Although diamonds have been the ultimate symbol of love, passion and romance for centuries, the fabled stones also have been linked in the past few years to a few African countries, where rebels have used them as a means to fund terror and violence.

How Widespread Are They?

The term "Conflict Diamonds" refer to a small portion of the world's diamonds (less than 4%) from countries, such as Liberia, Angola, Congo and Sierra Leone, that are sold illicitly to fund rebel activities in the ongoing civil wars in those regions. Horrific images of unspeakable acts of violence have thrust this crucial issue into the world limelight.

Jewelry Industry Clamps Down

As a concerned consumer, how can you ensure that the diamond you purchase has been sold through legitimate channels?First of all, it's important to know that stemming the flow of conflict diamonds has become a top priority for the worldwide jewelry industry. One of the industry's biggest initiatives in this area has been the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). This program is backed by some 50 countries and organizations, including the American Gem Society, World Diamond Council and the Jewelers of America.

Framework for Certification

KPCS creates a framework for "conflict-free" certification on all exports and re-exports of rough diamonds. In other words, the industry has developed an entire set of policies and procedures to help stop the illicit trading of diamonds and keep tainted goods out of jewelry stores. This includes requiring a chain of warranties for every diamond transaction to attest that the stones for sale are conflict-free. In short, we are doing everything possible to assure that you, the customer, will never have to worry about purchasing a conflict diamond again.

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