Conflict Diamond Issues
« Previous EntriesExecutive Order Prohibits Trade with Zimbabwe’s Minerals Marketing Corporation
Friday, August 1st, 2008President George W. Bush signed an executive order to expand sanctions against Zimbabwe. The executive order prohibits individuals and entities closely linked with President Robert Mugabe to operate with U.S. firms. It also forbids U.S. residents and businesses from conducting financial or commercial transactions with rough diamond supplier Minerals Marketing Corporation (MMC) of Zimbabwe, and […]
Claims that Air Zimbabwe used flights to transport diamonds, ivory, and gold to Beijing in exchange for weapons
Friday, July 25th, 2008China Calls Air Zimbabwe Report a Malicious Rumor
RAPAPORT… China refuted The Age newspaper report out of Australia that claims Air Zimbabwe used flights to transport diamonds, ivory, and gold to Beijing in exchange for weapons.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao wrote in a statement, “The report proved to be malicious rumor.”
US Senate Bans Import of Burmese Gems
Thursday, July 24th, 2008Over 90% of the world’s rubies originate from Burma. Given the human rights abuses and totalitarian regime in Burma, Brilliant Earth has never sourced any gemstones from Burma. All of our gemstones are sourced in accordance with fair trade principles. A new law has been passed banning the import of Burmese Gems into the US. […]
Eight Killed at Guyana Diamond Mining Site
Friday, June 27th, 2008Reuters and Rapaport are reporting that unknown assailants shot as many as eight people at a remote diamond mining camp in Guyana, burning the bodies afterwards. Criminal gangs operating in the area are known for other similar attacks. They sometimes take refuge in the mineral-rich […]
Fake Kimberley Process Certificates Surface
Monday, June 23rd, 2008Rapaport reports that fake Kimberley Process certificates have been identified as a threat to the global tracking system for conflict diamonds.
Venezuela Withdraws from Kimberley Process
Friday, June 20th, 2008Close upon the heels of numerous calls by NGOs like Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada that Venezuela be expelled from the Kimberley Process, Venezuela has made it an easy decision by voluntarily withdrawing themselves for the next two years.
Renewed Calls for Venezuela’s Exit
Monday, June 9th, 2008Venezuela is a charter member of the Kimberley Process, the certification system which oversees the global trade of diamonds and tries to keep those tainted by conflict out of general circulation. Despite their voluntary participation since 2003, Partnership Africa Canada reports that Venezuela has submitted no statistical information and no annual reports after the first […]
Tara Kirk in the San Francisco Chronicle
Thursday, June 5th, 2008Olympic swimming medalist and Stanford graduate Tara Kirk proudly shows off her conflict free ring from Brilliant Earth in SF Gate’s Olympic Notebook.
New Standards for Sierra Leone
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) announced today the release of its Standards & Guidelines for Sierra Leone’s Artisanal Diamond Mining Sector. The release, in partnership with Sierra Leone’s Network Movement for Justice and Development, is the first comprehensive guide to a sector that was until recently plagued by armed rebellion and horrific violence.
Corporate Responsibility and the Jewelry Sector
Friday, April 25th, 2008Brilliant Earth is currently engaged as part of the Madison Dialogue, a collaborative of companies, nonprofits, advocates and other agencies working towards establishing verified sources of responsible gold, diamonds and other minerals. We are part of a fascinating discussion about how companies in the jewelry sector are bringing corporate responsibility and sustainability to a […]
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