Ethical Diamond Sourcing & The Kimberly Process

At Oz’s Jewelers, we believe in offering not only the finest quality diamonds but also diamonds that are ethically sourced and conflict-free. With increasing awareness about the ethical implications of diamond mining, it's important for our customers to understand how the diamond industry is working to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market. One of the key initiatives in this effort is the Kimberley Process, a certification scheme that plays a crucial role in maintaining ethical standards in the diamond trade.

What is the Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003 by the United Nations, in collaboration with governments and the diamond industry, to stop the flow of conflict diamonds—diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. These so-called "blood diamonds" are often associated with severe human rights abuses, exploitation, and funding of violence.

The Kimberley Process aims to ensure that diamonds entering the market come from legitimate, conflict-free sources. Today, over 80 countries are members of the Kimberley Process, which represents approximately 99.8% of the global diamond production.

How Does the Kimberley Process Work?

The Kimberley Process operates by establishing a set of requirements that countries involved in the diamond trade must follow. These include:

• Certification: Every rough diamond shipment must be accompanied by a government-validated Kimberley Process certificate. This ensures the diamonds have been mined, shipped, and sold through legitimate channels.

• Chain of Custody: Diamonds are tracked from their point of origin to their final destination, ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain.

• Trade Restrictions: Member countries agree to only trade diamonds with other member countries that meet the Kimberley Process standards. This helps block diamonds from conflict zones from entering the international market.

Why is the Kimberley Process Important?

The Kimberley Process has been instrumental in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds and raising awareness about ethical sourcing in the diamond industry. Before the Kimberley Process was implemented, as much as 15% of the world’s diamond trade was believed to be conflict-related. Today, that number has decreased to less than 1%.

At Oz’s Jewelers, we are committed to offering only ethically sourced diamonds. Every diamond we sell meets the standards set by the Kimberley Process, giving our customers confidence in their purchases. When you buy from us, you can be assured that you are not contributing to conflict or unethical practices.

What Are the Limitations of the Kimberley Process?

While the Kimberley Process has made significant strides in preventing conflict diamonds from entering the market, it is not without its challenges. Some critics argue that the definition of conflict diamonds is too narrow, focusing only on diamonds used to fund rebel groups. This leaves room for other unethical practices, such as poor working conditions, environmental degradation, and exploitation in diamond mines that are not involved in armed conflict.

As the jewelry industry continues to evolve, many companies—including Oz’s Jewelers—are committed to going beyond the Kimberley Process by working with suppliers who adhere to even stricter ethical and environmental standards.

What You Can Do as a Consumer

When shopping for diamonds, it’s important to ask questions about where and how the diamonds were sourced. Reputable jewelers like Oz’s Jewelers will be transparent about their sourcing practices and certifications. 

Conclusion

The Kimberley Process is an essential tool in the global effort to ensure that diamonds are sourced ethically and free from conflict. At Oz’s Jewelers, we take pride in our commitment to offering conflict-free diamonds that align with our values of integrity and transparency. By purchasing diamonds that adhere to these standards, you not only invest in a beautiful piece of jewelry but also contribute to a more ethical and responsible diamond industry.

Visit Oz’s Jewelers today to explore our collection of Kimberley Process-certified diamonds and learn more about our dedication to ethical sourcing.