What are conflict diamonds? [diaedu]

What are conflict diamonds?

To truly understand the importance of conflict-free diamonds, one must first understand the harrowing reality of so-called "conflict diamonds" or "blood diamonds." The diamond industry has long been criticized because a significant portion of natural diamonds are mined in countries experiencing violent internal conflict. In these tragic situations, rebel groups often take control of diamond mines and use the gems to fund their insurgencies against legitimate governments, causing significant harm to civilian populations. The revenue from the sale of these diamonds directly funds bloodshed and instability—with immense human suffering as a result.

Shocking examples: Sierra Leone and beyond

A particularly dramatic example is Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Rebels unscrupulously used diamond mines to buy weapons, pay their soldiers, and finance their bloody civil war—a conflict that claimed the lives of approximately 75,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Even beyond direct conflict, diamond mining suffers from inhumane working conditions: low wages, dangerous jobs, and minimal occupational safety are commonplace. An article in Time magazine reported: "Hundreds of miners die each year in tunnel collapses, which are rarely reported because they occur so frequently."

The scale of the problem: Africa and beyond

Africa is a major producer, accounting for 65% of the global diamond market ($81.4 billion). According to a UN report published by Reuters, approximately 140,000 carats of conflict diamonds worth $24 million were illegally smuggled out of the war-torn Central African Republic.

A global problem: conflict diamonds outside Africa

Diamonds don't just come from Africa. They are also mined in Russia, Canada, and Australia. Russia, in particular, is a leader in the production of small diamonds—many of which are found in engagement rings and jewelry in Europe. But these revenues now partially finance Russia's military attacks on Ukraine. As a result, some countries have now officially classified Russian diamonds as conflict diamonds.

The New York Times reported: “The U.S. and other countries are taking steps to officially label Russian diamonds as conflict diamonds, saying their sale funds Russia’s aggression.”

Hope for a clear conscience: conflict-free alternatives

Will the natural diamond industry ever be completely conflict-free? Probably not—the supply chain is too opaque. But there is a solution: conflict-free diamonds , especially lab-grown diamonds . They offer the same beauty, but without human suffering—and they are fully traceable.

What are conflict-free diamonds?

The industry is attempting to trace diamonds from mine to sale through the so-called Kimberley Process . This international certification system was developed to eliminate conflict diamonds.

The Kimberley Process – Opportunities and Limitations

Participating countries must guarantee that their exported rough diamonds are conflict-free. However:

  • Diamonds are small, valuable and easy to smuggle.

  • The supply chain is complex (miners, traders, cutters, jewelers).

  • The Kimberley Process is voluntary.

  • No 100% guarantee: Certified rough diamonds can later be mixed with illegal ones.

Consequences for buyers

The Kimberley Process has helped, but there's no such thing as absolute security. That's why lab-grown diamonds are considered the best option: They are guaranteed conflict-free, ethically produced, traceable, and more attractively priced.

Are there 100% conflict-free natural diamonds?

Difficult to prove. Diamonds are cut and processed worldwide—a diamond often changes hands 20–30 times. Many companies claim to be conflict-free, but guaranteeing this remains difficult.

Criticism of the Kimberley Process

  • Narrowly defined: Only rebel groups count, not corrupt governments or human rights violations.

  • No follow-up after grinding.

  • Implementation varies by country.

  • Risk of mixing with illegal stones.

Conclusion:

Due to the complexity of the supply chain and the weaknesses of the Kimberley Process, it is almost impossible to fully guarantee that a natural diamond is conflict-free. Those seeking ethical assurance should prefer lab-grown diamonds .