BOTSWANA ‘SOURCE VERITAS’ DIAMONDS

GCAL is working with MOTIGANZ, a DTC Sightholder, to certify diamonds sourced, cut and polished in Botswana. This program assures consumers that the diamonds they are purchasing are compliant, not only with the Kimberley Process, a set of international trading laws that prohibit so-called ‘conflict diamonds’, but also the strict adherence to GCAL’s Source Veritas™ process of positively identifying and tracing polished diamonds through the use of Gemprint® from the factory through the market, and beyond.

GCAL was chosen primarily for its ability to accomplish this level of transparency through its exclusive Gemprint® technology and its commitment to the highest and most transparent industry practices.

Consumers are becoming more and more conscious about whether their diamonds are conflict free, and GCAL has the process necessary to ensure that the diamonds graded in our lab are free of conflict. Gemprint® can track the diamonds from rough to end product, and GCAL certification also gives you a lot of added value including laser inscription, photomicrographs and light performance analysis.

Botswana is one of the world’s most important diamond sources, creating a huge opportunity for the country’s growth through industry. “Botswana is also one of the very few African democracies that actually works,” explains Donald A. Palmieri, GCAL President. “This is why I am particularly happy to confirm with the written blessing and encouragement of Dr. Tombale, Minister of Mines and Diamond Hub Coordinator for Botswana, we will begin certifying ‘Made in Botswana’ diamonds in a co-branded certificate.”

BOTSWANA INITIATIVE MEDIA COVERAGE

Jeweler's policy on diamonds is truly a gem

Sometimes, the world's troubles are right at our doorstep. Their solutions can be, too. Jeff Corey is the president of Day's Jewelers, which has five stores in Maine and one in New Hampshire. The stores, including one in Waterville, sell the range of items you'd expect in a traditional jewelry store: clocks, bracelets, necklaces, watches and diamond engagement rings.
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Day's displays drive to stop blood diamonds

Stones from Botswana that reflect a positive change are on view at the new South Portland store.

Jeff Corey, president of Day's Jewelers, 56, jokes that he has been in the diamond business since he was 6 years old. Corey, whose parents were also jewelers, has seen the happiness diamonds can bring. In 2002, he heard about the sadness when he learned about "blood diamonds" – African diamonds sold on the black market to finance wars.
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First 'Made in Botswana' diamonds reach America

The Coordinator of Botswana Diamond Hub, Dr Akolang Tombale, says the organisation is watching feedback from diamonds consumers with keen interest after the first-ever 'Made in Botswana' diamonds began selling in the US over the weekend.
In a bid to take beneficiation to another level, the Diamond Hub has twinned with two diamond manufacturing companies, Motiganz and Star Diamonds, a relationship that sees Botswana become both the source and manufacturer of diamonds.
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Letter to Day's Jewelers from US Senator Olympia Snowe

“What a source of pride it must be that you are the first jeweler in the nation to undertake this endeavor as a pilot project which focuses on the authentication of the diamond product as well as the dignity of this African nation, producing the gemstones. Your are to be commended for being on the cutting-edge of combining commerce and conscience. Moreover, even though your good will extends globally, your compassion is prevalent locally as a portion of tonight’s sale proceeds will be given to the Junior League of Portland.”
>full letter

Listen to Jeff Corey, president of Day's Jewelers, talk about Botswana Source Veritas Diamonds

Betting on Botswana

GCAL and MOTIGANZ partner to bring Botswana diamonds Stateside

MOTIGANZ, a DTC Sightholder, will be working with GCAL to certify diamonds mined and polished in Botswana. This program will assure customers that the diamonds they are purchasing are compliant with the Kimberley Process, a set of international trading laws that prohibit so-called 'conflict diamonds', stones mined to finance warlords or involving child labor. GCAL was chosen specifically for its exclusive Gemprint® technology, the process for finding a diamond's unique optical fingerprint, and its commitment to transparent industry practices.
>full article

Botswana Diamond Code of Conduct

The government of Botswana has put in place several regulations that govern the conduct of the diamond industry in Botswana. The Diamond Cutting Act has been praised by Global Witness as the model for all countries involved in the Kimberley Process to follow.

Botswana Diamond Cutting Act

Precious & Semi-Precious Stones Protection Act

Export & Import of Rough Diamonds Regulations