"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
12 Jul 2023
India, the land of diamonds, holds within its borders a treasure that captivates hearts and sparkles with unmatched brilliance. Diamonds, nature's breathtaking gift, have a profound significance as a symbol of love and rarity. Their journey from the depths of the Earth to the dazzling showcases of New York and the adorning fingers of celebrities often leads back to their roots in India. Particularly to a city renowned as the diamond capital—Surat, a city that radiates the splendor of these precious stones.
Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Tapti river, Surat emerges as the birthplace of the diamond cutting industry, tracing its origins back to 1938. What started as a modest factory with a mere 65 workers swiftly burgeoned into a thriving enterprise. The year 1960 marked a turning point, as Gujarat's enterprising Patel community began importing raw diamonds and exporting polished ones, propelling Surat's diamond trade into rapid expansion.
From its humble beginnings, Surat's diamond industry now provides employment to around 500,000 workers, a testament to its remarkable growth. Renowned global corporations have recognized the city's prowess and chosen it as the epicenter for diamond processing, cementing Surat's reputation as a premier destination in the world of diamonds.
The diamond journey begins with uncut gems arriving from African countries or mining giants like De Beers and Alrosa. These raw diamonds undergo a meticulous scanning process using the sophisticated Galaxy machine, creating 3D images through specialized software. Subsequently, the diamonds proceed to the laser swing, where cutting and shaping take place. Finally, the polished diamonds find their way to the skilled craftsmen of Surat's factories for their finishing touches.
Surat's reign in the diamond industry is underpinned by its unrivaled combination of manpower, adaptability, cutting-edge techniques, affordability, and unparalleled skills. The city's diamond market, valued at a staggering 1.8 trillion, solidifies India's enduring position as a global leader in the diamond trade.