Policies & IssuesNov 09, 2021
Marange Diamond Protests: What the Industry Should KnowPolicies & IssuesNov 18, 2021
KP Plenary Again Ends With No Movement on ‘Conflict’ Definition
Botswana will take over as chair of the Kimberley Process in 2022, with Zimbabwe serving as vice chair.
The 2021 plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process, the scheme devised in 2000 to combat the flow of “conflict” diamonds into the trade, was held in person and online from Nov. 8-12 in Moscow.
Moscow—A hybrid version of the Kimberley Process plenary meeting wrapped up last week, setting the stage for two African nations to helm the process in 2022.
The meeting, held in Moscow Nov. 8-12, ended—again—with KP participants failing to pass a measure that would expand the definition of what constitutes a “conflict” diamond.
The issue of expanding the definition of conflict to include human rights abuses—not just diamonds used by rebel groups to fund the overthrow of legitimate governments—stretches back to 2012, when the United States chaired the process.
Ahead of the plenary each year, both the World Diamond Council and the Kimberley Process’ Civil Society Coalition speak out about the importance of expanding a definition that is now two decades old. (The KP started in 2000, and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme officially launched in 2002.)
And each year, an expanded definition fails to garner the full consensus needed to pass, leading JCK News Director Rob Bates to describe the proposal as “perpetually stalled” in an editorial published following this year’s plenary.
The WDC, meanwhile, said in its post-plenary statement it “would have preferred that the KP make a concrete decision about the expansion of the conflict diamond definition” this year, while the KPCSC was blunter in addressing what it views as an ongoing failure.
“We are getting used to being disappointed about the lack of progress in the seemingly endless discussions on updating the KP’s conflict diamond definition. We now know everybody’s arguments and excuses by heart,” the KPCSC said in a statement circulated online only, as there was no time for civil society and industry observers to deliver their standard closing remarks this year.
“This was another [situation in which] discussions had to be stopped prematurely because those opposing dialogue refused to move an inch. This offers little hope about any future efforts to make the KP catch up with reality, for which the conflict diamond definition is only one of the many
weaknesses that require serious reform.”
One point of progress cited by both WDC and the KPCSC was the Declaration on Supporting Principles for Responsible Diamond Sourcing, with the KPCSC stating it is “hopeful” Botswana’s leadership of the KP next year will help the process “turn these words into action.”
Related stories will be right here …
The meeting, held in Moscow Nov. 8-12, ended—again—with KP participants failing to pass a measure that would expand the definition of what constitutes a “conflict” diamond.
The issue of expanding the definition of conflict to include human rights abuses—not just diamonds used by rebel groups to fund the overthrow of legitimate governments—stretches back to 2012, when the United States chaired the process.
Ahead of the plenary each year, both the World Diamond Council and the Kimberley Process’ Civil Society Coalition speak out about the importance of expanding a definition that is now two decades old. (The KP started in 2000, and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme officially launched in 2002.)
And each year, an expanded definition fails to garner the full consensus needed to pass, leading JCK News Director Rob Bates to describe the proposal as “perpetually stalled” in an editorial published following this year’s plenary.
The WDC, meanwhile, said in its post-plenary statement it “would have preferred that the KP make a concrete decision about the expansion of the conflict diamond definition” this year, while the KPCSC was blunter in addressing what it views as an ongoing failure.
“We are getting used to being disappointed about the lack of progress in the seemingly endless discussions on updating the KP’s conflict diamond definition. We now know everybody’s arguments and excuses by heart,” the KPCSC said in a statement circulated online only, as there was no time for civil society and industry observers to deliver their standard closing remarks this year.
“This was another [situation in which] discussions had to be stopped prematurely because those opposing dialogue refused to move an inch. This offers little hope about any future efforts to make the KP catch up with reality, for which the conflict diamond definition is only one of the many
weaknesses that require serious reform.”
One point of progress cited by both WDC and the KPCSC was the Declaration on Supporting Principles for Responsible Diamond Sourcing, with the KPCSC stating it is “hopeful” Botswana’s leadership of the KP next year will help the process “turn these words into action.”
Other points of note to emerge from the 2021 KP plenary meeting include the following.
—The KP is considering sending a review mission to the Central African Republic in 2022, a nation that remains a point of concern due to ongoing violence and smuggling.
—Three new countries—Mozambique, Qatar, and the Kyrgyz Republic, a nation in Central Asia—were admitted as members.
— A fourth country, the Republic of Uzbekistan, has expressed interest in joining the process.
—In its opening and closing remarks, the KPCSC called on authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola to do what they can to mitigate the human and environmental toll caused by the pollution of the Congo River Basin. It is believed a leak in the tailings dam of the Catoca diamond mine in Angola is what caused the pollution, turning two of the river’s tributaries red, killing fish, and affecting millions of people.
— In his closing remarks, WDC President Edward Asscher paid tribute to Pamela Fierst Walsh, the longtime head of the American delegation to the KP and senior advisor on conflict minerals at the U.S. State Department. Walsh is leaving to take a job in the private sector. “This is a great loss to all of us here, but a win for her next position,” Asscher said.
Russia chaired the Kimberley Process in 2021, with Botswana serving as vice chair.
In 2022, Botswana will step up to the role of chair nation, with Zimbabwe serving as vice chair.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate CollectionThe collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for PeaceIts second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam PharmaThe diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’sThe private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEOClaudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers LineThe new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ TenderThe miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires AlorThe California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' ZooThe “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the SummerFrom Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.
CollectionsSep 19, 2025
Piece of the Week: Vanessa Fernández Studio’s ‘Curva’ Wrap HoopsThe trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.
Recorded WebinarsSep 19, 2025
Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram ReelsFour social media marketing experts discuss their go-to methods and favorite tools for making high-quality short-form video content.
Supplier BulletinSep 18, 2025
Will Your Design Define 2026? Enter The Spectrum & Cutting Edge AwardsSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
SurveysSep 18, 2025
Deloitte Thinks the Holidays Will Be Merry, PwC Isn’t So Sure In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.
