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Voluntary Code of Conduct for Authenticating Canadian Diamond Claims

The Voluntary Code of Conduct for Authenticating Canadian Diamond Claims (the Code), evolved from the collaborative efforts of a broad cross-section of the industry including the diamond mining sector, cutters and polishers, retailers, the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) and Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC), as well as federal government stakeholders including the Competition Bureau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). It establishes the minimum standard required to authenticate a Canadian diamond claim based on records and a chain of warranties.

The Code, implemented in November 2002 , applies to diamonds that are advertised as Canadian by all retailers in the diamond jewellery industry who have registered with the Canadian Diamond Code Committee (CDCC). The CDCC is the not-for-profit volunteer committee which manages the Code. It is formed of representatives from all segments of the diamond industry, a representative from a national consumer organization, the CJA and JVC, as well as advisors from the Competition Bureau and the RCMP.

The Code is endorsed by the Competition Bureau which promotes and maintains fair competition in Canada, and the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) which is an international confederation of national jewellery trade organizations representing over 50 countries.

What is a Canadian Diamond?

A Canadian diamond is a diamond that has been mined in Canada. It can be cut and polished in Canada or abroad.

What is a Canadian Diamond Claim?

Any claim made by a person for promotional purposes, regardless of the medium used, that a diamond is Canadian.

What are the benefits of this Code?

The Code establishes a minimum standard based on records and a chain of warranties required to validate a Canadian diamond claim. Retailers who abide by the Code demonstrate to consumers their commitment to ensure the authenticity of Canadian diamond claims.

The Code allows Canadian diamonds to be traced from the Canadian mine to the diamond jewellery retailer, providing consumers with a method to authenticate Canadian diamonds sold by a Code signatory.

How can I get more information about the Code?

You may call the Canadian Diamond Code Office at 1-866-399-1118 or 1-416-363-2968 or visit its Web site at www.canadiandiamondcodeofconduct.com

How do I know if a retailer is a Code signatory?

Retailers who are Code signatories should display in plain view in their store this sign:

Canada Diamond Code of Conduct - Member 2006

You may also visit the Code Web site at www.canadiandiamondcodeofconduct.com to consult the Code Signatory Registry.

What should I ask for if I want to buy a Canadian diamond?

A polished diamond certificate/report and an invoice which contains the following information:

the polished diamond description
a unique Diamond Identification Number;
a statement of certification that the polished diamond(s) is of Canadian origin and address of the issuer of the certificate/report;
the retailer's return policy;
the date of purchase; and
the name and address of the retailer.

How can I request the authentication of the Canadian diamond I purchased?

Contact the Canadian Diamond Code Office at 1-866-399-1118 or 1-416-363-2968 or by e-mail at info@canadiandiamondcodeofconduct.com.

You will be asked to provide the information described above and a payment of $25.00 + GST for up to two diamonds per piece of jewellery or $50.00 + GST for three or more diamonds per piece of jewellery. Upon receiving the required information and payment of the administration fee, the CDCC will confirm whether or not the necessary steps were taken by all levels of trade to meet the minimum requirements outlined in the Code.

What should I do if the CDCC cannot authenticate the Canadian diamond I purchased?

In the event the CDCC cannot authenticate the claim, your fee will be reimbursed and you will be informed of the reason the CDCC cannot authenticate the claim. With this information you should contact the retailer from whom you purchased the stone to resolve the matter. If you cannot get satisfaction, you may wish to register a formal complaint with the Code Office and/or appropriate provincial and federal institutions.

For contact information on the institutions please call the Code Office at 1-866-399-1118 or 1-416-363-2968.

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