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How are diamonds mined? The mining methods are very diverse, depending on how diamonds present themselves at the earth's surface. Mining of Kimberlite pipes involves "open-pit" or "underground mining". When freed by erosion from the Kimberlite matrix, diamond crystals are carried along by rivers. Riverbeds are dug away and the river silt is sieved. This technique is called "alluvial mining". "Marine mining" is the exploitation of sandy coastal strata by dredging. Finding diamonds can thus be the result of large industrial operations, but also of small-scale methods, or even manual labour. Diamonds are rare. It is usual that 250 tons of rock, sand and gravel must be processed to yield one carat of diamond. The annual world production amounts to approximately 100 million cts of which only 20% are of gem quality. How are diamonds transformed from rough to polished? A rough diamond obtains its final shape and brilliance by a succession of manufacturing processes : cleaving, sawing, bruting and polishing. Why is craftsmanship in diamond processing so important? A diamond can be loupe clean and have the best white colour, but if the facets of the stone have not been placed in perfect harmony, then there is no shine, no fire in the stone. The label "Cut in Antwerp" is a quality label referring to the best diamond cut in the world. Which are the most famous diamonds in the world?
What is the economic importance of Antwerp as World Diamond Center? Antwerp is situated in the heart of Europe, easy to reach by car, plane or train. The diamond center is concentrated on merely two square miles near the Central Railway Station. Over 50 pct of the world production, be it rough or polished, industrial or gem quality diamonds, passes through Antwerp. What makes the Antwerp Diamond District special? The diamond trade in Antwerp is conducted on a small area; the Bourses and offices are lined up on a small area. When in sunny weather, the dealers come out in the street for a break and a chat, the outsider is surprised at the variety of types, colour and dress. The Jews have been present in the Antwerp diamond trade ever since the 16th century. The Orthodox Jews can easily be recognized by their black attire of the same cut, hat, beard and hairstyle. There are also other Jews, which only a trained eye can recognize as such. The other community, which is largely presented, in the Antwerp Diamond World is the Indian community. The Indians, who originally specialized in cheap goods, are gaining more experience in larger sizes. The cheap, small brilliant and single cut still comprises the lion's share of their production. But beside these two main communities there are people from all European countries and all continents, who make their living in the diamond trade. In Antwerp all languages and dialects are spoken and this improbable symbiosis has only one thing in common: the diamond. This mosaic of ethnic cultures, life styles and religions can rely on Antwerp's world-renowned hospitality and tolerance. What is the Diamond High Council? The HRD was established as a central organisation for the promotion of the interests of the diamond trade, industry and consumer. What is the difference between a brilliant and a diamond? This is actually a wrong question. Both cannot be compared as such. A brilliant is only a 'cut', which means that any rough material, be it glass or diamond, can be cut into the shape of a brilliant (57 facets).
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