however...caution: known to have been regarded as armed and dangerous…

In North America you can buy with high confidence.

The Kimberly Process is to be applauded for dramatically reducing the scope of the issue.  Some estimates put rough touched by conflict at less than 1 percent today.  But the global diamond industry is vast.  Greed is not exclusive to Africa, and rogue elements trade rough of dubious origin where they can.  Kimberly Process fraud was uncovered in Brazil and Guyana this year.  In early November NGOs were calling for expulsion of Venezuela from KPCS participation.  Border controls are tighter in North America, especially post 9/11, but the possibility of corruption in the system exists, even in Canada where “conflict-free” is a national marketing slogan (CDCC).  The good news is that Kimberly and Global Witness have estimated that 99.8% of the world’s diamonds are conflict free.  Still, unless you walked the diamond yourself from mine to sorting to trading house to cutting factory to parcel buyer to retail outlet, nothing can be 100 percent certain.

As responsible retailers we do our utmost to protect our clients and ourselves.  We select our partners with great care.  We know the leaders of our primary trading houses and their commitment to the process of certification.  Every diamond we bring in is accompanied by written conflict-free guarantees and certification from people committed to the process.  We have joined hands and done everything in our power to guarantee our diamonds’ conflict-free provenance for you, just as our conscientious peers do.

Neil's article has a number of intelligent consumer options.  I would add the suggestion to be proactive.  As a shopper you can test a retailer’s awareness and commitment to the issue.  These four questions are suggested by NGOs Amnesty International and Global Witness.

1. How can I be sure that none of your jewelry contains conflict diamonds?
2. Do you know where the diamonds you sell come from?
3. Can I see a copy of your company’s policy on conflict diamonds?
4. Can you show me a written guarantee from your diamond suppliers stating that your diamonds are conflict-free?

Remember that "conflict-free" just scratches the surface of the issue.  The industry works hard to ensure conflict-free provenance for the end-user and for many consumers that is enough.  The only drawback is that it overlooks the real issue which is those who still suffer in parts of Africa.

As jewelry companies and consumers we can’t change governments or politics, but we can create commerce and benevolence to help those people.  UNICEF is active in Africa.  Development diamond initiatives like Rapaport's are evolving.  Our company’s chosen charity partner is the WCCCI and we have a program funding relief for African children.

Beyond the protectionist work Kimberly Process, the Patriot Act, NGOs and the CRJP are doing, we believe there must be people-centered answers to help actual humans without industry or red tape in the way.

John

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John Pollard

Whiteflash Director of Education 2004-2007