Ingle & Rhode report on illegal Zimbabwean diamond trading

Ingle & Rhode, the UK's principal retailer of ethical jewellery produced using conflict-free diamonds and fair trade gold, wishes to draw your attention to global concern about the suspected trade of illegal diamonds in Zimbabwe.

The Marange diamond fields are some of the richest and most accessible in Africa and were formerly 'farmed' by local people until they were reportedly violently ejected and the land was seized by the Zimbabwean authorities. Although diamonds are still being mined there, they are not appearing on the legal market, suggesting that they are being traded illegally to benefit Robert Mugabe's supporters.

This is further compounded by the fact that Zimbabwe has great mineral riches, yet it has been driven to almost economic collapse. Not surprisingly, people in Zimbabwe call these 'blood diamonds'.

As they do "not strictly fit the definition of conflict diamonds" according to The World Diamond Council (WDC), the situation has caused much controversy. The Kimberly Process (KP) which is a joint initiative of more than 70 countries to prevent trade in conflict diamonds have investigated claims and found Zimbabwe to be in default of trade rules, but have been criticised for their ineffectual ruling.

A trade ban has been enforced for 6 months, but calls have been made for Zimbabwe's permanent suspension until steps are enforced for Zimbabwe to come back into compliance as well as further action regarding violations of humanitarian rights.

"It is clear the Zimbabwean situation is complex, but however it's packaged illegal activity has been found," says David Rhode of Ingle & Rhode. "At Ingle & Rhode we are passionate about giving our clients an informed choice and obtain all of our materials from ethical sources - shopping ethically is a positive step towards stamping out illegal trade in precious stones and metals worldwide."