Conflict Diamonds
You can be confident that we take strong measures to ensure the jewelry we sell do not include Conflict Diamonds.
In the past, some African countries have had rebel forces take control of diamond mines. The proceeds from the sales of uncut diamonds produced from these mines have been used to finance the purchase of weapons. These diamonds are called conflict diamonds. Thanks to public awareness and the synergy of the legitimate industry these diamonds are estimated to currently account for less than 1% of world diamond production.
Role of Industry
All nations with significant involvement in the diamond trade agreed on a global certification system to control the export and import of these diamonds mined from January 1, 2003. Since this date, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), has sought to certify the origin of uncut diamonds and to prevent criminals from introducing contraband diamonds mined in African combat zones into the supply chain.
The KPCS requires that each shipment of uncut diamonds be in a tamper-resistant container and accompanied by a government-validated certificate with information describing the contents. Any country declining to participate is barred from the international diamond trade.
Role of Retail Diamond Merchant
To supplement the government program, virtually every legitimate diamond trader has established a self-regulation. The principal element is a System of Warranties that accompany invoices covering the sale of uncut diamonds, polished diamonds and diamond jewelry.
We support the Kimberley Process by buying non-estate diamonds and diamond jewelry from dealers and manufacturers who adhere to the System of Warranties. This warranty assures us that the supplier vouches for the legitimacy of the merchandise and that the supplier, in turn, has required the same warranty from their sources of merchandise.
The warranty is as follows:
“The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds.”