Add Some Dazzle To Your Life With A Diamond

A sparkling diamond can take one’s breath away. Whether they are found in an engagement ring, a crown worn by the Queen of England or part of a necklace on display in a museum, they are a beautiful sight to behold. Diamonds are a highly valued commodity and have a long history making them the perfect gifts for mothers and the wife in your life.

History

The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” that means “unbreakable.” It is very appropriate since they are one of the hardest substances known to man. They are believed to have been initially discovered and mined in India 3,000 years ago. Some people believe their history can be traced back much further. They were used for religious purposes in ancient India. The country led the world in diamond production until the 18th century. They were discovered in Brazil in 1725 and the country subsequently became the world leader in production. Diamond deposits were found in South Africa at the end of 19th century. The region continues today as one of the largest diamond producing areas in the world.

Diamond Mining

Roughly 130,000,000 carats of diamonds are extracted from the Earth each year. This equates to nearly $9 billion in revenue for the global diamond trade. Diamond mining is concentrated in several areas of the world. Specific geological conditions must exist in order for the gems to form. Almost half of the world’s supply comes from mines in central and southern Africa. The biggest diamond in the world is the Orapa mine in Botswana. Production started at the mine in 1971. Mining is currently underway 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Significant deposits have also been found in Russia, Australia, Brazil, India and Canada. They have also been discovered in the United States in Montana, Arkansas, Colorado and Wyoming. Crater of Diamonds State Park, located near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only diamond site on the planet that is open to the public. Visitors can search a 37 acre plowed field for the gems. The first diamond was discovered in 1906 by a farmer who owned the land. Typically two diamonds are discovered per day by park guests.

Production And Distribution

A diamond usually has a considerable journey from the mine to the jewelry store. They must be cut and polished before they are distributed and sold. Over 90% are cut and polished in one city in India; Surat. Antwerp, Belgium is another important city in the global diamond trade. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is also located in Antwerp. The IGI is the world’s biggest laboratory for diamond and jewelry certification. Approximately half of the world’s cut and industrial grade diamonds pass through Antwerp on their way to be sold. London, Tel Aviv and Amsterdam also play important roles in the diamond industry. New York City is the diamond capital of the United States. Approximately 80% of the gems are sold in New York. This number also includes auction sales.

Diamonds were first discovered thousands of years ago India. Today mines in Africa, Russia, Australia, Brazil and Canada are responsible for much of the world’s supply. The gems typically travel to India to be cut and polished after they are mined. They may pass through Antwerp, Tel Aviv or London on route to New York City before making their way to jewelry stores.