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
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education ConferenceThe one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias GabrielThe foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEOThe brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are … Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2MThe rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With LavalierThe diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design AtelierDiscover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership TeamTwo existing executives have been given new roles.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
