Conflict Free Diamonds

‘Conflict-free’ diamonds

What are conflict diamonds?

Aspire acknowledges that there is a certain stigma associated with diamond trading; widely referred to as ‘conflict’or ‘blood’ diamonds.  This hype has increased somewhat since the release of the Hollywood blockbuster Blood Diamond (2006). Unfortunately some truth does lie within these stories: illegal diamond trades do exist in certain countries, in particularly central and western African countries. The United Nations (UN) has defined this type of trading as

"...diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of Security Council."

In other words the purpose of this illegal trading is carried out to fund terrorist activities, political conflicts and the diamonds are sold most commonly on the ‘black market’ to fund an insurgency. The conflict diamond dealings were propelled into the limelight during the conflict in Sierra Leone in the 1990s. At this point this illegal trading did amount to approximately 4% of the overall diamond trade; hence it clearly was an extremely serious and grim time for the entire industry. Fortunately, in the present day, the circulation of conflict diamonds represents a considerably lower 0.02% of the overall diamond trade. Despite this the notion that diamonds selling is in some way a corrupt business seems to dominate the entire industry.

Elimination of conflict diamonds and the Kimberley Process Certification System

At this time, the elimination of conflict diamonds became of paramount importance to the global diamond industry. In 2000 we made it clear, as an industry, to the international community that we hold a zero tolerance policy towards any illegal diamond production and dealings. The policy was developed closely with the United Nations, governments and non-governmental organisations to create the Kimberley Process Certification System. The whole purpose of this system is to guard the legitimate diamond supply chain from being infiltrated by criminal activity. Thankfully this system has been successful and today more than 99% of the world’s diamonds are from conflict-free sources. Continuous efforts are made by those who support the Kimberley Process as we aim to wipe out the conflict diamond trading altogether.

Conflict-FREE diamonds and Aspire

Aspire wholeheartedly practise and promote conflict-free diamond trading. This means that the diamonds we sell are mined and produced in ethical conditions. A diamond that is ‘conflict-free’ can be traced from where it has been mined right through to the ultimate consumer: something that is definitely implemented in the selling of all Aspire diamonds. Furthermore, we are proud members of the British Jewellers Association and we continue to be entitled to this membership because we happily comply with their strict ethical codes and regulations. Aspire absolutely condemn all corrupt and immoral activity and support the governmental and United Nations efforts to eradicate it entirely.