Diamond Exchange Ltd. is an active participant in the process to eliminate conflict diamonds.

Our supply line from De Beers DTC sight holders, BHP Billiton CanadaMark program and participants of the Kimberly Process system of warranties ensures all diamonds sold by us are guaranteed “Conflict Free”

Through our Trade Memberships (see about us ) we are affiliated to the following Kimberly Process participants and are bound by a strict code on conduct:

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses

The International Diamond Council

The Canadian Code of Conduct

 Warranties to Consumers.

All diamonds sold by Diamond Exchange Ltd. include the written warranty on the sales document as contemplated by the Kimberly Process.

Verification of our supplier warranties as contemplated by the Kimberly process can be third party authenticated by IGI (International Gemmological Laboratory) in Australia (for other countries please ask your customer service consultant)

 See Kimberly Process Mini Guide produced by the International Diamond Council

ConflictFreeMiniGuide.pdf 

What are conflict diamonds?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds that are illegally obtained by rebel groups and then sold to fund conflict.

Putting an end to conflict diamonds.

In January 2003, governments, non-governmental organizations and the industry created an intergovernmental agreement called the Kimberley Process Certification System. It was established to eradicate the trade in conflict diamonds.

Over 99% of diamonds are from sources free of conflict.

At their peak in 1999, conflict diamonds accounted for approximately 4% of the world's diamond supply. Since the Kimberley Process was established, conflict diamonds have been reduced to considerably less than 1%.

Revenue from diamonds provides funds for hospitals, schools and more.

Diamonds are helping transform lives around the globe, especially in Africa. Revenues from diamonds ($8.3 billion in the last year alone) have helped provide jobs, education and healthcare, especially in the fight against HIV/AID

FAQ’s Kimberly Process

What are conflict diamonds?

Conflict diamonds, also known as "blood" diamonds, are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments.

 What is the Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates the trade in rough diamonds. Its aim is to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, while helping to protect the legitimate trade in rough diamonds.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme outlines the provisions by which the trade in rough diamonds is to occur. The KPCS has developed a set of minimum requirements that each Participant must implement. See Sections II, V (a), VI (8,9) of the KPCS document.

 Who is involved?

The Kimberley Process is comprised of states and regional economic integration organizations (Participants) who are eligible to trade in rough diamonds under the provisions of the KPCS. As of 30 April 2004 there are 43 Participants, including the European Community, representing all major rough diamond producing, exporting and importing countries.

The Diamond Industry, via the World Diamond Council, and Civil Society groups (Global Witness & Partnership Africa Canada) are also integral parts of the Kimberley Process. These organizations have been involved with the Kimberley Process since its inception and continue to contribute to the effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme.

 What areas of the world are affected by conflict diamonds?

The fighting that is fuelled by the trade in conflict diamonds has been relegated to a few Central and West African countries. Many of these countries have alluvial deposits of rough diamonds - diamonds much easier to mine and thus more readily available to smuggle.

Recent Peace Agreements negotiated in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia remain fragile. Implementation of the Kimberley Process is an important contributor to maintaining the peace, by helping to deny resources to rebel movements and by strengthening legitimate governments.

 What is the difference between Kimberley Process Participants, Applicants and Observers?

Participant is the term used to describe states and/or regional economic integration organizations who have met the minimum requirements of the KPCS and are eligible to trade in rough diamonds under the auspices of the Kimberley Process. The KPCS prohibits Participants from trading with non-participants. For a current list of Participants click here.

Applicants are those states that have expressed their commitment to the Kimberley Process but have yet to meet the minimum requirements of the KPCS.

The term Observers refers to Industry and Civil Society groups that play an active role in monitoring the effectiveness of the certification scheme and who provide technical and administrative expertise to the Secretariat, Working Groups, Applicants and Participants. There are three main Kimberley Process Observers: the World Diamond Council, representing industry and Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada representing civil society.

How do I know I am not buying a conflict diamond?

While the vast majority of the rough diamond trade is regulated by the Kimberley Process, here are some helpful hints to follow when purchasing a diamond:

Always buy from a reputable retailer.

Don't be afraid to ask questions like, where were the stones imported from? In which country were they mined? Were the stones traded under the auspices of the Kimberley Process?

Your retailer should be able to answer these questions for you.

The most important tip to guard against purchasing a conflict diamond is to use your intuition. Do not be afraid to shop around. If something arouses your suspicions move on to another retailer. Unless you are satisfied with the answers and service provided, do not make your purchase