The Kimberley Process - aka The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) - is a joint governments, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds - rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. The trade in these illicit stones has fuelled decades of devastating conflicts in countries such as Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone.
The process was established in 2003.
The diamond certification scheme that works to prevent blood diamonds from conflict zones is called the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). It is an international initiative that aims to regulate the trade of rough diamonds to ensure they are not used to finance rebel groups and conflict.
France participates in the Kimberly Process as part of the European Community. That participation has been evident since early 2000.
The conflict of blood diamonds was addressed through the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003. This scheme aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade by setting standards for certification and monitoring of diamond production and trade. Additionally, consumer awareness and pressure on the jewelry industry have also played a role in reducing the prevalence of blood diamonds in the market.
The diamond industry has promoted the Kimberley Process as a way to educate consumers about the sources of diamonds. Their concern, of course, is to maintain their market share and be able to verify that stones sold by the 'industry' are not blood diamonds. From their Web page, below: "The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as 'conflict-free'." When consumers purchase diamonds, some ask for the provenance of the stone, in order to confirm that the pending investment did not benefit mayhem. A stone covered with a Kimberley certificate satisfies this requirement. Sadly, however, not enough diamond buyers are sophisticated enough to require this level of documentation for a diamond.
While the UN (United Nations) introduced the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), the UN does not issue certificates for individual diamonds. A Kimberley Process Certificate matches with a particular shipment of diamonds being transported from one country to another. The World Trade Organization (WTO) oversees investigations when there are accusations that member countries are not abiding by KPCS standards. Individual diamonds are certified by gemological laboratories, such as these: * Gemological Institute of America (GIA) * American Gemological Society (AGS) * European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) * Diamond High Council (HRD, which is an abbreviation of the Dutch "Hoge Raad voor Diamant") * International Gemological Institute (IGI) * International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls, and Stones (CIBJO) Certification does not immediately tell you whether your diamond came through the KPCS process. However, certification should tell you: * The inspection date * Shape * Cut style * Diamond measurements (length, width, and height) * Carat weight * Color grade * Clarity grade * Additional information the diamond graders found It might also include: * Cut grade * Fluorescence * Finish's polish * Finish's symmetry * Comments from the grader * Laser inscription * Notes on enhancement treatments performed on the diamond * A map of inclusions and/or blemishes * Clarity characteristics * Diagram of diamond's actual proportions * Photo or diagram of diamond's "hearts and arrows" pattern If you plan on paying a third-party to certify your diamond, ask to see a sample certification first. Make certain the proposed certification will cover all of the areas you expect to be included. One additional thought: Thanks to the Kimberly Process, diamonds mined starting in 2003 carry certificates indicating the location where the diamond rock was unearthed. Before 2003, diamond purchasers might have no indicated of their diamonds' origins, but now they can even name the particular mine. So, if you are looking for UN certification, perhaps your best bet is to buy a diamond mined since 2003 and request the place of origin certification. I found most of this information on www.diamondpriceguru.com and "Kimberley Process Certification Scheme" on Wikipedia.
Kimberly process is not a system, but a scheme!The Kimberley Process is supposed to eliminate conflict diamonds by keeping countries without proper rough import and export controls from importing stones into the legitimate stream of commerce. Now, the process faces its first real test in the case of the Central African Republic.Bulgaria joine as member in 2003for more info:www.saembassybulgaria.com/.../south-africa-and-bulgaria-relations.html
To stop the blood diamond trade, we can strengthen international regulations by enforcing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, ensuring that all diamonds are traced back to conflict-free sources. Additionally, increasing consumer awareness about the ethical implications of purchasing diamonds can drive demand for responsibly sourced stones. Supporting initiatives that promote alternative livelihoods for communities reliant on diamond mining can also help reduce dependence on this trade. Lastly, collaborating with governments and NGOs to improve transparency and accountability in the diamond supply chain is crucial.
Whenever you purchase a diamond, you can request its Kimberly Certificate, which gives you the best assurance that your diamond is not a blood diamond -- that is, mined by hand by workers under threat of death. When you purchase a diamond from a private seller, you can request provenance -- that is, the history of the diamond -- and there are no assurances that what you receive will be authentic.
Several African countries have been affected by blood diamonds, including Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These conflicts arise from the control and exploitation of diamond mines by rebel groups to fund their activities, resulting in human rights abuses and environmental degradation. Efforts such as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme have been implemented to combat the trade in conflict diamonds.
From their Web site: "The Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint governments, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds - rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. The trade in these illicit stones has fuelled decades of devastating conflicts in countries such as Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone. "The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as 'conflict-free'. As of November 2008, the KP has 49 members, representing 75 countries, with the European Community and its Member States counting as an individual participant."
Certification Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel
Certification Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel