Ethical Elegance: The Kimberley Process and Conflict-Free Diamonds
It’s hard to believe when you behold their glittery grace, but diamonds have a history that’s pretty dark at times. We’re talking specifically about conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds. These diamonds have traditionally been mined in war zones and used to fund armed conflicts, civil wars, and human rights violations.
Fortunately, a lot has changed in recent years. Many governments are stepping up and taking active measures to stop the sale of blood diamonds. The good news is that you, as a conscious consumer, now have the power to make an ethical choice when buying diamond jewelry. In this blog, we'll explain the Kimberley Process and how you can make a confident and ethical choice when purchasing diamond jewelry.
At Keyzar, All of Our Diamonds Are Conflict-Free
At Keyzar, we are committed to stopping the conflict diamond trade and go to great lengths to ensure that the diamonds we offer are 100% conflict-free. This means that:
- We collaborate with certified, ethical mines and gold resellers.
- Our strict screening process ensures that our suppliers meet our stringent social, environmental, and human rights standards.
- We examine their purchase and sale histories and conduct our primary research to verify their commitment to providing conflict-free diamonds and ethically sourced materials.
While it can be challenging to determine the conflict-free status of a diamond based solely on claims, Keyzar goes above and beyond to ensure that the diamonds we sell are ethically sourced. We work with some of the world's largest diamond suppliers who share our commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing.
What Does Conflict-Free Mean?
Conflict-free diamonds are those that are mined, shipped, and distributed without any connection to those who might use the sales proceeds to undermine legitimate governments. Many sellers in the diamond industry rely on the Kimberley Process to provide customers with peace of mind regarding the ethical origins of their natural diamonds.
Awareness of this issue is growing, prompting more companies to work toward solutions and transparency in the diamond supply chain. Some even use blockchain technology to track diamonds from their raw origins to the retail market.
The Kimberly Process Explained
The Kimberley Process is essential to maintaining ethical standards within the global diamond industry. It operates through a series of regulations and procedures that participating countries and industry stakeholders must follow. The goal is to ensure that diamonds do not contribute to conflict and suffering in certain regions. It is estimated that the Kimberley Process accounts for 99.8% of global rough diamond production, which is certainly good news!
The process begins with the countries involved in diamond mining. They are responsible for overseeing diamond production within their borders and ensuring that the gemstones mined are not originating from areas controlled by rebel groups or used to fund armed conflicts. To demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices, these countries issue certificates for diamonds they extract, certifying that they are "clean" and not associated with conflict or human rights abuses.
When diamonds are exported from one country to another, they must be accompanied by these Kimberley Process certificates. This export-import control system ensures that diamonds do not enter the international market without proper documentation verifying their conflict-free status. Receiving countries play a crucial role in checking and validating these certificates to prevent the trade in blood diamonds.
International organizations and monitoring bodies play a key role in ensuring compliance with the Kimberley Process. These organizations work alongside participating countries to monitor the implementation of the process, verify compliance, and investigate any potential breaches. Their presence serves as a critical safeguard to maintain the integrity of the diamond supply chain.
The diamond industry itself is also closely monitored to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds. Diamond traders and sellers are required to maintain detailed records and documentation, ensuring they only deal with diamonds that have valid Kimberley Process certificates. This way, each diamond can be traced from its source to its market to prevent any illegal or unethical practices.
Are There Other Types of Conflict-Free Diamonds?
If you’re shopping for diamond jewelry and the price of a natural diamond is too steep, you still have some super-sustainable choices. Lab diamonds and Moissanite are both created in labs, so you get maximum sparkle at an affordable price point AND you don’t have to worry about accidentally supporting the conflict diamond trade.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds but are created in a controlled laboratory environment. These diamonds are free from ethical concerns and come with a guarantee of their conflict-free status. Lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable option compared to their mined counterparts, allowing you to choose a larger stone without ethical concerns.
Moissanite
This super-sparkly diamond simulant provides another ethical alternative. Like lab-grown diamonds, Moissanite is created in a lab, eliminating any ethical questions about its origin. Moissanite offers remarkable brilliance, making them an attractive option. They are nearly as hard as diamonds and come at a fraction of the price. Choosing Moissanite is a conflict-free promise that comes with the added benefit of substantial cost savings.
Conclusion
When it comes to the ethics of your diamond, there should be no room for uncertainty. At Keyzar, our commitment to ethical sourcing aligns with the Kimberley Process and U.S. law, ensuring that every diamond you purchase from us meets the highest ethical standards. Whether you opt for lab-grown diamonds, Moissanite, or reputable suppliers who prioritize ethical sourcing, you can confidently enjoy the beauty of diamonds while contributing to a more ethical and sustainable diamond industry.
