Van Deijl Jewellers is committed to supply only ethically sourced diamonds to our clients. For this reason, we only use official distribution channels that ensure the compliance with the Kimberley Process.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is an international initiative established in 2003 to regulate the trade of rough diamonds and prevent the flow of conflict diamonds into the legitimate market. Conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, are diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments, particularly in Africa. These diamonds often result in human rights abuses and contribute to prolonging conflicts.

The Kimberley Process (KP) operates through a system of certification and oversight. Over 80 countries, including major diamond-producing and trading nations, participate in the Kimberley Process. They must adhere to the regulations set forth by the scheme.

Participating countries must certify that their rough diamond exports are conflict-free by issuing Kimberley Process certificates. These certificates accompany shipments of rough diamonds and attest to their legitimate origin. Participant countries implement strict import and export controls for rough diamonds to prevent the entry of conflict diamonds into the legitimate market. This includes verifying the authenticity of Kimberley Process certificates and ensuring that diamonds are traceable from the point of extraction to export.

The Kimberley Process oversees the implementation of its regulations through monitoring, peer reviews, and annual reports submitted by participant countries. This helps ensure compliance and identifies areas for improvement. Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations is essential for the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process. This includes sharing information, conducting joint inspections, and addressing challenges in the diamond supply chain.

The Kimberley Process has been instrumental in reducing the trade in conflict diamonds and raising awareness about the importance of ethical sourcing in the diamond industry. However, criticisms have been raised regarding its effectiveness, particularly concerning loopholes in enforcement and the definition of conflict diamonds. Efforts to strengthen and improve the Kimberley Process continue to be ongoing to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the diamond trade.

As a commitment to transparency and the building of a trusting relationship with our clients, Van Deijl Jewellers provide independent diamond certificates with all diamonds above 0.30ct.

GIA stands as the foremost global authority in diamond grading, recognized worldwide for its independent expertise. Founded in 1931, GIA is a nonprofit institute dedicated to advancing knowledge and setting standards in the realms of diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls. Operating as a public benefit organization, GIA’s mission revolves around safeguarding consumer confidence through groundbreaking gemological research, rigorous educational initiatives, and industry-leading laboratory services.

Spanning across the globe, GIA’s influence is felt deeply within the gem and jewellery sector. Since its inception, GIA has been instrumental in shaping industry practices, protecting countless consumers, and imparting knowledge to generations of jewellers and gemmologists worldwide.

GIA’s dominance in diamond certification stems from several key factors. Notably, it pioneered the concept of the “4Cs” – clarity, colour, cut, and carat weight – which have become fundamental criteria for evaluating diamonds.

Additionally, GIA conducts groundbreaking research, provides top-tier educational programs, maintains strict independence, operates on a global scale, issues comprehensive reports, and sets industry benchmarks. These attributes instill trust in GIA’s grading processes, rendering its certifications highly esteemed in the diamond market.

EGL (European Gemmological Laboratory) South Africa is a prominent entity in the gemmological industry, known for its role in the certification and grading of diamonds and gemstones. They were established to serve the burgeoning diamond trade in South Africa, EGL South Africa provides comprehensive gemmological services, including diamond grading reports, and gemstone identification.

The purpose of EGL South Africa is to ensure the integrity and accuracy of diamond and gemstone evaluations, fostering trust and transparency in the marketplace for both buyers and sellers. They follow the same basic diamond grading principals as GIA maintaining a worldwide standard. EGL South Africa specifically is a trusted South African laboratory, not to be confused with other franchises connected to the EGL name.

The Graduate Gemologist (GG) certification, offered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is one of the most respected and comprehensive credentials in the field of gemmology. Here’s an overview of the program:

About GIA: The GIA, founded in 1931, is a leading authority in gemmological research, education, and standards. It is renowned globally for its rigorous academic programs and its role in establishing industry standards for gemstone grading and authentication.

Graduate Gemologist (GG) Certification: The GG program is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in gemmology, equipping students with the expertise needed to evaluate, grade, and appraise gemstones and diamonds.

Program Structure and Requirements

• Courses: The certification typically involves a series of courses covering various aspects of gemmology, including the introductory Essentials courses and thereafter; Diamonds and Diamond Grading; Coloured Stones and Coloured Stone Grading; and Gem Identification.
• Examinations: Students must pass rigorous exams for each course to demonstrate their proficiency and understanding of the material. The GIA Gem Identification course final examination consists of 20 stones to be identified of which all 20 needs to be correctly identified to receive a passing grade.
• Lab Work: Practical laboratory sessions where students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment for gem analysis.

Curriculum Highlights

• Gemstone Properties: Detailed study of physical and optical properties of gemstones.
• Advanced Diamond Grading: In-depth analysis of diamond characteristics and grading techniques.
• Gemstone Synthetics and Treatments: Understanding of lab-created gems and various treatment methods used to enhance gemstones.
• Market Trends and Ethics: Insight into the gemstone and jewellery markets, including ethical sourcing and sustainability practices.

Reputation and Recognition: The GIA’s GG certification is highly regarded worldwide, recognized by employers and industry professionals as a mark of excellence and expertise in gemmology. Graduates are equipped with hands-on skills and the crucial knowledge necessary to excel in various roles within the gemstone and jewellery sectors.

The Graduate Gemmologist (FGA) certification, offered by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), is a prestigious qualification in the field of gemmology. This certification is recognized worldwide and provides in-depth knowledge and skills essential for a professional gemmologist. Here’s an overview of the program:

About Gem-A: The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, commonly known as Gem-A, is the world’s longest-established provider of gemmological education. Founded in 1908, Gem-A is known for its rigorous academic programs and contributions to the gemmology field.

Graduate Gemmologist (FGA) Certification: The FGA certification is designed to offer comprehensive training in gemmology, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for identifying and evaluating gemstones.

Program Structure and Requirements:

• Foundation Level (Gemmology Foundation):
  • Introduction to Gemmology: Basic concepts of gemmology, including gemstone properties, classification, and identification.
  • Crystallography and Mineralogy: Study of the crystal structures and mineral composition of gemstones.
  • Optical Properties: Understanding how gemstones interact with light, covering topics such as refractive index, birefringence, and pleochroism.
• Diploma Level (Gemmology Diploma):
  • Advanced Gem Identification: In-depth techniques for identifying a wide range of gemstones, including natural, synthetic, and treated stones.
  • Gemstone Testing and Instruments: Hands-on experience with gemmological instruments, such as microscopes, spectroscopes, and refractometers.
  • Gemstone Treatments and Enhancements: Exploration of common treatments and their impact on gemstone value and identification.
  • Specialized Gemmology: Study of rare and unusual gemstones, inclusions, and advanced gemmological concepts.

Examinations: The certification process involves passing rigorous written and practical exams at both the Foundation and Diploma levels. These exams test the student’s knowledge and ability to accurately identify and assess gemstones.

Reputation and Recognition: The FGA certification is highly respected in the gemmological community and is recognized globally as a mark of excellence in gemmology. Graduates with this certification are known for their thorough understanding of gemmological principles and their ability to perform precise gemstone analysis.