---
title: "Kimberley Process: meaning in gemology"
description: "The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international initiative and intergovernmental forum. Its aim is to exclude conflict diamonds from the legitimate trade."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/kimberley-process
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Treatments and origin

# Kimberley Process

Also called KP, Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, KPCS

The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international initiative and intergovernmental forum. Its aim is to exclude conflict diamonds from the legitimate trade.

## In more detail

It started when Southern African diamond-producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, in May 2000. Its Certification Scheme, the KPCS, came into force in 2003. Every export of rough diamonds must have a valid KP certificate. Participants may trade rough diamonds only with other participants. Polished diamonds do not need a KP certificate.

## Related terms

- [Conflict diamond](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/conflict-diamond): 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.
- [Natural diamond](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/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](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/disclosure): Disclosure is telling the buyer, before the sale, that a gem is treated, laboratory-grown or an imitation.
- [Origin report](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/origin-report): An origin report gives a lab's opinion on the country or region where a gem was mined.

[All 369 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)