Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is the cornerstone of international efforts to prevent “conflict diamonds” from entering the trade, ensuring rough diamonds are certified as conflict-free at every stage. Established by the UN in 2003, it now covers roughly 99.8% of global production through a system of government-issued certificates and records. Despite progress, it faces criticism—particularly for its narrow definition of conflict diamonds and lack of transparency and enforcement—prompting calls for broader ethical oversight. Jewellery Focus offers trade-focused coverage on the KPCS and its evolving impact on the UK jewellery sector, reporting on regulatory updates, compliance challenges, extensions like the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties, campaign developments, and how UK retailers, importers, dealers, and valuers can navigate these frameworks. Our coverage equips professionals to understand certification requirements, respond to scrutiny, safeguard supply chain ethics, and align with consumer expectations.
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Oct- 2018 -19 OctoberTrade Organisations
London Diamond Bourse hosts first ‘successful’ Tender event
The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) hosted its first-ever ‘Tender’ event in May/June of this year, which the group said was “successful”. Attendees were invited by the LDB to view a range of rough diamonds that were presented for a trade sale with closed bids from 29 May – 12 June…
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Jul- 2018 -3 JulyFeatures
Would you buy lab-grown diamond jewellery?
“Synthetic diamonds will never replace a natural diamond,” says Leonard Zell, Jewellery Focus’ own columnist and a specialist in jewellery sales training, with a chuckle. “I can’t see how a woman would ever want to mention that she has a lab created diamond as an engagement ring.” Zell’s remarks are…
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Mar- 2018 -9 MarchInternational
WDC president discusses Kimberley processes at UN event
World Diamond Council (WDC) acting president Stephane Fischler joined a renowned group of executives and dignitaries yesterday at a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event to discuss the Kimberley Process (KP). In the event they discussed strategies to advance its ongoing contributions toward peace, security and sustainable development in…
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7 MarchFeatures
A question of integrity
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has in recent years positioned itself as a leader for responsible business in the jewellery industry, but a piece of research published in February by the non-governmental human rights organisation, the Human Rights Watch (HRW), takes issue with the RJC’s governance, standards, and certification systems.…
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Jan- 2018 -4 JanuaryInternational
EU new Kimberley Process chair for 2018
The European Union (EU) has taken over the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process for 2018, under the leadership of Italian politician Federica Mogherini. The EU will head the international initiative to stem the trade in conflict diamonds during 2018. Kimberley is a process started in 2003 following the United Nations…
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Jul- 2017 -24 JulyCurrent Affairs
Vincenzaoro to host seminar on impact of new EU regulation on jewellery trade
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and the Italian Exhibition Group, will present a seminar on the EU’s new regulation on conflict minerals at this year’s Vincenzaoro show. The new legislation is expected to impact the operating procedures of both jewellery companies in the European Union and those supply them from…
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Jun- 2017 -6 JuneFeatures
FEATURE: Samer Halimeh discusses Knightsbridge flagship opening
Jewellery designer Samer Halimeh, owner of eponymously named Samer Halimeh NY, gave Jewellery Focus a tour of his new London flagship store. Opening just six months ago, the jeweller described the decision to set up a store in the UK’s capital as a mere “coincidence”. Selling a piece to a…
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Apr- 2017 -7 AprilEvents
Simon Rainer given freedom of The Goldsmiths’ Company
Simon Rainer, former CEO of the British Jewellers’ Association (BJA), has been given the freedom of The Goldsmiths’ Company. Rainer was awarded with the title at a ceremony in Goldsmiths’ Hall on 5 April. Afterwards, he was escorted by wardens to the Guildhall, where he was invited to apply for…
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Oct- 2016 -7 OctoberQ&A Sessions
COMPANY Q&A: Polished diamonds with Monnickendam
With more than 100 years in the industry, Monnickendam is one of the oldest and largest sellers of polished diamonds in the UK. Neil Holness, director of the company, talks to us about the company’s offering [divider style=”solid” top=”20″ bottom=”20″] hen was the company founded? We were set up in…
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Jul- 2015 -1 JulyAppointments
RJC appoints Andrew Bone as executive director
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has appointed a new executive director, Andrew Bone, as part of the organisation’s ongoing management restructure. Bone, who has extensive experience in the diamond and marketing sectors, has previously worked at De Beers and was also behind many industry initiatives including the Kimberley Process, the…
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