Conflict Diamonds – Guide for Consumers

What Are Conflict Diamonds ?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the United Nations Security Council. (United Nations March 2001) They are also known as “war”, “blood” and “red” diamonds.

World Diamond Council Conflict Diamond Education Campaign

The World Diamond Council is intensifying its worldwide efforts to educate the industry, and ultimately customers, on the facts about blood diamonds through the newly launched website, www.diamondfacts.org.

Questions were first raised about the impact of diamonds in the late 1990s, when the world became aware that a number of rebel movements in Africa were smuggling and selling illegally obtained stones to fund conflicts against legitimate governments. At the beginning of this decade, the trade in these gemstones represented approximately 4% of the world’s rough diamond output. Since then, the Kimberley Process, mandated by the United Nations, has significantly reduced this illicit commerce to less than 1% of the world’s diamond supply. Today 81 governments have included the Kimberley Process Certification System in their national law.

conflict diamonds

Shop with Confidence

How do you, the consumer, know you are purchasing a ‘Conflict Free’ diamond.
Jewellers stating that their diamonds are ‘Conflict Free’, have sourced their diamonds only from legitimate sources.

Custom Design Jewellers Australia™

Our member stores are among the first in the world to implement the new procedures recommended by the World Diamond Council to eliminate trade in diamonds from countries declared “conflict states” by the United Nations. We guarantee that all of our diamonds are conflict FREE.