The term “conflict diamonds” is used
to describe diamonds that have been mined to fund devastating civil wars in
Africa, and still contribute to extreme violence, worker exploitation, and
environmental devastation. Despite steps taken to eliminate abuses, some
diamonds are still mined under dreadful human rights abuses that exploit the men,
woman and children in those communities.
Wikipedia cites the organization
Global Witness as the first to identify the link between diamonds and the
conflicts that were going on throughout parts of Africa. They published a report detailing those abuses
entitled A Rough Trade in 1998. Shortly thereafter, the United Nations also
officially recognized that diamonds were being used to fund wars. This led to the passing of the United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1173 in 1998 and the United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1295 in 2000.
To address this problem, a coalition
of governments, non-government organizations and the diamond industry worked
together to find a way to halt the trade of conflict diamonds. Out of this effort came the 2002 Kimberly
Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), that is a set of regulations to control the
export and import of rough diamonds.
In addition to the KPCS, Global
Witness states that companies must make sure their supply chains are trading
responsibly or they risk the danger of funding serious abuses. The Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) offers a Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from
Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas that provides companies detailed
information on how to “respect human rights and avoid
contributing to conflict through their mineral purchasing decisions and
practices.”
At the family-owned Padis Jewelry, we
are committed to buying and selling conflict-free diamonds. All of our diamonds are socially and
environmentally responsibly sourced. We
carefully select our suppliers and only buy from those who adhere to strict
labor and environmental standards and are able to demonstrate a complete chain
of custody for their gemstones.
Padis Jewelry, a family-owned
business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose
diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974. We are one of the only jewelers in the area that
offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such
a large inventory. For an opportunity to
view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule
at visit.
Sources:
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/conflict-diamonds/
oecd.org/corporate/mne/mining.htm
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