The Kimberley Process defines conflict diamonds as rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict. That conflict aims to undermine legitimate governments.
In more detail
The definition refers to UN Security Council resolutions and UN General Assembly Resolution 55/56. The UN Thesaurus lists 'blood diamonds' as another name for them. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, in force since 2003, works for a conflict-free diamond trade. The scheme covers rough diamonds only; polished diamonds do not need a KP certificate.
Related terms
- Kimberley Process: The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international initiative and intergovernmental forum. Its aim is to exclude conflict diamonds from the legitimate trade.
- Natural diamond: A natural diamond is a diamond that formed in the earth, about 160 km deep, under enormous heat and pressure. An eruption carried it to the surface.
- Disclosure: Disclosure is telling the buyer, before the sale, that a gem is treated, laboratory-grown or an imitation.
- Origin report: An origin report gives a lab's opinion on the country or region where a gem was mined.