Amid growing concern over human rights violations and atrocities committed against innocent victims in diamond producing countries of war-torn northern Africa, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association passed a resolution at their Antwerp meeting in July 2000, creating the World Diamond Council.
The resolution called for the newly formed WDC to include representation from the diamond industry itself and also from among countries where diamonds play a major economic role and from the international banking sector. The ultimate mandate for the World Diamond Council is the development, implementation and oversight of a tracking system for the export and import of rough diamonds to prevent the exploitation of diamonds for illicit purposes such as war and inhumane acts. Human rights activists refer to diamonds exploited in this way as "blood" or "conflict" diamonds.
As a result of the commitment and resolve of WDC leaders and members, significant strides have been made toward resolving and reconciling these issues. The development and implementation of the Kimberley Process, for example, has reduced the flow of conflict diamonds in the marketplace from approximately 4% to significantly less than 1%. While the number of conflict diamonds has been reduced, and this is an improvement, it is still not enough. The diamond industry will continue its efforts until conflict diamonds are eradicated completely.
Membership Organizations:
The World Diamond Council represents over 50 industry organizations - from mining companies and trade associations to manufacturers and retailers - worldwide. Member organizations include: ABN Amro Bank International Division; Alrosa Company; American Gem Society; Antwerpse Diamantbank; Ascorp; Association of Diamond Manufacturers of Russia; Belgian Federation of Diamond Bourses; BHP Diamonds & Industrial Metals; Canadian Diamond Consultants Inc.; Cartier; Centre for Expertise, Valuation and Certification (Democratic Republic of Congo); CIBJO; Codiam; Damas; De Beers; De Beers LV; Debswana Diamond Co.; Diamond Chamber of Russia; Diamond Dealers Club New York; Diamond Federation of Hong Kong; Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association; Diamond Trading Company; Dubai Multi Commodities Centre; EGL USA; Eurostar Diamonds Ltd.; Gem and Jewelry Export and Promotion; Harry Winston, Inc.; International Diamond Manufacturers Association; International Gemological Institute; Israel Diamond Exchange; Israel Diamond Institute; Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association; Jewelers of America; Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Leviev Group of Companies; London Diamond Bourse; Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America; Ministry of Mines (Namibia); Namdeb Diamond Corporation; Rapaport Corporation; Rio Tinto Diamonds; Rosy Blue; Shanghai Diamond Exchange Co. Ltd.; South African Diamond Board; Signet Group plc/Sterling Jewelers Inc.; Tacy Diamond Consultants; Tiffany & Co.; Union Bank of Israel; United Association of South Africa; World Federation of Diamond Bourses; Zale Corporation.
If your diamond does not come from one of these businesses, please be aware the chance of buying a "blood diamond" is greatly increased. While NO ONE can promise that every diamond they sell is not a "blood diamond" but these companies above do their absolute best to stay away from "blood diamonds" and will fire any cutter/ polisher or supplier if they are found to sell or swap out blood diamonds.
http://www.worlddiamondcouncil.com