Here at J. Brooks, we value authenticity and ethical practices in all of our business endeavors. Because of this, we are always sourcing items that are created ethically and contribute to the different communities and environments they are sourced from. To accomplish this, all natural diamonds sourced and set in new J. Brooks products are ethically sourced through the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international initiative aimed at preventing the trade of conflict diamonds, also known as "blood diamonds". These are “rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments”.

HISTORY

The Kimberley Process was initially created in 2000 in Kimberley, South Africa, hence its name. The KP was established in response to growing concerns over the unethical trade of these diamonds and the devastating impact they were having on affected communities. It was initiated by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the diamond industry to address the issue of conflict diamonds. The process was formally endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000. The Kimberley Process was then fully established and began implementation in 2003 with the primary goal of preventing the flow of conflict diamonds. 

The KP established a set of requirements and guidelines for participating countries to implement in order to certify that their diamonds are conflict-free. This includes implementing strict controls on the import and export of rough diamonds, as well as establishing a system of certification and tracking to ensure that diamonds are not being sourced from conflict areas.

The KP now has 59 participants representing 85 countries, with the European Union counting as a single participant. The participants include all major rough diamond producing, exporting, and importing countries. The diamond industry, through the World Diamond Council, and civil society groups are also integral parts of the KP. Within 5 years of launching the Kimberley Process reduced conflict diamonds from more than 4% of rough goods traded to less than .02%. 

IMPACT

The Kimberley Process has made significant progress and plays a crucial role in reducing the trade of conflict diamonds. The KP has reduced conflict, increased economic development, and improved community empowerment. By helping reduce conflict diamonds and strategically organizing the process of mining and trading diamonds they have allowed communities to lean into this incredible natural resource. This encourages investment in the diamond industry, which can create jobs and stimulate local economies. By promoting transparency and accountability in the diamond supply chain, the KP indirectly supports community empowerment by fostering an environment where those locally affected have a voice in how diamond resources are managed and utilized. 

Others that are improving the impact that diamonds can have on local communities include the The De Beers Group, World Diamond Council, Only Natural Diamonds, and Diamonds Do Good, amongst others. 

• The De Beers Group: After over 100 years in the diamond and jewelry industry while controlling between 30-40% of the world's diamonds, the De Beers Group has multiple impact programs in place to give back and protect the communities producing natural diamonds. The De Beers Group owns and manages the Diamond Route which is located in southern Africa and consists of eight nature and heritage sites spread over 500,000 acres of land for conservation. With every acre of land they mine, they set aside six acres for conservation. 
• Through their program Building Forever they focus on 4 main areas that are important to the industry. These include leading ethical practices, partnering for thriving communities, protecting the natural world, and accelerating equal opportunities. To J. Brooks, as a company of mostly women, one of their most exciting partnerships is with Un Women to increase technical and leadership roles within the jewelry industry. 

Sources: 

https://www.kimberleyprocess.com/en 

https://www.worlddiamondcouncil.org/ 

https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/ 

https://press.un.org/en/2020/ga12242.doc.htm 

https://www.diamondsdogood.com/ 

https://www.debeers.com/en-us/un-women-partnership.html 

https://www.debeers.com/en-us/building-forever.html 

https://www.debeers.com/en-us/de-beers-diamond-route.html