GIA FAQs

Q: What is GIA's Position on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme?

A: In 2000 GIA began working closely with the World Diamond Council (WDC) in a technical capacity, as the WDC led the international diamond industry's efforts to find ways to stem the illegal flow of conflict diamonds into the international marketplace. GIA's work concentrated on research into diamond composition and origin. GIA testified before Congress on this topic and participated in a White House Conference on Conflict Diamonds.

GIA has also been called on a number of times to discuss its research in other public forums and for news media. As the work of the industry, along with the U.N., governments, and non-government organizations moved further from the technical side and more toward the process of certifying the diamond's path from mine to consumer, GIA's role subsided and became less visible as well.

At the same time, GIA fully supports the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and upholds its principles, although we are not directly involved, in that we do not handle rough (few in the diamond pipeline actually handle rough). GIA's role is now largely behind-the-scenes; serving as an engaged observer of the issue - and remaining supportive of the Kimberley Process.