JA Warns Jewelry Retailers about Conflict Diamonds Campaign

Jewelers of America (JA) is urging members to be prepared for an Amnesty International “Conflict Diamonds Day of Action” on September 18, when the global human rights group plans to ask retailers about their compliance with the Kimberley Process which aims to end trade in conflict diamonds.

Amnesty International is encouraging consumers and activists to make direct inquiries concerning retail jewelers’ participation in the Kimberley Process and jewelers can expect to be asked what policies their businesses have put into practice in order to help stop the flow of conflict diamonds.

“JA would like to remind all jewelers that it is imperative to respond promptly to questions from NGOs, media, or consumers about conflict diamonds, as well as other social, ethical, and environmental issues,” the JA said in a statement.

“Responses to any inquiry should be positive, indicating a commitment to ethical business practices and a strong belief in corporate social responsibility.” JA reminded members of the adverse publicity major jewelry retailers and others attracted earlier this year by their generally poor response to a similar campaign by Global Witness, a non-governmental organization.

Jewelry retailers contacted by Amnesty International should emphasize their support of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for rough diamonds. Retailers should also explain that, in order to provide consumers with added confidence in their merchandise, they require written assurances of adherence to the Kimberley Process warranty system from their diamond and diamond jewelry suppliers.

JA said that even if they are not contacted during the campaign, retail jewelers should continue requiring their diamond and diamond jewelry suppliers to pledge that they subscribe to the voluntary warranty system.

JA recommends that retailers request sellers to print text on their invoices or incorporate it into vendor agreements saying the diamonds were bought from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions.