Where do Diamonds Come From?

The days of finding diamonds just laying on the ground are long gone.  Today, diamonds are produced from a small number of Mining sources.

Blood Diamonds

In some of the more politically unstable central African and west African countries, revolutionary groups have taken control of diamond mines, using proceeds from diamond sales to finance their operations. Diamonds sold through this process are known as conflict diamonds or blood diamonds.

Wholesale and Retail Distribution

Diamonds which have been prepared as gemstones are sold on diamond exchanges called bourses. There are 26 registered diamond bourses. This is the final tightly controlled step in the diamond supply chain; wholesalers and even retailers are able to buy relatively small lots of diamonds at the bourses, after which they are prepared for final sale to the consumer.  Distribution of diamonds is tightly controlled through this system.
 

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