What are conflict diamonds?

Conflict diamonds (also referred to as blood diamonds) are diamonds that originate from areas that are controlled by forces, factions or corrupt governments responsible for fuelling conflict and wars.

Small-scale diamond mining was exploited, and these diamonds were often used to fund military action by the forces, which resulted in the loss of an estimated 3-4 million lives in Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Whilst many of these conflicts have now been somewhat resolved, the problem of conflict diamonds still exists and always will. We at Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, together with others in the industry, have a duty to the millions who have suffered to make sure these diamonds do not infiltrate the diamond industry.

Avoiding Conflict Diamonds

We’ve always been passionate about using conflict-free diamonds and ethically mined gemstones. As a company, we do not knowingly have contact with conflict diamonds and cannot express the importance of this.

Together with the British Jewellers’ Association, the Responsible Jewellery Council and our diamond suppliers, we put a lot of effort into ensuring that the diamonds we use are not sourced from areas controlled by forces rebelling against the legitimate and internationally recognised government of the relevant country.

We’re at the forefront of the fight to improve ethics in the jewellery industry. Harriet, and our entire team, play a significant role in the jewellery industry’s drive towards a more ethical and environmentally responsible approach. In September 2011 we became the first UK independent jeweller to be fully certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council and Harriet continues to work with the Responsible Jewellery Council and the National Association of Jewellers to create change.

When you choose us for your jewellery you embrace the whole experience, where we get to hear your personal stories and you learn the inner workings of jewellery making. Our responsible processes, ethics- including mining- and what we stand for are paramount to what we do and always will be. It’s important you share this value with us, knowing that your diamond has not been used to fund conflicts.