The Kimberly Process, Keeping "Blood Diamonds" Off the Market
A Diamond is used to symbolized wealth, love and elegance to many people in many nations.
So why are there many nations terrorized by this same product? Terrorists in many African Nations have used the Diamond as a means and sign of power while terrorizing millions of innocent civilians, and financing some of the world's most brutal terrorists and their horrible crimes.
Diamonds can be transported and concealed easily and have thus led to corruption of governments and warlords in Africa.
Many underdeveloped African nations have suffered from rebel armies who have forced thousands of people to mine diamonds in brutal slave-like and dangerous conditions with the fear of death lingering over their heads and their pay as little as a cup of rice or can of beans per day.
So how have so many people been left in the dark about this illicit and illegal Diamond trade occurring? Well civil wars and anti-government rebel movements in these African countries have financially supported themselves by the sale and trade of rough diamonds commonly referred to as "conflict" or "blood" diamonds.
This lucrative business expanded exponentially reaching its peak in the late 1990's when an estimated 20% of all diamonds on the market originated from a conflicted source.
In the year 2002 the Kimberly Process was formed in order to promote and maintain the legitimacy of the diamond trade and combat the rising sale of conflict stones.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a multi-government effort which now involves over 74 countries world-wide.
The KPCS requires that all shipments of diamonds be certified as "conflict free" guaranteeing that the proceeds do not go towards the funding of violence.
Since its inception and enforcement the amount of conflict diamonds in the market is estimated to be less than 1%.
The legal and humane sale of diamonds in Africa has increased dramatically and continues to fund developing nations and provide the means for further stability.
This is great news for those seeking to purchase conflict-free diamonds of great value.
When searching for the right diamond for that special someone be sure the company is legit.
Researching the company will provide confidence and ensure quality of your significant purchase.
Good luck in your search and remember that diamond education is your best weapon against illegal diamond trades.
So why are there many nations terrorized by this same product? Terrorists in many African Nations have used the Diamond as a means and sign of power while terrorizing millions of innocent civilians, and financing some of the world's most brutal terrorists and their horrible crimes.
Diamonds can be transported and concealed easily and have thus led to corruption of governments and warlords in Africa.
Many underdeveloped African nations have suffered from rebel armies who have forced thousands of people to mine diamonds in brutal slave-like and dangerous conditions with the fear of death lingering over their heads and their pay as little as a cup of rice or can of beans per day.
So how have so many people been left in the dark about this illicit and illegal Diamond trade occurring? Well civil wars and anti-government rebel movements in these African countries have financially supported themselves by the sale and trade of rough diamonds commonly referred to as "conflict" or "blood" diamonds.
This lucrative business expanded exponentially reaching its peak in the late 1990's when an estimated 20% of all diamonds on the market originated from a conflicted source.
In the year 2002 the Kimberly Process was formed in order to promote and maintain the legitimacy of the diamond trade and combat the rising sale of conflict stones.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a multi-government effort which now involves over 74 countries world-wide.
The KPCS requires that all shipments of diamonds be certified as "conflict free" guaranteeing that the proceeds do not go towards the funding of violence.
Since its inception and enforcement the amount of conflict diamonds in the market is estimated to be less than 1%.
The legal and humane sale of diamonds in Africa has increased dramatically and continues to fund developing nations and provide the means for further stability.
This is great news for those seeking to purchase conflict-free diamonds of great value.
When searching for the right diamond for that special someone be sure the company is legit.
Researching the company will provide confidence and ensure quality of your significant purchase.
Good luck in your search and remember that diamond education is your best weapon against illegal diamond trades.
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