What is the Kimberley Process?

If you own a piece of diamond jewelry or are considering purchasing a creation set with diamonds, you may already have heard of “blood diamonds”, also known as conflict diamonds, and the Kimberley Process.

The Kimberley Process is an international initiative bringing together governments, civil society and the diamond industry. Its purpose is to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate international trade in rough diamonds.

According to the definition adopted by the United Nations, conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining or overthrowing legitimate governments.

The origins of the Kimberley Process

In 2000, diamond-producing countries in Southern Africa met in Kimberley, South Africa, to discuss ways to prevent diamonds from being used to finance armed conflicts. This meeting gave the Kimberley Process its name.

In 2002, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established to create a common international framework for controlling the trade in rough diamonds.

The scheme sets out the requirements governing the production, import and export of rough diamonds between Kimberley Process participants.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme officially came into force in 2003.

How does the Kimberley Process work? The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is based on a set of requirements designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade in rough diamonds. Participants are required to implement appropriate national legislation and institutions, as well as controls governing the import, export and domestic trade of rough diamonds. International shipments of rough diamonds between participants must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate and comply with the requirements of the certification scheme. This certificate confirms that a shipment of rough diamonds meets the requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

What is the role of the Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process established a common international framework designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade in rough diamonds.

It provides a system for controlling the international trade in rough diamonds between participating countries and territories.

Its scope is, however, specific: the Kimberley Process applies to rough diamonds and uses a definition of conflict diamonds linked to the financing of rebel movements.

Kimberley Process certificates therefore accompany international shipments of rough diamonds covered by the scheme. They are not individual certificates issued for every polished diamond sold in a piece of jewelry.

To learn more about our selection criteria and our approach to diamonds, discover our guide to natural diamonds.

Diamonds at the heart of D.Bachet Diamonds are at the heart of D.Bachet’s jewelry creations. White, black and colored diamonds are carefully selected to complement the lines, volumes and contrasts that characterize our Maison’s aesthetic. Our Maison works with partners who comply with the requirements governing the international diamond trade. The diamonds selected for our creations are sourced in accordance with the Kimberley Process. This attention to sourcing is part of our Maison’s commitments and reflects our aim to combine the quality of our diamonds and fine jewelry craftsmanship with the standards governing today’s international diamond trade.