What are "conflict diamonds?"

"Conflict diamonds" are diamonds that have been purchased from mining regions where terrorists profit from their sales.

Although one diamond sold from these mining regions is one diamond too many, the percentage of conflict diamonds traded worldwide is now only one percent. This is thanks to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a United Nations-supported joint initiative that was formed by the international diamond industry, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure diamonds are not used to fund terrorist activities.

Here’s how it works. To meet Kimberley Process requirements, rough-diamond shipments from conflict-free mining regions must be transported in a tamper-resistant container accompanied by a government-validated Kimberley Process Certificate. The shipment can only be exported to a country that also participates in the Kimberley Process.

The diamond industry has also adopted a voluntary System of Warranties to assure consumers that their diamonds are from conflict-free sources.

Mining rough diamonds provides a vital source of revenue for continents such as Africa. In addition, the livelihood of citizens in major diamond-cutting and polishing centers around the world depends on diamonds. Boycotting diamond purchases as a result of the conflict-diamond issue would affect an industry that employs some 10 million people. However, if you're concerned about the one percent of diamonds that could potentially be conflict diamonds, there are country-of-origin diamond certificates that guarantee a stone's origin.

For more information, visit DiamondFacts.org