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. 

 

Photo: Mothae Mine, Lesotho

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 diamond hubs, renowned for its expertise in sorting.

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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.

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5.Retail

5.Retail

The finished diamonds are sold to wholesalers and retailers who set them into their jewelry. Together, the City of Antwerp and AWDC developed Antwerp Most Brilliant, a label that guarantees local jewelers’ adherence to the highest standards in sourcing, craftsmanship, and service.

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4.Grading & Certification

4.Grading & Certification

After polishing, each diamond is sent to an independent gemological institute for grading and certification. This ensures that buyers, sellers, and jewelers receive reliable
information about the stone’s unique qualities that determine its value. This assessment defines the “4 C’s”: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.

The Diamond Glossary

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Diamond Glossary

Diamond Glossary

All the diamond terms from A to Z.