Ten years after the launch of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) this paper is the first in a two part series providing an overview of where the Kimberley Process (KP) and international efforts to combat the trade in conflict diamonds currently stand…Part I will provide a broad overview of the issues facing the KP as it steps in 2014. It will start by outlining some of the general developments that have taken place both within the diamond industry and the wider social context since the KPCS’ negotiation. It will then address some of the strengths and weaknesses of the KP as an international certification scheme and an inter-state system more broadly…Particular attention will be brought to bear on recent demands for the KP to clarify its position vis-à-vis certain human rights issues… [refers to Alrosa, Bain, De Beers, LVMH, Rio Tinto, Signet, Tiffany]