Natural diamonds form deep underground under extreme pressure and temperature over 1 to 3.5 billion years, rising through kimberlite pipes during magma eruptions. Only 1 in 200 of these pipes contain gem-quality stones. Magnetic surveys, LiDAR mapping, and geochemical drilling help prospectors locate buried pipes invisible on the surface.

At the Jwaneng Mine in Botswana, nicknamed "The Prince of Mines," operators evaluate carats per tonne before blasting kimberlite with explosives. Diamonds survive because kimberlite is softer than diamond. Rough ores are cleaned in sulfuric acid baths, then sorted into gem-quality and industrial-grade categories for cutting tools and drill bits.

Surat, India handles 91% of the world's diamond polishing across 5,000 factories. Artisans scan stones, generate cutting plans, and polish against rotating diamond wheels. Independent labs grade diamonds on the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—inscribing a microscopic laser number on each girdle for authentication.

Polished diamonds move through Mumbai's Angadia trading system to hubs like Antwerp, where 80% of the world's rough diamonds are traded. Jewelers set stones into finished pieces, and customers receive grading reports documenting the diamond's complete journey from mine to market.