It’s likely that you’re aware that diamonds don’t naturally appear in their dazzling form as seen in jewelry stores.
Before they are ready for sale or display in a shop window, diamonds undergo various treatments. However, there are diamonds that don’t possess that same captivating appearance and are not as visually appealing as those showcased in stores.
We’re referring to rough, uncut, and oddly shaped stones. If you happen to own one of these diamonds, you’ve probably wondered: How can I obtain certification for my rough diamond?
Certification is crucial not only for the sake of documentation but also if you plan to sell your diamonds in the future. Having a certificate provides credibility and assurance to potential buyers.
Certifying a polished and cut diamond, which has undergone hours of work and been meticulously weighed, is relatively straightforward. However, today we’ll focus on rough diamonds and delve into a comprehensive guide that addresses this question. So, let’s explore the topic and discover the answers you seek. Let’s get started!
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What Are Rough Diamonds?
Before we delve into the process of certifying rough diamonds, let’s briefly discuss what they are, how they are acquired, and what it means to own one.
Rough diamonds are valuable gemstones that have not undergone any cutting, processing, or polishing. In simple terms, they remain in the same natural state as when they were extracted from the earth. The only treatment they may have undergone is weighing to determine their price.
Even if rough diamonds have been cleaned and dirt removed, they are still considered “rough” because they have not been altered in any significant way. It’s important to note that rough diamonds typically remain in their rough state for a relatively short period, as they are usually cut and polished before being sold as part of jewelry pieces.
If you’re interested in obtaining a rough and uncut diamond, there are several avenues to explore. Let’s discuss the best ways to acquire rough diamonds and the expected prices associated with them.
The easiest and most popular method is purchasing rough diamonds online. Numerous websites offer the option to buy rough diamonds, and this trend gained momentum in the late 2000s with the increasing influence of the Internet in the diamond industry. Initially, there was skepticism surrounding online diamond purchases, resulting in fewer online transactions. However, certification plays a crucial role in online diamond sales, as it provides buyers with confidence and verification of the authenticity and quality of the diamond.
The second method involves purchasing rough diamonds directly from mining sites. Some countries permit individuals to buy rough diamonds shortly after they are mined, subject to proper checks and verification processes. If you find yourself in a region where this is possible, buying rough diamonds in this manner is a viable option. However, it’s essential to ensure that you are not unintentionally acquiring a conflict diamond.
The third option is to seek out a diamond dealer who has rough diamonds in stock. This method is widely used as it allows buyers to interact with the dealer, examine the diamonds in person, and have a clear understanding of the purchase. Diamond dealers have been selling rough diamonds for centuries, making it a reliable and well-established approach.
Now, let’s explore what it means to own a rough diamond and the possibilities associated with it. Some individuals appreciate the natural beauty of rough diamonds and consider them more captivating than cut and polished diamonds. These diamond enthusiasts often collect rough diamonds purely for their aesthetic appeal and to expand their collections.
Others purchase rough diamonds to incorporate them into jewelry pieces. This trend is gaining popularity in the jewelry industry because rough diamonds offer a distinct and unique appearance compared to their cut counterparts. While cut diamonds may have a similar appearance, rough diamonds possess originality and individuality in their shape and visual characteristics.
There is a common misconception regarding the ownership of rough diamonds, but it has been debunked multiple times in the past. To clarify, it is entirely legal to possess rough diamonds as long as all necessary taxes have been paid and the diamonds were acquired through legal channels, without involvement in the black market.
How To Actually Certify Your Rough Diamonds?
Now that you have gained a comprehensive understanding of rough diamonds and their possession, let’s focus on the main topic at hand—certifying your rough diamonds.
The most well-known certification process for rough diamonds is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Although the KPCS has a troubled history, it is crucial to note its international recognition. Numerous countries accept the KPCS, meaning that wherever you go in the world, your diamonds can be certified with a KPC certificate. If you wish to delve deeper into the Kimberley Process, you can learn more about it in our article, “What Is the Kimberley Process, and How Does It Work?”
The origin of this diamond certification process lies in the violent conflicts caused by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, where a significant portion of their funding comes from the illicit sale of diamonds extracted from the region. These diamonds, known as “blood diamonds,” have been sold worldwide at lower prices, unbeknownst to buyers that they were supporting slave labor and contributing to a conflict-ridden area.
To address this issue, the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on the rebels in Sierra Leone, particularly focusing on rough diamonds. Since then, rebels have resorted to selling their diamonds on the black market, as it is nearly impossible to legally trade in conflict diamonds. To engage in legal buying and selling of rough diamonds, a valid Kimberley Process (KP) license is mandatory. Governments of individual countries have specific procedures that potential KP licensees must undergo, varying from one country to another.
However, there are alternative methods available for certifying your rough diamonds. One such option is the DITR Authenticity Certification, which is commonly provided when you purchase a rough diamond legally. This certification is generally sufficient to validate the authenticity of your rough gem in most situations, alleviating the need for further concerns.
There are also other “smaller” certificates that serve as additional forms of certification for rough diamonds, although they are not obligatory. The first is geometrical certification, which pertains to the geometrical and physical characteristics of your rough diamond. These certificates are widely available and can often be obtained from jewelry shops or specialized diamond stores.
The second certificate is product assurance, which confirms the origin of the diamonds and provides information on how they came into your possession.
It’s important to note that other certificates may vary by country, with the United States having particularly stringent laws regarding conflict diamonds and their distribution. Therefore, depending on your location, it is advisable to consult with your local government to determine the certification process for rough diamonds on a local or national level.
Additionally, when shipping or traveling with your diamond, you must ensure that the certificate you possess is recognized by the destination country to avoid any complications. Be sure to check which certificates are supported by the countries involved to ensure a smooth process.
Finalizing Our Thoughts
As evident, the certification process for rough diamonds is more complex and extensive than one might anticipate. While owning a rough diamond is an exciting experience, it is important to acknowledge that it is subject to legal regulations.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established by the United Nations Security Council to combat the financing of Sierra Leone rebels and their supporters. This internationally recognized certificate for rough diamonds holds significant importance and surpasses other certificates in terms of relevance. Supported by 82 countries worldwide, the KPCS has a solid background and serves as a crucial means of certification.
While local certificates may be available depending on your geographical location, it is essential to remember that the KPCS holds the utmost recognition and acceptance as the primary certificate for rough diamonds.
With this understanding, we conclude our discussion on how to certify rough diamonds. We strongly urge you to ensure that your rough diamonds are certified, particularly if the company or dealer from whom you made the purchase has not already done so. Best of luck!
