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Blood Diamonds

The history of Conflict Diamonds or Blood Diamonds originates in Africa. Although the United Nations first identified the conflict diamond issue in 1998 as a source of funding for war, it was the diamond industry that first took steps to address the conflict diamond concern by organizing a meeting that would center on mapping out a process for certifying where a diamond came from. In May 2000, diamond producing countries of southern Africa met in Kimberley, South Africa to plan a method by which the trade in conflict diamonds could be halted, and buyers of diamonds could be assured that their diamonds have not contributed to violence.

On January 17-18, 2001, the World Diamond Council created the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in an effort to implement an international certification system that would firmly regulate the export and import of diamonds, introduce legislation in all countries to accept officially sealed packages of diamonds, certify all rough diamonds as coming from a non-conflict source and bring pressure on countries to impose criminal charges on anyone trafficking in conflict diamonds. In spite of the powerful resolutions, sanctions and laws the illegal trade of Conflict Diamonds continues to be a big problem. The illegal diamond trade is believed to fund armed conflict in the African Ivory Coast and may also fund terrorists groups. The KPCS has reduced the amount of conflict of diamonds but has not stopped it altogether.

Combined Consumer and Merchant Effort

What can a consumer do to contribute to the fight against conflict diamonds? The answer is simple; the desire for diamonds and diamond jewelry is not going to be eliminated, rather a consumer can ask the jeweler if they sell conflict free diamonds and then refuse to buy from that jeweler if they are not. This will send a statement to the jeweler that they need to sell conflict free diamond or they will not enjoy sales. It is important that companies publish this information for public knowledge. Most companies will publish this information on their website so it is easily assessed. This can help consumers decide whether they want to buy from a specific merchant or not.

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