What Are Conflict Diamonds?
Conflict diamonds, also known as “blood diamonds,” are rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance conflict against legitimate governments. These unethical practices harm communities and undermine global peace.
Today, 99.8% of diamonds mined, manufactured, and sold worldwide are conflict-free, but we believe that even one conflict diamond is one too many.
The Kimberley Process
Introduced in 2003, the Kimberley Process is an international certification system designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Supported by the UN, industry leaders, and governments worldwide, the process ensures that diamonds are:
- Exported and imported with government-validated Kimberley Process certificates.
- Transported between signatory countries in sealed, tamper-proof containers.
- Sold with statements guaranteeing the diamonds are conflict-free.
This certification system instills consumer confidence and has significantly reduced the trade in conflict diamonds from 4% to less than 0.2%.