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19 MAY 2023 - AMY BORLAND-MARTIN | GUEST JEWELLERY WRITER
The sparkle in their eyes. The smile on your face. We love diamonds and the love they represent. From how they’re sourced to how we help you enjoy them for years to come, sourcing diamonds responsibly is our top priority. And we’re committed to continuing to improve the standards in the diamond sourcing industry.
We work side-by-side with long-standing, trusted suppliers (who are also RJC members) to implement best-practice standards through our ground-breaking Diamonds Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol.
Trust means never being let down, which is why we combine the best possible value, knowledge and passion for craftsmanship to bring you the best-in-class, responsibly sourced diamonds. Our commitment to this marks the start of your story so you can be confident it's one based on trust, honesty and transparency.
Because jewellery is so much more than an accessory. It’s how you tell your story.
What are conflict-free diamonds?
Conflict-free refers to diamonds that are obtained in a way that respects and prioritises human rights. They are acquired through a process that ensures total transparency in the supply chain.
To guarantee that each and every one of our diamonds is conflict-free, we have implemented strict policies that require transparency from all our suppliers. These protocols and regulations apply to all types of diamonds sold at Ernest Jones – whether they are loose, rough, polished, or set in jewellery.
Our Responsible Sourcing Journey
Since 2000, we’ve been a member of the World Diamond Council. Our efforts include organising global events, educating suppliers about the risks of undisclosed laboratory-grown diamonds, and launching a public website to facilitate compliance.
We developed the Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol (SRSP), a rigorous set of best practice sourcing standards. It exceeds legal requirements and is continuously improved to ensure our supply chain is free of conflict or human rights abuses.
In 2020, we celebrated the 15-year anniversary of the Responsible Jewellery Council by launching the Sustainable Development Goal Taskforce. In 2021, we joined this task force, as well as the UN Global Compact (the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative). Demonstrating our commitment to tackling issues related to human rights, labour, anti-corruption, and the environment. And our commitment to quality diamond jewellery.
What is the Kimberley Process?
Created in 2002, the Kimberley Process is system that regulates the sale of diamonds, made to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. It requires all imported diamonds to have a Kimberley Process certificate, which is part of the Clean Diamonds Trade Act. It involves 82 countries that must meet minimum requirements, and it is supported by the United Nations and leading civil organizations.
All diamonds sold at Ernest Jones adhere to the Kimberley process.
Our Due Diligence
How do we make sure our diamond jewellery is conflict free? We follow a five-step guidance process.
- Strong Company Management Systems: We establish a strong management system to oversee the diamond sourcing process, ensuring it’s ethical and complies with all necessary regulations.
- Identify Supply Chain Risks: We analyse our supply chain to determine any potential risks and threats that could compromise our diamond sourcing process's integrity.
- Respond to Supply Chain Risks: We take immediate action to mitigate any risks we have identified in our supply chain to prevent any harm.
- Third-Party Audits: We work with third-party auditors to evaluate our diamond sourcing process, ensuring that it complies with all necessary regulations and standards.
- Annual Reporting: We provide annual reports detailing our supply chain due diligence efforts to demonstrate our commitment to responsible diamond sourcing.
Natural Diamond Assurance
More than hallmarks, jewellery is about marking life’s special moments. And we know that buying a diamond is not just a financial investment but an emotional one too.
That’s why we believe that honesty really is the best policy, especially when it comes to the trade of diamonds.
When it comes to natural diamonds, we partner with De Beers and the Natural Diamond Council to launch Project ASSURE. This initiative maintains the integrity of the natural diamond supply chain, reassuring our customers that the diamonds they’re purchasing are 100% natural and ethically sourced.
Using state-of-the-art detection equipment and verification instruments under the ASSURE standard means we can distinguish between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. This guarantees that our customers are getting exactly what they pay for. Because we want you to feel confident that the diamond you purchase is exactly what you expected.
Our Diamond Warranty
We proudly adhere to the System of Warranties statement developed by the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, and the WDC.
“Any natural diamonds herein supplied have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions and corresponding national laws. The seller hereby guarantees that these natural diamonds are conflict-free and confirms adherence to the WDC SOW Guidelines.”
We understand the importance of transparency and integrity when it comes to diamond sourcing. Our commitment to responsible diamond trade means that our customers can purchase with confidence, knowing that they are receiving only the highest quality, conflict-free diamonds.
Learn More About Our Responsible Sourcing
To find out more information on our policies and the steps we follow, please read our Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability Report or book a no-obligation appointment with our in-store diamond experts – many of whom have over 15 years of diamond experience.