For EMD Diamonds, responsible diamond sourcing lies at the very heart of our business. It means that throughout every diamond's journey from rough to polished, special care has been taken to ensure responsible business practices, support for the advancement of a variety of local communities, and protection of the natural world, which is the ultimate source of our diamonds.
EMD Diamonds goes above and beyond the current industry standards to offer diamonds that have been selected for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins.
Our suppliers demonstrate a robust chain of custody protocol for their diamonds and can track and segregate diamonds by origin. Furthermore, they are required to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operators who follow the Kimberley process and adhere to internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. Our suppliers of diamonds with origin are all members of the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC), the leading ethical standard within the jewelry industry, and follow the RJC Code of practice.
With the implementation of the Kimberly process and the RJC code of practice guidelines, along with the diamond industry's increased social-economic investments, diamond-producing nations can now benefit from more social equity and funding for food, infrastructure, and healthcare.
“Every diamond purchase represents food on the table, better living conditions, better healthcare, potable and safe drinking water, more roads to connect remote communities.” - Festus Mogae, 3rd president of Botswana (1998-2008)
The RJC Code of Practices policy
The RJC Code of practices policy defines the EMD Diamonds standards on business ethics, human rights, social performance and environmental performance against which EMD Diamonds are to be certified. A key feature of RJC certification is the requirement for independent third party auditing of EMD Diamonds management systems and performance. The RJC certification system also establishes mechanisms for early identification of issues, corrective action, and enforcement methodology.
The EMD Diamonds Code of practices covers a wide range of sustainable development issues, and is applicable throughout the supply chain, from rough diamonds to jewelry retail to the final consumer.
As Members of the Responsible Jewellery Council, EMD Diamonds seeks economic, social and environmental benefits from its business activities so that the company contribute to sustainable development following the guidelines:
- We are committed to conducting our businesses to a high ethical standard, and to ensuring integrity, transparency and conformance with applicable law.
- We will not engage in bribery and/or corruption.
- We will not tolerate Money laundering and/or financing of terrorism.
- We will adhere to the Kimberley process Certification system and the world Diamond Council voluntary system of warranties.
- We will take reasonable measures to ensure the physical integrity and security of product shipments.
- We will respect the fundamental human rights and the dignity of the individual, according to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- We are committed to high standards of health and safety in our operations.
- We will adhere to working hours and remuneration legislation.
- We will conduct our business in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our Diamonds’ Ethical Origins
Botswana Sort
The Botswana sort diamonds are sourced from mines that are owned by the world-renowned De Beers diamond company, which follows internationally recognized labor and environmental standards. The majority of Botswana Sort diamonds were mined in Botswana, and the rest were mined in South Africa, Namibia, and Canada. Revenue from Botswana Sort diamonds has been extensively reinvested into education, healthcare, and infrastructure. De Beers diamond mines are dedicated to minimizing their environmental footprint, monitoring their impact, and rehabilitation sites after use.
Canada
Most of our Canadian diamonds come from the Diavik and Ekati mines, which are committed to high environmental and human rights standards. The two mines have demonstrated a solid commitment to hiring indigenous workers, minimizing their environmental footprint, providing a professional apprenticeship program, and sponsoring scholarship funds. A minority of our Canadian diamonds come from other mines within the country. Along with Diavik and Ekati, these mines are required to adhere to the strict labor, safety, and environmental regulations of the Canadian government.
Namibia
Namibian diamonds are renowned for being of high quality. Namibia's diamond industry is a little different from its bordering countries; the majority of its diamonds are found in alluvial deposits and along its coastline, where marine mining efforts are focused. The country generates billions of dollars from the sale of diamonds every year, making it one of the most significant contributors to its economy. A large part of this revenue goes to building homes in local communities, promoting health care, and supporting local businesses and schools, all of which benefit its socio-economic development.
Botswana
Botswana is a success built by diamonds, from the first diamond mine, opened in Orapa in 1972, fast forward to the present. Botswana is a country dramatically transformed. The diamond mining sector has helped build hospitals, schools, and roads through socially responsible leadership, transforming Botswana into one of Africa's most prosperous countries. The country is also actively building employment in diamond manufacturing and diamond mining. Employing a significant number of its citizens, Botswana and the diamond industry has created a middle class and produced a stable economy.
South Africa
South Africa is the birthplace of the modern diamond industry. Within a decade after diamonds were found there in the 1860s, the world's production of diamonds increased tenfold. Diamonds create jobs for tens of thousands of South Africans, and taxes on diamond companies help build roads, schools, and hospitals. De Beers, the country's oldest diamond miner, has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the environment, including building the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife. South Africa played a pivotal role in instating the Kimberley Process, which saw the near abolishment of conflict diamonds.
Angola
The Catoca diamond mine is where most of our diamonds in Angola are sourced from. It is one of the world's largest diamond mines, which makes it a major source of income for the country. Revenues from diamonds have already helped build roads, bridges, improve healthcare and education and expand country-wide communication and technology networks. Thousands of Angolans are employed in the diamond industry, which plays a significant role in the country's economy. Angola has participated in the Kimberley Process since its establishment in 2003, aiming to improve standards for sourcing diamonds.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone now represents a secure place to source diamonds, provided the same emphasis is placed on traceability as it is for any other diamond-producing nation. In recent years, a number of reputable companies have invested in the country, such as Tiffany & Co. Diamonds provide employment for thousands of Sierra Leoneans and contribute substantially to the nation's economy, including financing the construction of hospitals, schools, and roads. Sierra Leone has been a participant in the Kimberley Process since its founding in 2003, an initiative to raise standards for diamond sourcing.
