Can You Trace Where Your Diamond Came From?

Answer

Yes, some diamonds can be traced back to their country of origin and parts of their journey from mine to retailer. Traceability platforms such as Tracr use secure digital records to document a diamond’s journey. However, not every diamond is traceable. A standard grading report does not necessarily identify where a diamond was mined.

Key takeaways

Some diamonds can be traced to their country of origin.

Tracr uses blockchain technology to create a secure digital record of a diamond’s journey.

A standard grading report does not necessarily identify where a diamond was mined.

Traceability provides information about origin and journey. It does not automatically prove every aspect of ethical sourcing.

Always ask your jeweler what traceability information is available before you buy.

What is Tracr and how does it track a diamond?

Tracr is a blockchain-based traceability platform. Diamonds are registered at their source to create a secure digital identity. As the diamond moves through the supply chain, additional scans and records document various stages. These can include planning, cutting and polishing. The goal is to map out a full digital record from mine to customer.

An image of the Tracr website and some elements you can find when looking on the digital platform — Credit: *Tracr*

How does blockchain diamond tracking work?

Blockchain is a digital record-keeping system. It stores information across a network instead of one central location. Once information has been added, it is very difficult to tamper or change.

On Tracr, participants can add information to a diamond’s existing record. This creates a secure and transparent history that follows it from source to retailer. What blockchain doesn’t do is determine where a diamond came from. It can only record the origin and journey information that has been linked to that diamond.

a women on the Tracr website looking at her natural diamond identity — Credit: *Tracr*

What paperwork should come with a traceable natural diamond?

The paperwork will depend on the diamond you purchase and the traceability system. A gemological grading report documents characteristics but doesn’t necessarily provide proof of where the diamond was mined.

GIA offers the Prov-T service for eligible Tracr diamonds, which validates provenance, authenticity and the unique story of a diamond’s journey. To qualify, the diamond must be on Tracr and have the Tracr ID submitted to the lab with the request for the Prov-T service. analyzed by GIA before cutting and later matched with the resulting polished diamond. Before purchasing any diamond, ask for any documentation that identifies the diamond and provides information about its origin and journey.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme applies to the international trade of rough diamonds between participants. It requires shipments to carry a Kimberley Process certificate. This is separate from the documentation that may come with an individual polished diamond.

Diamonds with-a-grading-report — Credit: *Giagrams*

Can a lab-grown diamond be traced the same way?

Lab-grown diamonds can also be tracked with blockchain technology. Platforms such as Everledger record information about where and how a lab-grown diamond was produced and track its journey through the supply chain.

GIA can identify a diamond as laboratory-grown and determine whether it was produced using the HPHT or CVD method. However, identifying how a diamond was grown is different from tracing its origin and journey.

How do you ask your jeweler about your diamond’s journey?

Simply ask your jeweler to show you where the diamond came from. If you also want to confirm whether you have a real diamond (opens in a new window), ask whether it is natural or lab-grown and what documentation supports that information. This could be a report with origin information, blockchain record, or another traceability record that is linked to the diamond.

Investigate what the record verifies. Does it locate the country of origin? What stages of the journey are documented? Can you easily access this information yourself? By following a step-by-step question process, you can understand exactly what has been captured.

FAQs

Where do natural diamonds come from?

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth before geological activity brings them closer to the surface. Understanding how natural diamonds are formed over billions of years (opens in a new window) helps explain why they’re recovered from deposits in certain areas around the world.

Is a traceable diamond the same as an ethically sourced diamond?

No, a traceable diamond’s origin and journey are documented, while ethical diamond (opens in a new window) sourcing considers human rights, labor practices, local communities and environmental impact. Traceability is a useful tool when assessing responsible sourcing, but it does not prove every aspect of it.

Can you choose a traceable natural diamond for an engagement ring?

Yes, you can choose a traceable natural diamond ring for an engagement ring. Some programs, including ORIGIN De Beers Group diamonds (opens in a new window), allow you to explore information about an individual natural diamond’s origin and journey.

What does an ‘ethical diamond’ label actually guarantee?

The term “ethical diamond” by itself does not tell you which sourcing standards or records support the claim. Ask your jeweler exactly what it means, what documentation is available and which environmental or social practices it covers. Understanding how natural diamonds are becoming more sustainable (opens in a new window) can also help you assess those claims in context.