The World of Diamonds

Nature's hardest substance and most precious gem

Diamond Formation

Diamond Formation

From Carbon to Diamond

Diamonds form under high temperature and pressure conditions that exist only deep within the Earth.

  • Forms 150-250 kilometers beneath Earth's surface
  • Requires temperatures over 1000°C
  • Takes billions of years to form naturally
  • Brought to surface through volcanic eruptions

The 4 Cs of Diamond Quality

Cut

The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance and sparkle. It's considered the most important of the 4 Cs.

Color

Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The most valuable are completely colorless.

Clarity

Clarity grades range from Flawless to Included, based on the presence of internal or external characteristics.

Carat

Carat refers to the diamond's weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams.

Famous Diamonds in History

Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond

45.52 carats, deep-blue diamond with a fascinating history of supposed curses.

Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond

The largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing 3,106.75 carats.

Koh-i-Noor
The Koh-i-Noor

One of the largest cut diamonds in the world, part of the British Crown Jewels.

Global Diamond Markets

Major Diamond Trading Centers

  • Antwerp Diamond District

    The world's largest diamond district, handling over 80% of rough diamonds.

  • Dubai Diamond Exchange

    A rapidly growing hub for diamond trade in the Middle East.

  • Bharat Diamond Bourse

    India's premier diamond trading center, located in Mumbai.

Major Diamond Producing Countries

  • Botswana

    The world's largest producer of high-quality diamonds by value.

  • Russia

    The world's largest producer by volume.

  • South Africa

    Historic diamond producer with significant ongoing production.