From Mine to Market: The Fascinating Journey of a Diamond

From Mine to Market: The Fascinating Journey of a Diamond

1. Born Deep Within the Earth

Before it dazzles in a display, a diamond begins its journey deep underground. These natural wonders form over billions of years, let’s see the journey from mine to market.

Around 140 to 200 kilometers below the surface, carbon endures immense heat and pressure. This environment transforms it into diamond—the hardest known natural material.

Want to explore how diamonds form? Learn more from the American Museum of Natural History.

2. Mining the Treasure: Mine to Market

The mine to market process starts here. Diamonds are extracted from ancient volcanic pipes using complex mining methods.

Open-Pit vs. Underground Mining

Open-pit mining is used when diamonds lie close to the surface. For deeper deposits, underground mining creates tunnels to access ore.

Examples include Botswana’s Jwaneng Mine and Russia’s Mir Mine. These are key parts of the global diamond pipeline.

Responsible Mining Practices

Modern diamond companies must follow strict sustainability and ethical guidelines. Consumers today demand transparency.

At Evara Diamonds, we only work with partners who follow responsible mining standards and the Kimberley Process.

Human Effort Behind the Sparkle

Miners operate heavy machinery in challenging environments. Fair pay, safety, and healthcare are vital to ethical sourcing.

Sorting the Rough: from mine to market

Once mined, ore is transported to processing plants. There, diamonds are separated, sorted by size, shape, and quality.

3. Sorting and Valuation

Each diamond is unique. Trained specialists assess size, shape, clarity, and color.

• Shapes include cubes, octahedrons, and dodecahedrons.

• Rare colored diamonds—like pinks and blues—receive special attention.

• Clarity determines brilliance and value.

Some diamonds are sent for jewelry. Others go to industrial use.

The Role of Gemologists

Expert gemologists evaluate each rough diamond. They plan cuts based on yield, inclusions, and current market demand.

In recent years, elongated shapes like ovals and emeralds have gained popularity.

Global Trading Hubs

After initial sorting, diamonds head to major trade centers:

• Antwerp, the world’s diamond capital

• Dubai, a growing hub for African diamonds

• Mumbai, central to cutting and polishing operations

At Evara, we source from all three locations to ensure access to the finest stones.

4. Planning and Cutting

No two diamonds are alike. Master cutters analyze each stone to maximize brilliance and value.

Should they cut one large gem or two smaller ones? Save the center or prioritize size? Every decision counts.

Precision with Technology

Today’s mine to market journey includes high-tech steps.

• 3D mapping scans each rough stone.

• CAD software simulates ideal cuts.

• Lasers create precise cleaves and facets.

This process ensures minimal waste and maximum sparkle.

5. Polishing the Diamond: from mine to market

Polishers give diamonds their final shape. Each facet must reflect light perfectly.

Most cuts have 57 or 58 facets. Alignment and proportion create the brilliance diamonds are loved for.

Curious about different diamond cuts? View our diamond cut guide.

6. Certification and Grading

Trust matters. A certified diamond includes a detailed grading report covering cut, clarity, color, and carat.

Certificates also confirm ethical sourcing, especially when paired with Kimberley Process documentation.

Learn about Evara’s certified diamonds.

7. Designing the Final Jewel

Design begins with a concept—often a hand-drawn sketch or CAD rendering.

Shaped by Culture and Trends

Modern designs pull from global fashion, tradition, and personal stories. Minimalist styles, Art Deco, and nature all inspire jewelry today.

Evara’s custom design services turn these inspirations into wearable art.

Personalized Pieces that travel from mine to market

From engraved bracelets to birthstone rings, custom jewelry adds emotion to elegance. Every piece tells a story.

8. From Showroom to Shopper

A diamond is never just a stone. It becomes a symbol through branding, marketing, and storytelling.

Campaigns evoke love, legacy, and life milestones. “A diamond is forever” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a legacy.

Social media, influencers, and cinematic storytelling now guide buying decisions. The mine to market story ends with the customer—and begins a new chapter of meaning.

Explore our latest collections and find the diamond that tells your story.