Archive for February, 2010
Izhakoff Calls for Immediate Action for the Crimes Commited in the Marange Fields
by Admin on February 26th, 2010
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In a keynote speech delivered at the 2010 CIBJO Congress in Munich, Germany, Eli Izhakoff, the chairman of the World Diamond Council (WDC), urged decisive action to end the intolerable situation in the Marange diamond fields of Zimbabwe. Izhakoff said that the Kimberley Process (KP) remains the best vehicle to combat those carrying out criminal acts in the region. The following is the full text of his address:
It is my honor to join you once again at this important meeting of the international gem and jewelry industry. Our industry is facing difficult times. They call for extraordinary measures to maintain and grow the business we all love and the industry that brings economic development and employment to so many people worldwide.
My subject today is the particular challenge faced by the diamond producing industry by the production of diamonds in the Marange region of Zimbabwe, and in particular the way in which this is being addressed by the KP.
We are all too familiar with the horrific reports that have come out of Zimbabwe pertaining to the conditions of the population in the Marange diamond fields. The allegations of murder, rape, assaults and human abuse in communities which live alongside these diamond fields are appalling.
The world’s diamond and jewelry community cannot stand idly by when these allegations are made. The affected population are members of our own family. We must act to protect their interests.
That is why the WDC committed to the KP from the beginning. The KP was and still is the best chance we have to ensure that those who benefit from trade in rough diamonds are people who act ethically, legitimately and within the bounds of civilized society. The system developed by the KP and the WDC’s System of Warranties create the conditions that are necessary if we are to expose those who act outside the legitimate stream of commerce.
Those people who are committing atrocities in Marange are being exposed to the world as criminals by the members of the KP — which includes civil society, governments and our industry.
Despite our frustration over the pace of the decision-making process, the KP is taking action to shine a bright light on the allegedly criminal activities and provide a basis on which international institutions can act to stop the violence, to prosecute those accused of illegal acts and to develop Marange as a diamond resource that works for the benefit of the local community.
A KP monitor has been appointed. He will visit Zimbabwe every month with broad authority to examine every aspect of KP compliance in the region and will be required to report to the KP about the current conditions in Marange. A detailed joint work plan was developed by the KP, which requires Zimbabwe to take proactive steps to end the criminal acts in Marange, and to bring this diamond producing area into the 21st century for the benefit of its citizens.
There is no other international institution doing more to address the situation in Marange, but this is not enough.
KP and WDC cannot meet its goals in Zimbabwe without strong support. We need to work with both government and civil society to ensure that everyone in Marange is safe, that diamond production helps the largest possible number of local citizens and that criminals are brought to justice. Only then can the future of Zimbabwe’s entire diamond industry be ensured as a vehicle that works for the benefit of all the citizens of Zimbabwe. This is why the WDC has committed so much of its resources to this challenge.
This is what we believe needs to be done in order to improve the KP’s system of operation. I would note that we have being saying these things for a long time already, but I will reiterate them once again.
• The KP system needs improving and the WDC has been engaged in reviewing and upgrading the system from the very beginning. The WDC has called upon the KP to have a professional team to ensure efficient administration.
• We also have called on the KP to change its system of voting, so that one participant cannot block progress for undisclosed reasons.
• We have called upon the KP to reform its rules on the publication of internal reports, noting that there ought to be full transparency of all the actions and conclusions reached by the KP.
• We have repeatedly urged governments to act to strengthen their level of oversight and compliance with KP requirements, so that illegal smugglers will be exposed and then prosecuted by the authorities.
The WDC, along with International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and other organizations, have called upon their members to refrain from dealing in diamonds from Marange. Here at CIBJO, we call upon members of national associations to report to the appropriate authorities those diamond dealers who are known to be trading in these diamonds.
The WDC is participating in a project within the KP to improve communications and information-gathering for the purpose of improving law enforcement and apprehending criminals who violate existing laws that prevent smuggling.
The KP is our best possible tool to engage on these issues in an effective and efficient manner, and WDC is committed to continuing the engagement. We will not stop until all the challenges are met and the millions who are gainfully employed in diamond production today can continue to be assured of their place in the industry.
I cannot state this more strongly. To trade in diamonds from Marange today is, in effect, the same as supporting acts of violence against civilian populations. Such a situation cannot be tolerated by people of good will and ethical purpose.
Our product is pure, as are the intentions of the people who bring our product to the public. Consumers must trust our industry, and it is the maintenance of this trust that is the main goal of the WDC. We will continue to work hard to earn that trust as we go forward in this very complicated and challenging 21st century.
6,225 carat emerald discovered from Zamdian Gemfields
by Admin on February 26th, 2010
Gemfields PLC, the company which operates the mine, announced Monday that the emerald is being examined to obtain a clearer understanding of its value and significance
The emerald, which was recovered on February 5th, has been named “Insofu,” which means “elephant” in the language of the Bemba people indigenous to the region where the stone was mined.
“This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful color and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich color and fine protective biotite shell makes it difficult to see deep into the gem. However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size,” said Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle.
6,225 carat emerald discovered from Zamdian Gemfields
by Admin on February 26th, 2010
Gemfields PLC, the company which operates the mine, announced Monday that the emerald is being examined to obtain a clearer understanding of its value and significance
The emerald, which was recovered on February 5th, has been named “Insofu,” which means “elephant” in the language of the Bemba people indigenous to the region where the stone was mined.
“This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful color and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich color and fine protective biotite shell makes it difficult to see deep into the gem. However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size,” said Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle.
Featured Blogger Iva Messy: Dreams of Africa Jewelry
by Admin on February 18th, 2010
Recently a great blogger Iva Messy decided to feature our charity line Dreams of Africa on her blog. She has an amazing insight an love for writing an I recommend to go check out her blog for a good read! Here is a recap of what she has to say about our efforts!
“Dreams of Africa was set up by Whiteflash as a way of helping the African victims of ‘blood diamonds’. With the introduction of the Awear range of jewelry for kids, young people can show the world that Love and Hope is alive and well. Worn near the heart, the pendant will touch the hearts of all who share our dreams of Africa. Whiteflash commissioned the design of this pendant to give expression to the desire to help heal the broken lives of the victims of blood diamonds. The sparkling conflict-free diamonds symbolize innocence, the sapphires stand for truth. The center stone is mother Africa and the spirals portray awareness as it spreads out to the world we all share.”
I try to always be exceptionally contentious of all my purchases. Actively trying to always be part of the change.
The Kimberley Process, is to be greatly applauded as the ‘blood diamond’ trade has been reduced by 95%, still areas of conflict remain.
We want to applaud Iva for helping raise the issue of conflict free diamonds to the blogosphere! Thank you!
Zimbabwe Supreme Court Demands Government Cease Mining at Marange
by Admin on February 18th, 2010
Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court has ordered two government mining firms to stop operations on the diamond fields in the country’s controversial Marange region, the AFP reported Thursday.
Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku told the state-run Herald that two government-back corporations “must cease all mining activities.”
The British-based African Consolidated Resources (ACR) has fought for ownership of the field with the government-backed Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and Minerals Marketing Corporation since 2006.
Most recently, the Court ordered that the Zimbabwe’s central bank keep 129,400 carats of diamonds, seized from ACR in 2007, until it makes a final decision on the case.
ACR’s mining rights to the Marange fields were suspended in 2006, making the area the sight of numerous human rights abuses as illegal smugglers, government forces and other parties have clashed over the land.
“Greening Up” Your Engagement Ring
by Admin on February 12th, 2010
The key thing to remember when making an eco-friendly marriage proposal is not to lose sight of the basics. Bear in mind what it is that you’ll be giving her: a diamond engagement ring. As she is probably aware, not all engagement rings are created equally green. Many diamonds are mined in ways that harm the environment or that lead to violence and human rights abuses. These diamonds have been dubbed conflict diamonds sometimes also referred to as blood diamonds.
Jewelers can now provide Kimberley certificates as proof of a “clean” diamond which they can declare as conflict free.
The Kimberly Process – created in 2003– is a voluntary, self-regulated system that established standards for certifying diamonds. A diamond with a Kimberly certificate guarantees that sales of that diamond did not go to finance a civil war.
You can also feel good in knowing that 100% of Whiteflash’s Dreams of Africa collection profits go to communities impacted by the jewelry trade (WCCCI).
Some initial questions to ask a jeweler regarding conflict diamonds are:
What are your company’s conflict diamond policies?
What is your company’s definition of conflict free jewelry?
Can you provide official certification from an established grading lab?
Where do you source your diamonds from?
Make sure your diamonds and gemstones are certified to originate from socially and environmentally-responsible sources. Just because you’ve selected the perfect conflict free diamond ring (that she’s been hinting about) does not guarantee that your marriage proposal will be entirely green. So just remember: Green marriage proposals begin with the ring, but that’s not all. An eco-friendly marriage proposal requires a little bit of forethought. Good luck!
Further Twists in the Fate of the Marange Diamonds
by Admin on February 11th, 2010
The fate of a large stock of diamonds is shrouded in mystery, as a Zimbabwe minister defied a court order late last week and confiscated rough diamonds that later disappeared and still remain missing as of press time. Some may argue that any twist and turn is possible in the corrupt and mismanaged African country. However, the story of these diamonds has continued to surprise many as the subject of constant media and diamond-industry attention.
Mined in Zimbabwe’s Marange area by African Consolidated Resources (ACR), the rough diamonds immediately captured the government’s attention, which expelled the British firm from operating the fields in 2006.
The situation continued to deteriorate, with local villagers descending on the vacant field and mining the diamonds with improvised tools, joined by migrant workers from neighboring countries.
The government forcefully kicked out ACR because it wanted the diamonds for itself. In a further step to take control of the goods, army and police units attacked the diggers, killing an estimated 200 people in the process in 2008.
While the international community decried the violence and continues to demand that controls are set for Marange diamonds, ACR kept fighting for its claim, recently wining a court ruling that deemed the firm the legal claim holder of the mining area.
About two weeks ago, Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court ordered the goods ACR held - estimated at 150,000-300,000 carats - to be deposited at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, so neither ACR nor the government may possess the diamonds while the court is still deliberating the case.
What has followed is nothing short of a John Ford Western. A few nights before the goods were to be transported, a group of men brandishing AK-47 assault rifles stormed ACR’s office, robbing it of equipment but failing to steal the diamonds.
The goods were scheduled to be transferred to the bank’s safe in a secret operation last Thursday. Defying the court and the right to due process, the Minister of Mines Obert Mpofu commanded police to take hold of the goods as ACR and the bank were recording details of the diamonds, which were held in three strong boxes.
Usually in the movies, the goods and the robbers disappear into the darkness, which is what happened here. The Zimbabwe newspapers were quick to report Sunday night that the diamonds have disappeared. Again, usually in the movies, after a setback, the climax takes place and the Good Guys, typically by force, restore justice. No one wants to see further violence in Zimbabwe, but is this the path these goods will take? Time will tell.
Ingle Says Independents Must Promote Ethical Trade
by Admin on February 9th, 2010
Jewelry retailer Ingle & Rhode joined a growing number of companies speaking out against Zimbabwe’s diamond mining industry. In a statement released today, London-based Ingle & Rhode confirmed to consumers in the U.K. that it is known for it “ethical jewelry” produced using conflict-free diamonds and fair trade gold.
Ingle & Rhode cited the ongoing battle between Zimbabwe and U.K.-based African Consolidated Resources (ACR) for diamond claims in the Marange area. ACR has claimed all diamonds removed from their claims in dispute should be considered “stolen.”
“That the Zimbabwean government is resorting to little more than bullying to encroach on the diamond fields of Marange is, sadly, of little surprise and shows just how much work is needed to go into Africa’s diamond trade to make it legitimate and fair for all,” said Tim Ingle of Ingle & Rhode. “The industry will always have a black mark against its name with actions like these, and it is up to independent traders such as Ingle & Rhode to promote the cause of ethical diamonds and jewelry.”
UN Urges Calm in Cote d’Ivoire
by Admin on February 9th, 2010
The United Nations deplored recent violence in Katiola and Divo, Cote d’Ivoire, as voter registration continues before its March presidential election. The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Cote d’Ivoire, UNOCI, appealed for calm in preparation for the final voters list, a vital step in the process towards the holding the long-delayed presidential polls.
UNOCI “encourages all the parties to work to resolve the issues while respecting their respective prerogatives,” spokesman Hamadoun Touré told reporters in Abidjan yesterday. Touré urged all parties to exercise self-control in order to preserve and consolidate the “remarkable” achievements made in the electoral process so far.
Cote d’Ivoire, which is considered a source of conflict diamonds, has postponed presidential elections repeatedly since 2005 and most recently as November 2009. Elections are now slated for March.
Touré noted that, while it is not UNOCI’s responsibility to decide on an election date, there were risks of yet further delays. “Taking into account all the remaining phases, simple mathematics shows that time is not on our side,” he said.
This past week, the U.N. Security Council extended UNOCI’s mandate through May 31, 2010, and the French forces supporting it, to help Côte d’Ivoire stage free, fair and transparent elections. It was only after these elections are held would the Security Council reassess the diamond embargo and other measures.
Win a Free Conflict Free Diamond Pendant for Valentine’s Day from Whiteflash.com and Stylit.Tv
by Admin on February 3rd, 2010
Want to Win a FREE Diamond Pendant for Valentine’s Day? Yes we said Free!
All you have to do is click here to enter and win!
Selecting a Valentine’s Day gift can be a very tough job as it is not always easy to find a gift that is romantic and unique, and really conveys the depth of your love. Valentine’s Day is a time to show that special person in your life how much they mean to you–often with a personal gift. But why buy something when you can win it from Whiteflash.com and Stylit.Tv for free?
Like true love, a diamond is forever, and online boutique Whiteflash.com offers a specialized round brilliant that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. “Hearts & Arrows” diamonds are cut so precisely that facet reflections overlap; creating distinct heart and arrow patterns when seen through a special viewer. Whiteflash.com’s signature line is “A Cut Above;” an elite brand of conflict-free diamonds that has been called the world’s most visually balanced.
Images of hearts and arrows, Cupid and the eternal symbolism of diamonds combine to make these dazzlers from Whiteflash.com an ideal gift on the year’s most romantic holiday.
The round diamond has existed for hundreds of years, but the hearts & arrows level of precision has been possible for less than 20. The techniques were first developed in Japan and arrived in America in the 1990s. “A Cut Above” was the first branded hearts & arrows diamond sold exclusively on the internet and remains the only diamond with a guarantee of true optical symmetry.
The creation of an “A Cut Above” diamond begins with selection of premium diamond rough. For the hearts and arrows pattern to appear every one of the 57 facets must be perfectly cut and polished by skilled craftsmen. When all of these tiny mirrors are precisely aligned the result is a diamond unmatched in brilliance and sparkle. If any detail falls outside of Whiteflash.com’s tight tolerances the diamond will not be branded “A Cut Above.”
So if you’re thinking of giving your heart away this Valentine’s Day, you may want to enter to win Stylit.TV and Whiteflash.com’s eternal hearts & arrows perfectly polished into “A Cut Above” diamond pendant from Whiteflash.com. All you need to do is watch the video on the Whiteflash site here and enter the promotion code at http://www.stylit.tv/ for your chance to win!
Good Luck!
