January 22, 2021
Ever since the blood diamond issue burst into public consciousness more than two decades ago, the industry has searched for a scientific method to determine the origin of diamonds.
That need is felt most acutely in the Central African Republic (CAR)—currently the world’s only source of conflict diamonds, according to the Kimberley Process (KP) certification scheme. CAR diamonds have been under KP embargo since 2013.
The conflict in CAR is limited to certain regions; other parts of the country are peaceful. Since 2016, the KP has green-lit diamond exports from certain specified non–conflict zones. But while those shipments are subject to heightened scrutiny, concerns remain that diamonds from the rebel-controlled mines might slip in through official channels. What’s needed is a way to tell them apart.