Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that have been sourced and traded in a way that does not
contribute to armed conflict, civil wars, or human rights abuses. The term emerged in response to
the issue of blood diamonds or conflict diamonds, which were diamonds mined in war zones and
sold to finance rebel movements or other factions against legitimate governments.
The primary mechanism for ensuring diamonds are conflict-free is the Kimberley Process
Certification Scheme (KPCS). This international initiative, established in 2003, brings together
governments, the diamond industry, and civil society to regulate the diamond trade and prevent
conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate market.
Here's how the Kimberley Process aims to ensure diamonds are conflict-free:
 Certification: Rough diamonds are accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate that
verifies their origin and confirms they have been handled in accordance with the scheme's
requirements. This certificate acts like a passport for the diamonds.
 Traceability: The process aims for traceability, meaning that diamonds can be tracked from
their source to the market.
 Government Oversight: Participating countries are required to implement national laws and
institutions to control the import and export of rough diamonds.
 Transparent Practices: Members commit to transparent practices and the exchange of
statistical data related to diamond production and trade.
 Trade Restrictions: Trade in rough diamonds is only permitted between countries that are
participants in the Kimberley Process.
While the Kimberley Process has been instrumental in significantly reducing the trade in conflict
diamonds (estimated to be less than 1% of the world's diamond production today), it's important to
note that its definition of conflict diamond is specifically focused on financing rebel movements.
This means that diamonds certified by the KPCS might not necessarily address other ethical
concerns, such as:
 Labor practices: Issues like child labor, exploitative working conditions, or unfair wages in
mining operations.
 Environmental impact: The ecological damage caused by mining activities.
 Other forms of violence or human rights abuses: If they are not directly linked to funding
rebel groups against a recognized government.
Therefore, while conflict-free primarily refers to the absence of funding for armed conflict, some
consumers and organizations seek diamonds that go beyond this definition to encompass broader
ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.