What You Should Know About Diamonds Today

If you’ve ever watched Blood Diamond, you’re not alone in wondering how the diamond industry actually works today.

That film was based on real events from the 1990s, when rebel groups in parts of West Africa used rough diamond sales to fund civil wars. At that time, there were very few global systems in place to track where diamonds were coming from.

But that is not how the modern diamond industry operates.

The Kimberley Process — In Simple Terms

In 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was created.

It’s a global agreement between over 80 countries designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds—meaning diamonds used to fund violence or rebel groups.

But what does that actually mean in practice?

Every shipment of rough diamonds (before they’re cut and polished) must be officially certified as “conflict-free” by the government of the country it’s exported from. This certification comes in the form of a Kimberley Process certificate—a document that confirms the diamonds were sourced from legitimate, controlled supply chains.

These shipments are sealed in tamper-resistant containers and can only be traded between countries that are part of the Kimberley Process. If a country is not a member, it cannot legally participate in this global diamond trade.

So where don’t conflict-free diamonds come from?

Today, the majority of diamonds on the market are sourced from countries with regulated mining industries, like Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. These countries operate under strict oversight, labor laws, and export controls.

On the other hand, diamonds associated with conflict historically came from regions with political instability and unregulated mining—such as parts of Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo during times of civil war. These areas are now monitored under the Kimberley Process, and rough diamonds cannot legally enter the global market without certification.

By the time I started my business in 2017, this certification system had already been in place for over a decade. Responsible sourcing wasn’t something I had to “work around” — it was simply the industry standard.

The modern diamond supply chain is regulated, documented, and significantly different from what many people imagine.

How the Industry Has Continued to Evolve

The conversation around diamond sourcing hasn’t stopped at the Kimberley Process. In recent years, governments and global organizations have introduced additional measures in response to geopolitical conflicts.

One major example is the 2024 restrictions on Russian diamonds.

In response to the war in Ukraine, the G7 countries (including the United States) implemented new bans on Russian diamond imports. These measures are designed to prevent Russian-mined diamonds from entering major Western markets.

Beginning in 2024, new tracing requirements are being rolled out to further restrict Russian diamond flows and increase transparency in the global market.

This is an example of how the industry continues to adapt and strengthen oversight when necessary.

What This Means for You

When you purchase fine jewelry today, you’re participating in a supply chain that operates under international certification systems and evolving regulatory standards.

Is the industry different than it was in the 1990s?
Absolutely.

Has oversight increased?
Yes.

Has traceability improved?
Significantly.

As a designer, sourcing matters to me. I work with suppliers who comply with current international regulations and ethical standards. My goal has always been to create pieces you can feel confident wearing — not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re responsibly sourced.

A lot has changed — and that’s important to know.