We believe very strongly in providing quality pieces with a conscience.

Natalie K takes pride in being able to partake in some of your most cherished and memorable moments. Being such an inextricable part of these moments and having our tokens of affection become a part of your lives we take great care and concern with insuring our diamonds are “conflict-free.” We believe very strongly in providing quality pieces with a conscience and take the issue of conflict diamonds very seriously which is why we fully support the Kimberley Process and applaud all that is has done to help eradicate this issue.

What are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds which have been mined within certain African combat zones by illegitimate insurgency groups aimed at creating warfare or conflict against internationally recognized nations. Conflict diamonds fuel and fund gross abuses against human rights and civilian populations within war torn countries. Fortunately, with the assistance and enforcement of the Kimberley Process, such diamonds are estimated to make up less than 1% of the world’s current diamond production.

What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)?

Following the May 2000 meeting of the Southern African diamond-producing states, The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was put into effect by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution in 2003. This international plan was put in place to rid the world’s diamond industry of conflict diamonds. Created by the cooperative forces of governments, non-governmental organizations and the diamond industry each participant of the KPCS became independently responsible. This being a self-regulated international agreement called for independent national responsibilities and legislation.

In its simplest terms any country or vendor participating in the KPCS must ensure that:

1. Any diamond originating from the country does not finance a group seeking to overthrow a government recognized by the United Nations.

2. Every diamond export must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate and sealed in a tamper free container before being exported or imported.

3. No diamond is imported from, or exported to, a non-participating country.

And as proposed by the World Diamond Council system of warranties, an extension to the KCPS to encourage and strengthen its ability to be put into practice, every participant must include the following statement on every invoice involving the transport of uncut or polished diamonds.

“The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds.”

The United States, a loyal participant and responsible party requires that every U.S. dealer maintain Kimberley compliance or be subject to penalties from Homeland Security, the U.S. Justice Department, and the U.S. Treasury.

Rest assured knowing that your Natalie K engagement ring or wedding band is not only made with the utmost care and craftsmanship but also with a conscience and in full compliance with the national guidelines set in place to protect the regions that source our beautiful diamonds.

For more information on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme visit kimberleyprocess.com