The term “conflict diamonds” is used to describe diamonds that have been mined to fund devastating civil wars in Africa, and still contribute to extreme violence, worker exploitation, and environmental devastation. Despite steps taken to eliminate abuses, some diamonds are still mined under dreadful human rights abuses that exploit the men, woman and children in those communities.
Wikipedia cites the organization Global Witness as the first to identify the link between diamonds and the conflicts that were going on throughout parts of Africa. They published a report detailing those abuses entitled A Rough Trade in 1998. Shortly thereafter, the United Nations also officially recognized that diamonds were being used to fund wars. This led to the passing of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1173 in 1998 and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1295 in 2000.
To address this problem, a coalition of governments, non-government organizations and the diamond industry worked together to find a way to halt the trade of conflict diamonds. Out of this effort came the 2002 Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) that is a set of regulations to control the export and import of rough diamonds.
In addition to the (KPCS), Global Witness states that companies must make sure their supply chains are trading responsibly or they risk the danger of funding serious abuses. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) offers a Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas that provides companies detailed information on how to “respect human rights and avoid contributing to conflict through their mineral purchasing decisions and practices.”
At the family-owned Padis Jewelry, we are committed to buying and selling conflict-free diamonds. All of our diamonds are socially and environmentally responsibly sourced. We carefully select our suppliers and only buy from those who adhere to strict labor and environmental standards and are able to demonstrate a complete chain of custody for their gemstones.
Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974. We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory. For an opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.