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Zero Tolerance Policy towards Conflict
Diamonds - An International Effort
To eradicate this trade of blood diamonds, the zero tolerance policy
towards these diamonds was introduced in the diamond market in July
2000. This policy worked closely with the United Nations, Governments
and Non Governmental Organizations or NGO’s such as Global Witness and
Partnership Africa Canada leading to creation of Kimberley process
Certification system. The diamond industry also adopted a voluntary
System of Warranties to assure consumers that their diamonds are from
sources free of conflict.
The Kimberly Process
In May 2000, Southern African diamond producing states met in Kimberley,
South Africa, to come up with a way to stop the trade in conflict
diamonds and to ensure consumers that the diamonds that they purchase
have not contributed to violent conflict and human rights abuses in
their countries of origin. In December 2000, the United Nations General
Assembly adopted a resolution supporting the creation of an
international certification scheme for rough diamonds. In November 2002,
after nearly two years of negotiation, the efforts of governments, the
international diamond industry and NGOs culminated in the creation of
the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). The KPCS outlines the
provisions by which the trade in rough diamonds is to be regulated by
countries, regional economic integration organizations and rough
diamond-trading entities.
Today the Kimberley Process Certification
Scheme has evolved into an effective mechanism for stopping the trade in
conflict diamonds. The tireless efforts of governments, industry leaders
and civil society representatives have helped ensure that the horrors
caused by conflict diamonds may one day come to an end. But there
remains much to be done. All involved with the Kimberley Process
continue to monitor and assess the effectiveness of the certification
scheme and strive towards a world free of conflict diamonds.
More than 99% of the world's diamonds are now
from conflict free sources and are officially traded under the UN
mandated Kimberley Process. We are glad to bring you diamonds that are
conflict free and have been mined and traded with the strict guidelines
of the Kimberly Process.
Read more...(External
Link)
Kimberly Process Validation Certificate
The problem does not lie with the diamond
itself but lies with the rebel groups who fund illicit activities by
selling them. Most of the countries where diamonds are traded, the money
is used to fund the development of infrastructure, schools and hospitals
for the good of the communities in which diamonds are found. These
countries are at peace and include Australia, Botswana, Canada, Namibia,
Russia, South Africa and Tanzania.
Under the Kimberly process, rough diamonds now
can only be exported and imported when accompanied by a certificate from
the exporting country. By law, no rough diamonds are permitted to enter
a Kimberley Process participant country without a certificate. The
Kimberley Process stipulates that all rough diamonds are sealed in
tamper-resistant containers and must have forgery resistant conflict
free certificates with unique serial numbers, each time they cross an
international border. Any individual importing or exporting rough
diamonds between Kimberley Process participants without a certificate is
breaking the law and will be prosecuted by the appropriate government.
The number of conflict diamonds has been reduced from approximately 4%
to significantly less than 1%. However, the diamond industry will not
rest until that number reaches zero.
To this day, 71 governments all over the world
have included the Kimberley Process Certification System into their
national law to ensure conflict free diamond trade which helped in
making 99% of the world’s diamonds to be conflict free. To completely
eradicate the presence of conflict diamonds, the diamond industry
continues to work with governments, NGOs and the UN to strengthen the
Kimberley Process and the System of Warranties.
Read more..(External Link)
Read More about Conflict Diamonds
Diamond mines in politically unstable parts of central and western
African countries are controlled by few revolutionary groups and where
innocent human lives are subjected to torture, terrorism, violence and
human rights abuse and in many cases the ultimate prices - death.
As the journalist Douglas Farah writes, "Diamonds are valuable as
currency in this conflict diamond trade for numerous reasons. They are
easy to transport, easy to sell and retain their value over time. They
do not rot and do not need to be held in special conditions"......
Read more...
The Diamond Cartel
For more than 100 years, the name De Beers has
evoked all glamour and mystery radiated by a diamond. Through shrewd
marketing and careful manipulation of the market, the South African
company. Learn about the over 100 years of the Oppenheimer family's grip
over diamond trade of the entire world.....
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Structure of a Faceted Diamond
The natural beauty of a diamond is enhanced by how
it is cut because the fluorescence, light dispersion etc. depends on how
well it is cut. The widest part of any round diamond, the part in the
middle, is known as the girdle, which is probably quite self explanatory.
The top part, above the girdle is known as the crown, and the lower part
below the girdle is known as the pavilion. The point or small facet at the
very bottom is known as the culet........
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Diamond Fluorescence
Fluorescence is the emission of bluish light emitted by about one third
of gem-quality diamonds when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light. The
intensity may vary from faint to very strong. Under normal lighting conditions,
this property of fluorescence is not detectable. However, a naturally
fluorescent diamond tends to emit a soft colored glow when held under an
ultraviolet lamp or “black light". Fluorescence is not harmful to the diamond or
to the wearer........
Read more...
Read More Useful Information about
Diamonds
A symbol of innocence, justice, faith and strength, the diamond was
believed to make its wearers courageous and victorious over their
enemies. When set in gold and worn on the left side, it held the power
to drive away nightmares and soothe savage beasts. Diamonds were even
thought to be so powerful that they could stop lechery.
Diamonds have lured and fascinated us for
centuries. Their ores and lore recorded romantic and bloody events in
the past. Diamonds have been long cherished and sought after, fought
over and killed for in the human history simply because of its beauty
and the fascination....
Back to Diamond
Information Summary...
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The Kimberly Process - Fight against
Conflict Diamonds
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