What are Conflict Free Diamonds and why does it matter?

At Jean Dousset Diamonds, we understand that choosing a diamond, especially your first one for a very special person in your life, can be a bit overwhelming.  We are more than happy to help answer any questions you have, simply call us at (323) 939-5531.  You can even practice the proposal on us first, but we know she will say yes. How could she not? She has YOU and a Jean Dousset designer diamond ring.

Jean Dousset Diamonds 

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 We exclusively sell conflict free diamonds

We purchase all of our diamonds from “DTC Sightholders*” diamond suppliers. It's essential that consumers are able to buy diamond jewelry with total confidence that their diamonds are authentic, as well as being free from the taint of war or exploitation. Without that confidence, we could be putting our business reputation at risk.

Noir Ruby

What are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa. The United Nations (UN) defines conflict diamonds 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 the Security Council." These diamonds are sometimes referred to as "blood diamonds."

Background:

Conflict diamonds captured the world's attention during the extremely brutal conflict in Sierra Leone in the late 1990s. During this time, it is estimated that conflict diamonds represented approximately 4% of the world's diamond production. Illicit rough diamonds have been used by rebels to fund conflicts in Angola, Liberia, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo (also known as Congo Brazzaville).

Today, the flow of conflict diamonds has been reduced to considerably less than 1%.

Eliminating Conflict Diamonds:

In July 2000, the global diamond industry made clear to the international community its zero tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. Dedicated to eliminating the trade in conflict diamonds, the industry worked closely with the United Nations, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada to create the Kimberley Process Certification System. This system was formally adopted in 2003 and guards against conflict diamonds entering the legitimate diamond supply chain. The diamond industry also adopted a voluntary System of Warranties to assure consumers that their diamonds are from sources free of conflict.

Today 74 governments have enshrined into their national law the Kimberley Process Certification.

Noir Sapphire

*DTC Sightholders Diamond Suppliers

DTC Sightholders are amongst the worlds leading diamantaires. They collectively handle approximately 75% of the World’s diamonds. Based mainly in the traditional cutting centers of Antwerp, Tel Aviv, Mumbai, Johannesburg and New York, as well as in Botswana, Namibia, Russia, China and Canada, these Sightholders attend the DTC’s Sights, or sales weeks, which occur ten times a year. Sightholders qualify for DTC supply by means of an objective process including their ability to add value to the diamonds we sell, their expertise in particular rough diamonds and their financial and ethical integrity.

Working with a DTC Sightholder, one can expect that they are fully compliant with Best Practice Principles and are 100% Kimberley Process compliant.

All DTC Sightholders must comply fully with the De Beers Diamond Best Practice Principles. This means that a retailer or manufacturer can be assured that when they work with a DTC Sightholder they are dealing with a supplier that abides by the highest standards in the industry.

These Best Practice Principles demand that any treatments applied to diamonds must be fully disclosed, and that synthetics are not traded as natural diamonds. They also set business practice standards to ensure that diamonds supplied by those committed to the Best Practice Principles are free of the taint of conflict, human suffering or exploitation.

We understand that choosing a diamond, especially your first one for a very special person in your life, can be a bit overwhelming.  We are more than happy to help answer any questions you have.  You can even practice the proposal on us first, but we know she will say yes. How could she not? She has YOU and a Jean Dousset designer diamond ring.