What is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international agreement created to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Conflict diamonds, also known as "blood diamonds," are diamonds mined in war zones and sold to fund armed conflicts against governments. The Kimberley Process unites 85 countries around the world in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds.
How does the Kimberley Process work?
When diamonds are mined in a country, that country's government and mining companies must follow specific laws and guidelines. They keep detailed records of all the diamonds they extract, including information like where they were found, how much they weigh, and their quality. The diamonds are then placed in sealed containers and given a unique identification number. These containers ensure that the diamonds from various sources do not get mixed up. They also have certificates that state the diamonds are "conflict-free." Before diamonds can be exported to other countries, the government of the diamond-producing country must issue a Kimberley Process certificate for each shipment. This certificate verifies that the diamonds are legitimate and have gone through the proper channels without funding conflicts. The importing countries also have a responsibility to ensure they only accept diamonds with valid certificates.
Why is the Kimberley Process important?
By implementing the Kimberley Process, governments and organizations aim to ensure that diamonds are sourced ethically and do not contribute to armed conflicts. This way, when we buy diamonds, we can have confidence that they are not associated with human rights abuses or funding violence in other parts of the world.
How does Steven Singer Jewelers follow the Kimberley Process?
Steven Singer Jewelers only partners with established and reputable suppliers who adhere to the Kimberley Process requirements.
