Archive for June, 2010
MindBodyGreen.com Features Dreams of Africa by Whiteflash
by Admin on June 23rd, 2010
Dreams of Africa Funds Relief for Children
As an esteemed partner with World Centers of Compassion for Children International (WCCCI), WhiteFlash.com created a highly successful charitably focused collection known as Dreams of Africa. The partnership came about to meet the vision to build safe and nurturing environments for children who need a second chance in life and to give children affected by the illicit trade of rough diamonds the chance for a brighter tomorrow.
“While other companies offer commercially produced ‘green rings’ and conflict free jewelry, what makes us different is that 100% of our profits go to those who really need help. Our Dreams of Africa are not for partial peace. They are for total peace” said Debi Wexler, CEO of Whiteflash.com.Wexler along with WCCCI’s founder Betty Williams are jointly working towards building safe and nurturing environments for children “who need a second chance in life. If we start teaching peace at the beginning of these young children’s education, we will help these children to shine like brilliant diamonds for the world.”
The Dream of Africa Collection was developed to inspire youth on a global front by supporting efforts to provide educational opportunities and build stability for those children who have been victimized by the illicit trade of conflict-diamonds throughout the world. Amazingly, which has grabbed the attention of celebs and VIP’s, 100% of all profits from the new Collection goes to support the healthcare and educational development of child victims of conflict diamonds in effected countries. These funds help children who have suffered from blood diamond conflicts in Sierra Leone, Liberia and other African countries. “We need consumers to understand that there is a huge difference between blood diamonds and conflict-free diamonds,” said Wexler. “Not all diamonds are ill-gotten. When diamond mining is undertaken in the correct manner, without child labor or government conflict, the profits build infrastructure and serve as a source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of people. As a socially responsible design company in the diamond industry, we believe it is our duty to support children who have suffered under blood diamond conflicts and to create awareness in order to combat such illicit diamond trade.”
Whiteflash introduced Dreams of Africa to such luminaries as the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in September 2006, at the largest-ever gathering of Nobel Peace Prize winners on American soil, where we selected the WCCCI, established by Nobel Laureate Betty Williams. Whiteflash began this endeavor to support the WCCCI’s commitment to providing safe havens and educational opportunities for children. Whiteflash hopes that their Dreams of Africa collection and education on conflict free diamonds will help in the creation and support to provide a second chance for these children to be educated about peace.
Whiteflash.com and WCCCI will work to establish the first learning center, headquartered in Italy, which will provide scholarships for children from Sierra Leone and other locations across Africa, and to instill values of peace and understanding during these children’s early education. Italy’s government donated land to build the learning center.
About Us:
Whiteflash is the first company in the U.S. to specialize in the coveted Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of “super ideal cut” to the Internet. Debi Wexler, a computer entrepreneur founded Whiteflash in 2000 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows. Whiteflash A Cut Above® (ACA) is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows loose diamond sold online with advertised standards and a “true patterning” guarantee. In addition, Whiteflash offers original handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom designed engagement rings and diamond jewelry.
Do you like conflict-free diamonds as much as we do? Here’s your chance to win this Dreams of Africa Diamond Pendant (worth $280!) from Whiteflash. All diamonds at Whiteflash are certified conflict-free. Here’s how you can enter
In 50 words or fewer, let us know why conflict-free is important to you!
Yep, that’s it!Just email us at giveawaypendant@mindbodygreen.com and let us know why buying conflict-free is important to you.
Enter to Win this Dreams of Africa Conflict-Free Diamond Pendant (Worth $280!)
by Admin on June 18th, 2010
Do you like conflict free diamonds as much as we do? Here’s your chance to win this Dreams of Africa Diamond Pendant (worth $280!) from Whiteflash. All diamonds at Whiteflash are certified conflict-free. Here’s how you can enter
In 50 words or fewer, let us know why conflict-free is important to you!
Yep, that’s it!
Just email us at giveawaypendant@mindbodygreen.com and let us know why buying conflict-free is important to you.
Our winner will be announced on June 30th.
Whiteflash.com introduces the Petite Dreams of Africa™ diamond pendant, part of a designer line of jewelry to raise awareness for and bring financial relief to children in Africa, particularly those affected by the illicit trade of rough diamonds. 100% of the profit from sales of this conflict-free diamond pendant will be donated to the World Centers of Compassion for Children International to provide children the chance for a brighter tomorrow. Set with Whiteflash A Cut Above® diamond melee, in several variations.
Zimbabwe’s Diamond Mining Companies Government Cohorts, Claims PAC
by Admin on June 18th, 2010
Zimbabwe’s political and military leadership is closely tied to the companies mining the Marange fields and, through the continued use of violence, is accumulating personal wealth, according to a report by Global Witness.
The NGO further accuse the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for failing to effectively address the issues related to Zimbabwe.
“Over the past three years, the national army has visited appalling abuses on civilians in Marange’s diamond fields,” said Global Witness campaigner Elly Harrowell. “Nobody has been held to account for these crimes, and now it turns out that the joint venture companies nominally brought in to improve conditions are directly linked to the [ruling] Zanu PF and military elite. Thanks to the impunity and violence in Zimbabwe, blood diamonds are back on the international market,” he accused.
The Global Witness report describes the role played by Minister of Mines Obert Mpofu, accused of blocking oversight of the joint venture mining companies, Canadile Miners and Mbada Diamonds.
Mpofu allegedly appointed allies as board members. Mbada Diamonds is chaired, for example, by Robert Mhlanga, former Air Vice-Marshal and prosecution witness at Morgan Tsvangirai’s treason trial, the NGO said.
NGOs are raising the Zimbabwe issue just ten days before the KP is scheduled to meet in Israel to discuss, among other things, the possibility of allowing the export of diamonds from the Marange fields.
NGO Partnership Africa Canada also released a report, examining the political economy of the diamond industry in Zimbabwe.
“The investment deals have been done with scant regard for legal process against a background of violence and intimidation, and are dangerously lacking in transparency. This leaves the door wide open for state looting and corruption, and raises the very real possibility of internationally certified diamonds financing renewed political violence in Zimbabwe,” said Harrowell.
Instead of suspending Zimbabwe, members of the Process have settled on a weak compromise agreement, repeatedly breached by Zimbabwean authorities, Global Witness accused.
Global Witness is calling to suspend Zimbabwe from the KPCS until it can prove its diamonds are not bankrolling violence. This should include an immediate withdrawal of the army from the diamond fields. The NGO is further demanding to suspend the introduction of new investors into Marange until the legality of current joint ventures can be established, and effective oversight implemented.
Kimberley Process Intersessional to Open in Tel Aviv on Monday
by Admin on June 18th, 2010
Israel will host the Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting on June 21-23 in Tel Aviv. A central issue on the agenda is the progress of the Joint Work Plan (JWP) on the export of diamonds from the Marange area in Zimbabwe, a heated topic that is attracting global attention.
Israel is charring the KP in 2010, and Boaz Hirsch is serving as the chairman of KP. Chairing countries host the Intersessional and Plenary Meetings. The 2010 Plenary will be held on November 1-4 in Jerusalem.
The JWP on Marange was agreed upon at the last Plenary Meeting in Swakopmund, Namibia. It was set up to ensure and supervise the implementation of the KP minimum standards in the Marange area of Zimbabwe. A report by the KP Monitor to the Marange area, Abbey Chikane, is scheduled to be delivered during the first day of the meetings.
Israel is promoting additional topics aimed at consolidating and fortifying the efficiency of the KP. One such topic is the formation of an administrative team that would aid in maintaining and transferring knowledge from year to year as chair are replaced.
Another issue is the revival of the cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO) on enforcement, according to the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI).
In a meeting between Hirsch and the secretary general of the WCO, a joint team was established to draft a multi-annual work plan for collaboration between the two international bodies. A report on the progress of the joint team is scheduled to be presented at the Intersessional Meeting.
In addition, a seminar on enforcement of border control will be held adjacent to the meeting. The seminar, an initiative of the U.S., Canada and Civil Society representatives, will be attended by customs representatives from various countries.
Traditionally, the Intersessional Meetings are a time for JWPs to report on their progress since the last meeting, and vote on topics that have usually been agreed upon in advance during preliminary, unofficial discussions.
Zimbabwe’s Marange fields is a loaded issue that has been the focus of numerous discussions and dominated the Intersessional Meeting last year. It is expected to dominate next week’s meeting as well.
U.S. to Maintain Pressure on Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s Diamonds
by Admin on June 18th, 2010
In a statement that somewhat clarifies the U.S.’s position on diamond exports from Zimbabwe, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that President Robert Mugabe and a “ruling clique” is benefiting from loose diamonds while the people of Zimbabwe are suffering.
“It’s a very sobering situation,” Clinton said in an answer to a question at a State Department seminar on Sub-Sahara Africa. “We are also looking to link democratic and economic performance by encouraging that the government be held accountable and working with those who are attempting to do so. But it’s a very sobering situation.”
“It’s a very sad one indeed because the ruling party, the ruling clique within that party continues to benefit from aid, benefit from the diamond trade, benefit from corruption to a very significant degree,” she said, adding “People are suffering.”
A State Department official told IDEX Online that the U.S. would like to find away that would allow the export of diamonds.
The U.S., according to Clinton, is “trying to walk a line between supporting the people, keeping the pressure on the Mugabe leadership, working with South Africa to try to get that message across.”
“At the same time, the President just renewed sanctions against 220 individuals and entities associated with the Mugabe regime. So these are what we call targeted sanctions that go to whether they can travel, what kind of investments or bank accounts they can have that we can reach
“I’m not going to stand here and say we have some perfect formula, because it’s extremely difficult to try to do what we’re doing, and [make] a difference for the people of Zimbabwe, but we’re going to persist in doing so.”
Chikane OKs Zimbabwe’ Exports According to Leaked Report
by Admin on June 14th, 2010
Zimbabwe has satisfied minimum requirements of the KPCS for the trade in rough diamonds,” concludes KP Monitor Abbey Chikane in his report about the country’s Marange fields. The report, leaked to a couple of newspapers, has angered a number of groups, including an NGO that is part of the Process.
Chikane’s report, yet to be officially published, was drafted following his visit to Zimbabwe to review the status of the Marange fields and the diamonds produced in the region. According to The New York Times, Zimbabwe had met the minimum required standards to trade in rough diamonds and that he was “ready to supervise export arrangements.”
Further, Chikane advocated that the army, which is accused of the human rights violations that were the pretext for his mission, continue guarding the diamond fields until the police could be trained for the task.
The report rose an irate response from Global Witness, which stated that the “State-sponsored violence and human rights abuses are still taking place,” contrary to “claims made in [the] leaked report.”
Global Witness doubted the credibility of the report, however it did not explain what about it was not credible.
The NGO continued to connect the report to Chikane’s meeting with activist Farai Maguwu. Maguwu presented to Chikane a report by the police about its activities in the Marange area, apparently in violation of KP.
Maguwu turned himself into police custody after his house and office were raided by the police and his brother arrested. Authorities claim he stole the document.
Stephane Chardon, Chairman of the Kimberley Process Working Group on Monitoring (WGM), confirmed that the Monitor’s report was submitted, but declined to comment on its content, “It is an internal report,” he said. “We will discuss its conclusions and will make a decision about the recommendations.” Chardon did not say if the conclusions will be adopted at the upcoming KP meeting in Israel later this month.
Diamond Trading Company Cautions Sightholders Not to Buy Marange Goods
by Admin on June 14th, 2010
In a message to its clients on Wednesday, the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) warns its Sightholders that any purchase of goods from Zimbabwe’s Marange region “will be deemed in contravention of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme,” until they are approved by KP Working Group on Monitoring (WGM).
The DTC is alerting its Sightholders to exercise “heightened awareness and proper due diligence” in regards to rough diamonds mined at Marange fields.
Recently Zimbabwe exported rough diamonds from the Marange fields to Dubai with KP certificates. The country later claimed that it believed it was allowed to do so because the goods were from an old stockpile, and not included in the KP ban.
The details of this export appear in a leaked report by the KP Monitor, Abbey Chikane. In the report, Chikane states that the country apologized for the mistake, adding that any exports made before the final approval of the KP, even if accompanied by a KP certificate, are not permitted.
In a message titled “Zimbabwe Goods,” the DTC further warns its client of reputational challenges that “commercial relations with Zimbabwe’ may cause. The letter accompanied by a press release issued by the World Diamond Council (WDC).
Following is the letter to Sightholders:
“Dear Sightholder
Many of you will be aware of the complex and fluid situation in Zimbabwe.
In the last few days, unconfirmed reports have suggested that there will soon be an export of goods originating from Marange. As you know, the Kimberley Process (KP) has appointed Abbey Chikane, as Special Monitor to supervise and approve the export of goods from this region. Mr Chikane reports to the KP’s Working Group on Monitoring (WGM) and he is not permitted to allow Marange exports without the authority of the WGM.
We have been informed by the Chair of the WGM that no authorisation has yet been given to validate the export of goods from any source in Marange. Until this is forthcoming any purchase of goods from Marange will, therefore, be deemed in contravention of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
We strongly advise caution and discretion when purchasing goods throughout the region and ensure that any parcels you view do not contain goods of Marange origin.
Finally, extensive media coverage of events in and around Marange indicates that commercial relations with Zimbabwe present a challenge to the reputation of individual businesses and of diamonds in general. We, therefore, advocate heightened awareness and proper due diligence in this regard.
We will keep you informed of further developments.”
Win Dreams of Africa Diamond Earrings from Whiteflash (Worth $275!)
by Admin on June 4th, 2010
Do you love living, better, healthier, and greener? Here’s your chance to win these Dreams of Africa Diamond Earrings (worth $275!) from Whiteflash. All diamonds at Whiteflash are certified conflict-free. Here’s how you can enter In 75 words or fewer, let us know what living better, healthier, greener means to you.
Yep, that’s it!Just email us at giveawayearrings@mindbodygreen.com and let us know what living better, healthier, greener means to you.
Our winner will be announced on June 15th. Whiteflash introduces the Dreams of Africa™ diamond earrings, part of a designer line of jewelry to raise awareness for and bring financial relief to children in Africa, particularly those affected by the illicit trade of rough diamonds. 100% of the profit from sales of these conflict-free diamond earrings will be donated to the World Centers of Compassion for Children International to provide children the chance for a brighter tomorrow. Set with Whiteflash A Cut Above® diamond melee.
Conflict-Free 101
by Admin on June 4th, 2010
You are looking for a diamond with a good cause. You’re a diamond lover. You’ve got countless pieces of jewelry studded with diamonds. You are looking to find an engagement ring with the right cause. You are one of those people who just can’t resist the glitter and brilliance that goes with a diamond. Then you learn about the existence of blood diamonds. Your world is suddenly turned upside down.
That may be a satiric narrative but the subject is dead serious. Blood diamonds are used to fund wars and other brutal activities in certain parts of the world. Diamonds sold in this illicit trade promote violence and kill people; you want to make sure that you own non-conflict diamonds.
What Are Blood Diamonds?
During the 1990s, and into this decade, rebel armies in parts of Africa exploited alluvial diamond fields to finance wars against legitimate governments. Unlike diamonds deep in the earth, alluvial diamonds are found only a few inches or feet from the surface over wide ranging territory and are mined with ease. Associated with brutal civil war and human rights violations, these illicitly traded rough diamonds became known as conflict diamonds, or blood diamonds. The issue reached its zenith in the late 1990s, when it is estimated that between 4 and 15% of the world’s rough diamond supply was touched by conflict.
The Kimberley Process and USA Patriot Act
In 2003 the Kimberley Process was adopted by the United Nations to address the issue of conflict diamonds. Participating KPCS governments now monitor and certify all rough diamonds in their territory before export and forbid any rough diamonds from entering their territory without an approved KPCS certificate. NGOs and the United Nations monitor compliance. According to Kimberley, and supported by Global Witness, 99.8% of the world’s rough diamond production is now Kimberley compliant. Overseas manufacturers who do not maintain compliance can be excluded from international trade and/or prosecuted. Polished diamonds are covered by the USA Patriot Act: Every US dealer must maintain Kimberley compliance or be subject to stiff penalties. Failure to comply with guarantees is not a simple FTC violation. Enforcement comes from the Treasury department (IRS), Homeland Security and the US Justice department.
Where we are now
The Kimberley Process is to be applauded for dramatically reducing the scope of the issue. Some estimates put rough touched by conflict at less than 1 percent today. But the global diamond industry is vast, and rogue elements trade rough of dubious origin where they can. Kimberley Process fraud was uncovered in Brazil and Guyana in 2006. In November of the same year NGOs were calling for expulsion of Venezuela from KPCS participation. Border controls are tighter in North America, especially after September 11, 2001, but the possibility of corruption in the system exists, even in Canada where “conflict-free” is a national marketing slogan for diamonds.
The good news is that Kimberley and Global Witness have estimated that 99.8% of the world’s diamonds are conflict free. Still, unless you walked the diamond yourself from mine to sorting to trading house to cutting factory to parcel buyer to retail outlet, nothing can be 100 percent certain.
The protectionist solution
The industry works hard to ensure “conflict-free” provenance for the end-user and relies on that label to put consumers’ minds at ease. For many consumers that is enough. The flaw is that it overlooks the real issue, which is the people who still suffer in Africa.
A better solution
As consumers and jewelers we can’t change governments or politics, but we can create commerce and benevolence to help those people.
To learn more about or buy conflict-free diamonds visit Whiteflash.com or DreamsofAfrica.org
Zimbabwe Police Raid NGO
by Admin on June 4th, 2010
Zimbabwe police raided the offices of the Centre for Research and Development, confiscating its director’s, Farai Maguwu, computer, his work documents and his car and arresting his brother. The raid proceeded both Maguwu’s meeting with the country’s Kimberley Process (KP) monitor, Abbey Chikane, and CRD’s announcement that 2,000 carats per day were being smuggled from the Marange fields.
In response, the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition called on the KP chair, Boaz Hirsch, to demand the release of Maguwu’s family member and return his possessions; publicly condemn the actions of the Zimbabwean authorities; and suspend the KP’s monitoring arrangement until the authorities can assure that people who meet with the monitor will not be harassed or persecuted.
Additional reports indicated that human remains had been discovered in the Marange fields and were attributed to the military operation conducted there in late 2008, during which approximately 214 people were killed.
