A good post from FairJewelry.org this week on the status of the Kimberly Process Certification system (KPCS), established in 2003 to help prevent the transport and sale of “conflict diamonds”.

The KPCS's original mandate was an effort to help mitigate the usage of diamonds in fueling wars in Africa (and other locations). However, the bureaucracy seems to have taken the lead in setting the policy.

In the case of Zimbabwe the KPCS decided to not terminate the country from the treaty. Does this provide consumers with a better sense of comfort when they are assured by the retailer the diamonds are KPC certified? It is possible that the KPCS just gave consumers another reason to doubt its seal and certification process.

Now, news that dealers in India are openly selling conflict diamonds and still getting the KPC certification may give the entire certification process a real “Kimberley-washing” tone.

The current state of affairs in fact may end up being the ultimate role of the KPCS in the jewelry industry. Consumers however, may not feel the role played by KPCS is of sufficient value to have a credible impact in their purchasing decisions. After all, in this connected world the market will eventually find the facts and will drive the next evolution of tracking and certification solutions.

Case in point the Wal-Mart Love, Earth® Project which is setting its own standards and certification process. Working with mining companies including Rio Tinto and Conservation International Wal-Mart has created a fully traceable line of jewelry.

Another example is the independent certification of Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), an independent third-party certifier and sustainability expert which recently certified the recycled metal content in jeweler Hoover & Strong's HARMONY Metals™ line.

The above examples both relate to precious metals. Nevertheless, traceability of loose stones may be less a matter of technical impossibility than a lack of will.

Do you think the Kimberley Process is helping the jewelry industry retain a tone of trust in the eyes of consumers? Have you ever asked for and been provided a KPCS certificate when you were purchasing diamonds? Contact us.

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