Conflict Diamonds
A Statement from the Diamond Guild Australia (DGA) and the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA)
The DGA and GAA are aware of the illegal trade in conflict diamonds but believe that strict industry programs, backed by the United Nations, which track diamonds from extraction to sale, have significantly helped reduce the trade in conflict diamonds to less than 1%.
The global diamond industry has been working for years to eliminate conflict diamonds from the marketplace. The industry, in conjunction with the United Nations, international governments and human rights organisations, has established a number of successful measures to address the issue of conflict diamonds.
Two important programs have been put in place to assure customers that the diamonds they purchase do not come from countries engaged in conflict. These programs are the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the System of Warranties Assurance. All diamonds traded after 1 January 2003 are required to comply with these programs.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme sets rules for the import and export of rough diamonds, ensuring that every shipment of diamonds that crosses a border must be certified, numbered and sealed. The diamonds are shipped in tamper-resistant containers and accompanied by government validated certificates in order to verify the diamonds have been sourced from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict.
The System of Warranties further assures consumers of the source of their diamonds. Once imported and ready to be traded, a written statement must accompany all invoices guaranteeing that the polished diamonds or diamond jewellery being sold are from legitimate sources. Businesses are required to keep records of their invoices and to have these audited annually.
Since the establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification System and the System of Warranties in 2003, the supply of conflict diamonds onto the market has reduced from around 4% of total supply to less than 1% (source: World Diamond Council ). The diamond industry is committed to totally eliminating them.
Australia is one of 71 countries that are signatories to the Kimberley Process, which prohibits the trade in conflict diamonds.
Diamonds benefit an immense population of the world. Diamonds are one of the ways that people celebrate love, emotions and milestones, but they also help employ 10 million people globally, directly or indirectly. More importantly, the revenue obtained from diamond production helps provide vital infrastructure, health, education and economic development for many African nations.
When purchasing diamonds and diamond jewellery, customers should look for retailers who are members of the DGA and the GAA, Australia’s leading authority on gemmology, diamond grading, gemmological and jewellery education and gemmological research.
DGA members have been selected due to their strict adherence to industry best practices and ethical trade, so customers can be sure the diamonds they sell have come through reputable channels. All members of the Guild are trained diamond professionals with recognized qualifications, so they can be trusted to provide accurate information about diamonds.