Conflict-Free Diamonds
Conflict Free Diamonds - Kimberley process and certified diamond trading
We are committed to selling only diamonds from Conflict-Free sources. Since the foundation of Zen Diamond, we have insisted that our suppliers also transparently prove the origin of all diamonds and obtain them exclusively from conflict-free sources.
The Zen Diamond promise of origin
1. We only sell diamonds from conflict-free sources.
2. Our suppliers are obliged to prove the perfect origin of all diamonds.
3. We strongly support the Kimberley Process established in the diamond industry to prevent trade in conflict diamonds. By this standard, today 99% of all world-traded diamonds are demonstrably conflict-free.
4. Fairly promoted diamonds create jobs. Around ten million people around the world work to promote, refine and trade diamonds. Schools, infrastructure and hospitals have been built on the African continent, funded by monies earned in the diamond industry. When selecting our suppliers, we pay close attention to these social factors.
This is how the trade in demonstrably conflict-free diamonds works
According to the Kimberley Process, a blood or conflict diamond is a diamond that has been illegally promoted and that is used to finance civil wars and other violent conflicts.
It is currently being discussed whether this definition of human rights violations needs to be expanded to be even more sustainable.
Until the final signing of the Kimberley Process in 2002, the number of illegally sourced diamonds grew steadily. In the 1990s, up to 4% of the world's diamonds were conflict diamonds, which among other things rebel groups financed their bloody battles.
In the diamond industry, the voices of those who demanded immediate, joint and determined action against the conflict diamonds became ever louder. Partly for business, partly for moral and ethical reasons. Governments around the world joined the demands of the diamond industry, which eventually led to the ratification of the Kimberley Process on November 5, 2002.
Today, 54 countries (the EU as one country) and all African diamond producers have officially joined the Kimberley Process. Compliance with the criteria is monitored by the UN and implemented jointly by governments, NGOs and the diamond industry.
Trade only with certificate of origin
Rough diamonds that are traded across national borders must be transported in tamper-proof containers, accompanied by a government-issued certificate of origin. They may only be delivered to countries that have signed the Kimberley Process. Importation into countries that have ratified the Kimberley Process without a valid certificate is prohibited. Participating states are also obliged to carry out national controls in order to prevent illegal trade already in the interior of the country.
The so-called "system of guarantees" also stipulates that each supplier must provide the consignee in writing with the conflict-free source from which the delivered diamonds originate.
Exclusively conflict-free diamonds at Zen Diamond
Zen Diamond and our manufacturers have an active dialogue with all participating diamond dealers. This will allow us to ensure that the rules of the Kimberley Process are respected and that only conflict-free goods are distributed through us.
Today, over 99% of the world's diamonds are traded from conflict-free sources. Everyone involved works hard to ensure that all diamonds are clean in the future.
By participating in the complete system of guarantees, we can give all customers the certainty: With us you buy products with only perfect diamonds.
Kimberley Process: Complete value chain - against child labor and exploitation
The two largest companies in the diamond industry, De Beers and Alrosa, produce more than 75% of all rough diamonds worldwide. Around 150 selected contractors of the mining companies - diamond grinders and dealers (called Sightholders) - process and sell the diamonds, e.g. to our manufactory. There, the jewelry is made and finally sold to the jeweler or the end customer.
All participating companies have committed themselves in the so-called Kimberley Process, based on international standards and certificates of origin, to fully document the path of each diamond. There is no room for child labor or exploitation within this value chain.
Impact of the Kimberley Process on the Diamond Trade
With the help of the Kimberley Process, which was launched in May 2000, the trade in so-called blood diamonds should be prevented by the state-controlled issuing of certificates of origin. Diamond diamonds are (raw) diamonds whose sale finances armed conflicts.
At the moment, in the Kimberley Process, 54 participants, representing a total of 80 states, are only committed to legal trade as conflict-free certified diamonds. European Member States are involved by the EU as a participant in the Kimberley Process. The diamond industry and various NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are represented in the Kimberley process. The chairmanship of the participating states changes annually.
How is the Kimberley Process implemented?
In order to become a participant in the Kimberley Process, states must fulfill minimum requirements, including the implementation of the Kimberley Process Regulations into national law and the establishment of control authorities. In addition, participating States undertake to provide statistics for the purposes of the Kimberley Process.
Trade in rough diamonds may only take place between participating States and in compliance with the certification scheme. For raw diamond shipments, for example, a valid certificate must be available to certify the lack of conflict.
What are the current developments in the Kimberley Process?
Strict compliance and monitoring by participants have allowed significant improvements in compliance across different mining areas. Some states where diamonds are mined currently do not meet the necessary requirements and are not allowed to export rough diamonds until further notice.
Other goals of the Kimberley Process are to improve production transparency, to regulate mining and trade, to stop illegal trafficking and to support miners.
