Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa...In July 2000, the global diamond industry made clear to the international community its zero tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. Dedicated to eradicating the trade in conflict diamonds, it worked closely with the United Nations, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada to create the Kimberley Process Certification System. This system was formally adopted in 2003 and guards against conflict diamonds entering the legitimate diamond supply chain. The diamond industry also adopted a voluntary System of Warranties to assure consumers that their diamonds are from sources free of conflict.Today, the flow of conflict diamonds has been reduced to considerably less than 1%. Arden Jewelers buys diamonds only from companies that are committed to the Kimberley Process.
Today, 71 governments have enshrined into their national law the Kimberley Process Certification System, and now more than 99% of the world's diamonds are from conflict free sources.
