Kimberley Process: The Fourth Protocol to End the Conflict Diamond Trade

The conflict diamond trade is a dark chapter in the history of diamond mining. The term ‘conflict diamonds’ refers to rough and polished diamonds that are mined and sold to fund armed conflicts or support warlords. Conflict diamonds have been linked to human rights abuses, violence against local populations, exploitation of workers, and other negative consequences in regions where they are mined. In response, manufacturers and wholesalers developed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) as an auditing process that helps ensure that diamonds are not conflict diamonds. The KPCS is implemented through a set of protocols that member companies must abide by in order to sell their products as certified conflict-free diamonds. These protocols are described below as the fourth protocol of the KPC

How Does the Kimberley Process Work?

The Kimberley Process is an auditing process for diamonds to ensure that they aren't conflict diamonds. Members of the Kimberley Process agree to a set of protocols to protect against the trade of conflict diamonds. Mining operators and employees must be free from association with conflict diamonds. Diamond trading centers must be free from conflict diamonds. Diamonds must be tracked from mine to retail jeweler. Diamonds cannot be imported or exported without a Kimberley Process Certificate.

The Fourth Protocol of the Kimberley Process: Prohibiting Sale of Conflict Diamonds

The last protocol of the Kimberley Process aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the global diamond trade by setting standards for certification and monitoring of diamonds during all steps of their journey from the mine to the jeweler. The fourth protocol of the Kimberley Process prohibits the sale of conflict diamonds. Companies must adhere to a rigorous auditing system that tracks diamonds at every step of their journey in order to sell certified diamonds.

White Sapphire Vs Diamond

A sparkling white gemstone is often associated with diamonds. While diamonds are famed for their sparkle, they are also known for their conflict. Conflict diamonds have been linked to human rights abuses, violence against local populations, exploitation of workers, and other negative consequences in regions where they are mined. White sapphires, on the other hand, are mined and traded without the same negative impacts. The term “conflict diamonds” refers to rough and polished diamonds that are mined and sold to fund armed conflicts or support warlords. Conflict diamonds are also known as “blood diamonds” or “hot diamonds.” White sapphires are non-gem quality corundum, which is the second most common mineral in the Earth’s crust. Corundum can come in a variety of colours and be used to produce gems including ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

Conclusion

Conflict diamonds are diamonds used to fund armed conflicts. The Kimberley Process aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the diamond trade by monitoring the journey of the diamond from mine to jeweler, and prohibiting the sale of conflict diamonds.