From Mine to Finger

Every diamond tells a story, spanning millions of years and countless miles. Each gem undergoes a remarkable transformation from being unearthed in the depths of a mine to adorning a finger. Mined from the earth's crust, rough diamonds are carefully sorted, cut, and polished to reveal their brilliance. They then pass through traders, manufacturers, and jewelers before reaching their final destination: a beautiful piece of jewelry.

The international diamond supply chain involves several stages, from mining to final selling polished diamonds. It is a complex process that spans multiple countries and requires the cooperation of various players. On this page, you will find an overview of all these different steps and learn what they contain. 

Mining

The Different Stages of the Diamond Supply Chain

Mining
1. Mining

1. Mining

Diamonds are rare and extracted from the earth. They are mined through different methods and in a handful of countries.

International Diamond Industry
2. Sorting, Valuation and Trade

2. Sorting, Valuation and Trade

Once mined, rough diamonds are sorted into different categories based on size, quality, and color. Antwerp is one of the major diamondhubs, renowned for its expertise in sorting.

International Diamond Industry
3. Diamond Manufacturing

3. Diamond Manufacturing

The manufacturing of diamonds: a meticulous process where rough stones are expertly cut and polished to unlock their brilliance, transforming them into stunning gems ready for jewelry.

International Diamond Industry
5. Retail

5. Retail

Certified polished diamonds are sold to wholesalers or directly to retailers, who incorporate them in their jewellery. 

International Diamond Industry
4. Grading and Certification

4. Grading and Certification

Grading is the final assessment of a polished diamond. During this process, the 4 C's (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are analyzed. 

The Diamond Glossary

International Diamond Industry
Diamond Glossary

Diamond Glossary

Your guide to speaking the language of diamonds: The Diamond Dictionary