Conflict free diamonds

Dreaming of Diamonds recognizes the challenges and complexities of obtaining precious materials that have been mined, processed and crafted in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. We recognize the importance of having a clear understanding of the origins of the materials contained in our creations so that we can best meet those challenges.

We actively engage with the mining industry, nongovernmental organizations and local communities to develop responsible operating standards. We must ensure that human rights and workers’ rights are respected throughout our supply chain and to encourage and support community development in the regions where we source our raw materials.

The diamond industry has made an enormous progress in the past ten years, with regards to the fight against civil war, corruption and human rights violation. Through the Kimberly process, a scheme established in 2003 to prevent conflict, we are able today to monitor and improve the practices in the rough diamond market. We believe that industry and communities can work together to find a balance that will lead to more sustainable practices in the future.

What are conflict diamonds?

Conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, are those sold in order to fund armed conflict and civil war. Profits from the trade in conflict diamonds, worth billions of dollars, were used by warlords and rebels to buy arms during the devastating wars in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sierra Leone.

What is the Kimberly Process?

The Kimberly Process is a government-run initiative introduced to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes requirements on participants to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are conflict-free.
Over seventy governments taking part in the process are required to certify that diamond shipments through their countries are conflict-free, and they are required to set up diamond control systems to ensure this is true. Governments must pass national laws implementing the Kimberley Process, and they can only trade with other participants in the process. Most of the large diamond corporations do have a Conflict Diamond?s Policy and deal only with Kimberly certified producing countries, as they are aware of the positive impact of ethical and moral business behavior. However, unfortunately this is not enough to guarantee that no conflict diamonds are placed in the retail jewelry level. That happens, because during the various stages of diamond production, and its travel through the diamond chain (from mining to the rough dealer, manufacturer, polishers, jewelry retailer), the information gets lost. Often jewelry retailers do not have a conflict diamond policy in place and, even worse, they do not know the primary source of their diamonds. Above all, they may not be updated on the current violations of human rights around the globe. According to a survey conducted by the non profit organization Amnesty USA, in the United States, only 11% of stores visited stated that they had a policy on conflict diamonds and 67% of stores visited were unwilling to discuss whether they had a system of guarantees in place. Dreaming of Diamonds is more than a jewelry retailer, and it is present in many steps of the diamond production process. We always know specifically where our diamonds come from, and where they were polished. Our supplier countries are all Kimberly certified and, most importantly, we follow the diamond industry closely and all news regarding diamond producing countries. In short, we do everything possible to avoid dealing with diamonds sourced in conflict regions. Our policy is very strict with regards to human rights, as it includes the monitoring of the facilities where the diamond is cut and polished, as they must adhere to global labor and fair wage laws and must employ local residents. We take into consideration that even ?conflict-free" diamonds can be easily "bloodied" if mines and manufacturers use unfair labor practices. In addition, the mineworkers and skilled cutters and polishers should be local laborers and craftsman. This helps guarantee that some of the profit generated by the diamond mines and manufacturers - often run by one of a few global corporations - are re-invested into and benefit the local community. Want more informations about the Kimberly Process?   Click here

How to guarantee that you are buying a conflict free diamond?

Unfortunately, the Kimberly process applies to the rough diamond level only. Retailers often cannot ensure their customers that the diamond they are buying is conflict free.
Your supplier should have diamond market know-how, and a serious conflict diamonds policy. And it should be glad to share their policy with their customers.
Ethical, moral practices and transparency are our key values and are taken into consideration in every step of the diamond process, from the mine all the way to your finger.