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 and international efforts to combat the trade in conflict diamonds currently stand. It will analyse some of the present challenges facing the system and some of the potential solutions on the table. This part (Part I) will provide a broad overview of the issues facing the Kimberley Process as it steps in 2014. It will outline some of the general developments that have taken place both within the diamond industry and the wider social context since the KPCS’ negotiation, and address some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Kimberley Process.