The Kimberley Process defines “conflict free” diamonds as diamonds that have not financed a civil war. But many diamonds that are technically “conflict free” are nevertheless tainted by torture, rape, violence, and worker exploitation. Problems such as child labor, forced labor, low wages, dangerous working conditions, corruption, and environmental devastation do not prevent a diamond from earning a “conflict free” label.

Solitaire Shine goes above and beyond the current industry standards to offer Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds® with a listed origin. Our select group of diamond suppliers demonstrate a robust chain of custody protocol for their diamonds and have the ability to track and segregate diamonds by origin. These suppliers source Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds® that originate from specific mine operators who follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. We also offer lab grown and recycled diamonds, both of which are responsible alternatives. Many retailers make vague claims that their diamonds are transparently and ethically sourced. However, few retailers take the time to understand their supply chains.​

The Kimberley Process certification scheme was created in 2003 to break the link between diamonds and bloodshed. Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process monitors only conflict diamonds – that is, rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments. It fails to address much of the violence and human rights abuses facing diamond mining today, such as torture, rape, extrajudicial killings, corruption, child labor, and forced labor. The Kimberley Process suggests that “conflict free” diamonds are ethically sourced. In fact, diamonds receiving “conflict free” certification from the Kimberley Process may have tragic histories.

Ethical diamonds, according to the most common definition, are rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments. However, besides civil wars, diamond mining today is plagued by a range of shocking ethical abuses. These include violence by governments, child labor, extreme poverty, and environmental devastation. At Solitaire Shine, we believe that the diamond industry needs to focus on addressing all of these problems, which is why we offer a higher standard of responsible sourcing.

Our suppliers source Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds® that originate from specific mine operators who follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. 

Solitaire Shine carefully selects a small number of suppliers who can demonstrate adherence to our high standards on sourcing. We carefully vet and approve each diamond supplier to determine if they have the necessary capabilities to track and segregate diamonds based on origin. Our diamond suppliers are required to demonstrate conformity to these chain of custody protocols in their supply chain.​

Yes! Creating processes to track origin requires effort, and very few retailers do it. But diamonds—like everything from wine to chocolate —can be tracked through the global supply chain using documented chain of custody protocols and robust tracking and inventory systems. In fact, because of their high value, diamond whereabouts are often tracked to prevent loss. We also offer a collection of blockchain verified diamonds for which we can provide even greater transparency and share the specific journey of the gem. In partnership with third-party blockchain providers, cutting-edge blockchain-based technology has been integrated with our supply chain to seamlessly and securely track gemstone origin and provide greater consumer assurance for responsible practices.​

Our careful sourcing methods do not lead to higher prices. The Beyond Conflict Free™ diamond mines we source from do not add a premium simply because they treat people and the environment with respect. Nor do diamonds mined using shocking labor practices, such as child labor, reach consumers at a lower price point. The market for diamonds is global. Solitaire Shine offers excellent value by providing our socially conscious jewelry at the lowest possible price.​​