The Kimberley Process

"We work in full compliance with the Kimberley Process" or "We comply with the Kimberley Process."

Jewellers wear their compliance with the Kimberley Process (KP) like a badge of honour. Often, it's their sole public effort towards ethical diamond sourcing. But is this badge truly earned?

What is the Kimberley Process?

Launched in 2003 under a UN resolution, the Kimberley Process (KP) aimed to halt trade in "conflict diamonds" – rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. This international certification scheme requires participating countries (currently 60 members, including the EU as one) to only trade rough diamonds with other participants. Observational bodies also support the scheme.

Its core goal was noble: prevent diamonds from funding conflict.

Why isn’t it enough? The Critical Shortcomings

While the KP marked a significant step in acknowledging the harms of diamond mining, it hasn't evolved to address the full spectrum of ethical and environmental concerns plaguing the industry today. Here's why it falls short:

• Narrow Definition of "Conflict": The KP defines conflict diamonds as those financing rebel movements against legitimate governments. This definition, while relevant in 2003, is now outdated. It doesn't cover:
  • Human rights abuses by government forces
  • Child labour
  • Worker exploitation & unsafe conditions
  • Forced labour
  • Environmental devastation
• Loopholes for Corruption: Corrupt regimes can still exploit workers in poorly regulated mines, even if they technically comply with the KP's narrow definition.
• Environmental Impact Ignored: The KP completely overlooks the significant environmental damage caused by diamond mining, including habitat destruction, pollution, soil erosion, and deforestation.
• Batch Certification, Not Individual Stones: Certification often applies to large parcels of rough diamonds, not individual stones. This makes tracing a single diamond's conflict-free status challenging once it's cut and polished.
• Vulnerability to Forgery: Historically, non-standardized paper certificates were prone to forgery. While digitization efforts are underway, this has been a persistent weakness.
• Voluntary Participation & Enforcement: State participation is voluntary, making enforcement difficult, especially when mining is controlled by corrupt or oppressive regimes.

What does this mean for you, the conscious consumer?

When a jeweller's sole ethical claim is "Kimberley Process compliant," it's often a sign they aren't doing enough. The KP is a baseline regulatory requirement for trading in many countries, not a proactive ethical stance.

If true ethics and sustainability matter to you, look for more:

• Beyond KP Initiatives: Do they offer diamonds with more robust, transparent, and comprehensive traceability (e.g., mine-of-origin tracking, SCS-007 Sustainability Rated Diamonds)?
• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Do they offer lab-grown diamonds as a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative?
• Recycled Materials: Do they use recycled precious metals and diamonds?
• Carbon Offsetting & Environmental Projects: Do they invest in carbon offsetting, reforestation, or projects that mitigate mining's impact?
• Community Support: Do they actively donate to charities reversing mining harms or supporting mining communities in meaningful ways?
• Transparency: Are they open about their supply chain and the steps they take beyond basic compliance?

Relying solely on the Kimberley Process is no longer sufficient for a jeweller claiming to be ethical or sustainable in today's world.