Also known as blood diamonds, conflict diamonds are mined in war-torn areas and sold to fund armed conflict. They have been used to finance civil wars and insurgencies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is an international agreement to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade.

The History of Conflict Diamonds

The use of diamonds to finance conflict is not a new phenomenon. Diamonds have been used to fuel wars for centuries. In the 19th century, diamonds were used to finance the slave trade in Africa. In the 20th century, diamonds were used to fund the civil wars in Angola and Sierra Leone.

The civil war in Sierra Leone was fierce. Rebel forces, known as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), used diamonds to buy weapons and ammunition. The RUF also used diamonds to finance their campaign of terror, which included the amputation of the hands of civilians.

The international community became aware of the problem of conflict diamonds in the 1990s. In 2000, the KPCS was established to stop blood diamonds from entering the legal diamond trade. The KPCS is an international agreement that requires all diamonds to be certified before they can be traded.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

The KPCS is a voluntary agreement between 79 countries producing or trading diamonds. The KPCS aims to ensure that traded diamonds are not conflict diamonds.

To become a member of the KPCS, a country must agree to a set of standards designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade. These standards include:

• All diamonds must be certified before they can be traded.
• An independent body must issue the certificates.
• The certificates must track the diamonds from the mine to the retailer.

The KPCS has successfully reduced the entry of blood diamonds into the legitimate diamond trade. However, there is still evidence that conflict diamonds are being smuggled into the market.

How to Avoid Buying Conflict Diamonds

If you are considering buying a diamond, there are a few things you can do to avoid buying a conflict diamond.

• Buy from a reputable jeweler.
• Ask the jeweler where the diamond comes from.
• Look for the Kimberley Process Certificate.

The Kimberley Process Certificate is a document that guarantees that the diamond has been certified by an independent body. The certificate will show the country where the diamond was mined and the company’s name that certified it.

Selection of Natural Loose Rough Diamonds

Rough diamonds are the natural, uncut form of diamonds. They are mined from the earth and then sold to diamond cutters, who transform them into the polished diamonds we know and love.

If you’re interested in buying a rough diamond, there are a few things you need to know about how to select them. Here is a guide to help you choose the perfect natural loose rough diamond:

1.Color

The color of a rough diamond is one of the most critical factors determining its value. The best quality rough diamonds are colorless or near-colorless. These diamonds will have a higher price tag but will also be more valuable in the long run.

You can still find beautiful rough diamonds in various colors if you’re on a budget. However, remember that the color of a rough diamond will affect how it looks after it is cut. For example, a blue rough diamond will not look as blue after it is cut, so you may want to choose a different color if you’re looking for a diamond with intense color.

2.Clarity

The clarity of a rough diamond refers to the presence of inclusions. Inclusions are small imperfections that can be found inside diamonds. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, its clarity grade will be higher.

Flawless diamonds are the highest clarity grade and are very rare and expensive. Most rough diamonds will have some inclusions, but the size and location of the inclusions will affect the clarity grade of the diamond.

If you’re looking for a diamond with the highest possible clarity, you must be prepared to pay a premium. However, if you’re on a budget, you can still find beautiful rough diamonds with a good clarity grade.

3.Carat

The carat of a rough diamond is its weight. The larger the carat, the more valuable the diamond will be. However, it’s important to remember that carat is not the only factor determining a diamond’s value. A diamond with a high clarity and color grade will be more valuable than a diamond with a lower carat weight but a lower color and clarity grade.

If you’re looking for a large, impressive diamond, you must be prepared to pay a high price. However, if you’re on a budget, you can still find beautiful rough diamonds with a smaller carat weight.

4.Shape

The shape of a rough diamond is another crucial factor to consider. The most common shapes for rough diamonds are octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and cubes. However, rough diamonds can also be found in various other shapes.

A rough diamond’s shape will affect how it looks after it is cut. For example, the round brilliant-cut diamond is the most popular shape for polished diamonds because it refracts light in a way that creates a sparkle. However, other shapes can also be beautiful, depending on your preference.

5.Cut

A rough diamond’s cut refers to how it is cut and polished. The cut determines the shape of the diamond and how it reflects light.

A well-cut diamond will sparkle beautifully and have a high value. However, a poorly cut diamond will not sparkle as much and will be less valuable.

If you’re buying a rough diamond, you must work with a reputable dealer who can help you find a diamond with a good cut.

6.Price

The price of a rough diamond will vary depending on its color, clarity, carat, shape, and cut. If you’re on a budget, you can still find beautiful rough diamonds, but you may need to be willing to compromise on some of the factors listed above.

If you’re looking for a high-quality rough diamond, you must be prepared to pay a premium. However, if you’re willing to invest in a quality diamond, you can be sure it will appreciate over time.

Selecting a natural loose rough diamond is a complex process, but it can be rewarding. By following the tips above, you can be sure to find the perfect diamond for your needs and budget.

If you want to buy a loose diamond, you can go to a few places. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Jewelry stores can also be an excellent place to buy loose diamonds. However, you’ll typically pay more at a jewelry store than online. Jewelry stores also may not have a wide selection of diamonds as online retailers.
• Diamond dealers are another option for buying loose diamonds. Diamond dealers typically have a wide selection of diamonds and can offer a more personalized buying experience. However, it’s essential to research when buying from a diamond dealer, as some unscrupulous dealers are out there.

When choosing a place to buy a loose diamond, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Price: The price of a loose diamond will vary depending on its size, color, clarity, and cut. Be sure to compare prices from different retailers before you make a purchase.
• Quality: Make sure to buy a diamond from a reputable retailer. You can check the retailer’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau or by reading online reviews.
• Grading: A reputable gemological laboratory should grade The diamond you buy. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are the most common grading laboratories.
• Carat: The carat of a diamond is its weight. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. The larger the carat, the more expensive the diamond will be.
• Color: The color of a diamond is graded on a scale of D to Z, with D being the most colorless and Z being the most colored. The more colorless the diamond, the more expensive it will be.
• Clarity: The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of inclusions. Inclusions are small imperfections that can be found inside diamonds. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, its clarity grade will be higher.
• Cut: A diamond’s cut refers to how it is cut and polished. The cut determines the shape of the diamond and how it reflects light.
• Setting: You must choose a setting after choosing a loose diamond. The setting is the metal that holds the diamond in place. Many different settings are available, so you can choose one that matches your style.

Synthetic diamonds are diamonds created in a laboratory. They are made of the same material as natural diamonds, which is pure carbon. Synthetic diamonds are grown under high pressure and heat and have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.

Synthetic diamonds are more popular since they are more affordable than natural diamonds. They are also available in various colors and clarity grades, making them a good choice for jewelry.

Here are the two main methods of creating synthetic diamonds:

• High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis

In HPHT synthesis, carbon is placed under high pressure and heat in a special chamber—the pressure and heat cause the carbon to crystallize into diamonds.

• Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis

In CVD synthesis, a hydrocarbon gas is passed over a hot substrate. The heat causes the carbon in the gas to vaporize and deposit on the substrate as a diamond crystal.

Synthetic diamonds, such as cutting tools and abrasives, are often used in industrial applications. They are also becoming increasingly popular for use in jewelry.

Here are some of the benefits of using synthetic diamonds:

• Affordability: Synthetic diamonds are often more affordable than natural diamonds.
• Versatility: Synthetic diamonds are available in various colors and clarity grades.
• Sustainability: Synthetic diamonds do not require mining, which can harm the environment.

If you are considering buying a diamond, consider a synthetic diamond. They are a good value for your money and more sustainable than natural diamonds.