For diamonds the size of 1/4 ct and above, these are our options:
We work with two companies, one that sells diamonds from Africa and one that sells Canadian diamonds. We're trying to bring on a two additional sources as well.
Our main dealer sourcing African diamonds has been in the business for decades. We chose to work with him because he was recommended to us as a man of profound integrity and humanity. He has provided written documentation that states that his diamonds adhere to the Kimberly process. This dealer cannot trace his diamonds back to a particular mine or country.
We also offer certified Canadian Diamonds that can be traced back to a their particular mine in northern Canada. At present we have two sources for Canadian diamonds.
We are working towards researching two other African diamond vendors. The first is a large scale mining company known for its strong environmental practices. This company would allow us to trace a diamond back to a particular mine in Africa that it is sourced from. The second is a company that sources from mines in Africa that has agree to fair and ethical labor standards. Their supply chain is tight and their cutting is done in Antwerp. This company donates 10% of revenues or 30% of profits back to African NGOs . They would be an ideal fit for us. Unfortunately, we are not sure at this stage whether their model is actually going to succeed and as yet they do not supply our diamonds.
Upon request, our diamonds are available with certification papers from labs. We will send the diamond to you for your approval. As yet we have not had one return of our rings due to dissatisfaction with the diamond; also our diamonds are priced to represent a fair value in the market place.
For diamonds that are 2.5mm and smaller:
Over 80% of all diamonds are cut in India.
Our small diamonds have been sourced from a company that is based in India, that sells out of New York. Though this company is Kimberly compliant, when we do finish our current supply, we hope to source all our small diamonds from a company that can assure that the small melee comes from a particular mine. We anticipate that the switch will take place early in 2008.