Conflict-free diamonds and traceability

The term conflict-free needs a clear definition and documentation. The Kimberley Process is an international system for trade in rough diamonds, but it does not cover every question about working conditions, environmental impact or traceability.

What the Kimberley Process covers

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requires participating countries to control the trade in rough diamonds and issue certificates for shipments. Its definition of conflict diamonds is narrow: rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict against legitimate governments.

What it does not prove

A Kimberley Process certificate accompanies a shipment of rough diamonds. It is not the same as full traceability for every polished diamond in a shop. It does not automatically establish:

• the mine from which an individual stone came;
• working conditions throughout the supply chain;
• climate or environmental impact;
• whether every later trade can be traced;
• an overall ethical rating.

Questions to ask

• Which documents exist for this specific diamond?
• Can the supplier name a country, mine or traceability programme?
• Is the information tied to the stone’s report number?
• Which organisation verified the claim?
• Does the information concern the rough diamond, the polished stone or the complete piece?

Natural and lab-grown

A lab-grown diamond avoids mining, but that does not automatically remove environmental or working-condition questions. Production location and energy source need documentation. Full traceability for a natural diamond requires more than a general reference to the Kimberley Process.

Giavor’s principle for clear information

Ask us for the documentation behind the diamond you are considering. If origin, energy source or supply chain cannot be substantiated, it should not be presented as a firm claim.

Read about natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and grading reports.