Our Story
It all started with one consumer's quest to find a certified conflict-free diamond for his fiancé's diamond engagement ring. After months of carefully researching the industry, analyzing diamond supply chains from around the world, and realizing that international trade regulations where not keeping conflict diamonds out of the international diamond markets, one consumer fulfilled his quest.
Looking to capitalize on his hard earned and newfound knowledge, this individual turned to like-minded friends and colleagues who shared the same values, and were experienced in international trade, business, policy, and non-profit management. In 2004, The Conflict-Free Diamond Council was incorporated with the sole focus of empowering the conflict-free diamond consumer, creating more awareness, and recommending best practices to the diamond industry.
Awareness is Nothing Without Action
Fortunately, the awareness of conflict diamonds has increased dramatically over the last several years, mostly from highly visible conflicts in Angola, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Unfortunately, the international community has not responded with a strong enough initiative to stop the sale of these blood diamonds.
The Conflict-Free Diamond Council appreciates all the work and progress contributed by the organizations that have come before us. These organizations have brought a seemingly small and easily ignored social atrocity into the international spotlight. Our organization believes there is still a small, basic, business principle that will drive international governments and businesses into action: Consumer Demand.
Creating Consumer Demand
While most consumers would agree that conflict diamonds are illegal, most consumers do not know where to purchase certified conflict-free diamonds. Without any consumer pressure or best practice solutions, the diamond industry will continue to operate without change. Only a strong consumer demand for certified conflict-free diamonds will pressure international governments, businesses, and organizations to push through the necessary reforms.
The Conflict-Free Diamond Council solves this problem by providing socially conscious solutions for consumers and providing best practice recommendations for industry. Our first goal is to educate and empower consumers to purchase their own certified conflict-free diamonds. Our second goal is to provide the industry with best practice recommendations for certifying that their diamonds are conflict-free.