Blog Entries 1 to 10 of 135 by Date
One American jeweler determined to address Africa’s continued suffering has introduced a conflict-free diamond pendant. Online diamond retailer whiteflash.com along with the World Centers of Compassion for Children International (WCCCI) launched an initiative in which 100 percent of proceeds from conflict-free diamond pendant go to WCCCI. “Whiteflash.com has some of... [view entry]
We’ve written about Alicia Keys’s charity work with Keep A Child Alive before so its no surprise that one of the core pieces in her new jewelry line is devoted to the cause. Keys is launching a new jewelry line, The Barber’s Daughters, with jeweler Gisèle Theriault. The collection will... [view entry]
Zimbabwe’s mines minister Obert Mpofu did not float a tender, as required, to select prospective investors in a partnership for diamond extraction in the Marange diamond fields. Allegations indicated that he overlooked better equipped and experienced diamond miners than those now workingthe ground. Investigations by the Zimbabwe Independent revealed that... [view entry]
In a joint statement, the presidents of the International Diamond Manufactures Associated (IDMA) and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) voiced their unanimous support for the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme as well as the principals of the World Diamond Council. “IDMA and the WFDB reconfirm their commitment to... [view entry]
South Africa-based New Reclamation will begin mining for diamonds in eastern Zimbabwe this month in a joint venture with government-run Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, according to Voice of America news. New Reclamation will reportedly manage the mining of the diamond deposit through its company Grandwell Holdings Ltd. in partnership with... [view entry]
Text report translated from French to English on how the New Forces in northern Cote d’Ivoire laundered diamonds for arms with Hezbollah:A recent investigation conducted by the U.S. State Department has confirmed not only the United Nations (UN) report of smuggled diamonds in Cote d’Ivoire, but has provided important details on... [view entry]
Charles Taylor ended 13 weeks on the witness stand Monday by rejecting allegations that he commanded and controlled rebels who murdered and mutilated thousands of civilians during Sierra Leone’s 1991-2002 civil war. Prosecutors say Taylor provided arms, ammunition and other support to Sierra Leone rebels in return for diamonds mined... [view entry]
The government’s campaign to lobby for support of the country’s continued participation in the global diamond trade has paid off, with the country escaping a ban by international diamond regulatory body, the Kimberley Process. A decision on Zimbabwe’s future was taken on Thursday after two days of intense debate by... [view entry]
Eli Izhakoff, president and CEO of the World Diamond Council, expressed “regret” that he cannot sincerely say that government, civil society and the business community can come together and tackle a major humanitarian issue within the Kimberley Process. Izhakoff had a number of somber words in a speech on... [view entry]
Violence, government and military involvement in smuggling, complicated oversight system and a recommendation for suspension are just the headlines of a disturbing final report by a Kimberley Process Review Mission to Zimbabwe. The report details poor outdated mining procedures, certification procedures, means of transportation and sorting as well as cases... [view entry]
