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Measures are being taken in Zimbabwe to prevent abuse and smuggling in its diamond fields.

Human Rights Watch reports that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme will halt the trade of diamonds – which are popular in engagement rings and wedding rings – from the country's Marange fields.

The initiative aims to tackle the ongoing conflicts connected with sourcing and trading of stones from the region.

Studies made by the organisation from July through to September 2010 noted that much of the area is under the jurisdiction of the Zimbabwe Defence Force soldiers, who are said to be involved in smuggling and threatening the local community.

Rona Pegali of Human Rights Watch said: "Without these kinds of reforms, international consumers risk purchasing 'blood diamonds'."

The Kimberley Process includes governments and members of precious stone industries who meet annually to review the guidelines in diamond trade and provide a certification scheme that ensures that exported gems are conflict-free. 

The US State Department has held consultations with the country's leading diamond dealers to discuss its decision to block exports of rough diamonds from Zimbabwe.

It organised the summit ahead of the upcoming plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process, which is due to take place in early November.

The US is a strong supporter of the Kimberley Process – despite some calls for it to be reviewed – and president of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York Moshe Mosbacher said the country remains "steadfast" on the issue.

"The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is the most effective means available for preventing the infiltration of conflict diamonds into the legitimate chain of distribution and it needs to be defended," he remarked.

Mr Mosbacher argued doing this will help ensure consumer confidence in diamond jewellery and ensure economic development in areas where diamonds are mined legally.

A petition organised by ethical jewellery group Brilliant Earth calling for reformation of the Kimberley Process currently has around 6,000 signatures, with many frustrated over the decision to certify diamonds mined in the Chiadzwa area of Zimbabwe.