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.