'Conflict Diamonds' or 'Blood Diamonds', as they are sometimes called, are rough diamonds extracted from mines in parts of Africa where civil wars and conflicts are ongoing. The diamonds are exploited by illegal rebel groups funding militias and arms to fight legitimate governments.
In January 2003 the Kimberley Process was introduced. It is a joint government, international diamond industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of these conflict diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme imposes extensive requirements on participants to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are sourced from conflict free mines. The diamonds are placed in sealed containers and these are then tracked with detailed documentation across national boarders to the cutting house. These restrictions have reduced the flow of conflict diamonds from 4% down to less than 1% of the diamond trade.
The Kimberley Process is composed of 70 countries and at present the Ivory Coast is the only diamond producing country defined by the UN as being in a state of conflict.
Marion Autrum is a member of the British Jewellers’ Association and insists that all her suppliers have signed up to the Kimberley Process, to ensure that she uses conflict-free diamonds in her handcrafted jewellery.
For further information please check the official website of the World Diamond Council www.diamondfacts.org
