The diamond is more than just aesthetically beautiful—it’s an enduring symbol of love, romance, and commitment. The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek word adamas, which translates to “unconquerable.” It was over 4,000 years ago that the first diamonds were mined in India, in alluvial deposits of the stone along the rivers Krishna, Penner and Godavari.  At the time of their discovery, diamonds were valued because of their strength and brilliance, and for their ability to refract light and engrave metal. Diamonds were worn as adornments, used as cutting tools, served as a talisman to ward off evil, and were believed to provide protection in battle. In the Dark Ages, diamonds were also used as a medical aid and were thought to cure illness and heal wounds when ingested.

The top seven diamond-producing countries, accounting for 80 percent of the world’s rough diamond supply, are Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Australia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

92% of diamond pieces cut in 2003 were in Surat, Gujarat, India. Other important centers of diamond cutting and trading are Antwerp, London, New York, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam. More than 50% of the world’s production of rough, polished and industrial diamond passes through Antwerp. 8 in 10 of all rough diamonds in the world are handled in Antwerp. 1 in 2 of all cut diamonds passes through Antwerp. The Antwerp diamond sector has an annual turnover of 39 billion U.S. dollars. 

As one of Africa’s major natural resources, diamonds are helping transform southern Africa and the lives of its people. In particular, Africans are using the revenue from diamonds to create wealth for themselves. The diamond trade contributes approximately US$8.5 billion a year to Africa and is helping the continent many ways: