From rough to radiance: Surat’s diamond industry that powers millions

In a world where almost everything can be replicated quickly, natural diamonds remain different. They are born deep within the earth over billions of years. But their true value does not come from geology alone. It comes from people.

A rough stone becomes a diamond only after it passes through skilled human hands. The cutter studies it. The planner maps it. The polisher coaxes light out of it. That human touch is what transforms carbon into something meaningful.

Market research continues to show that natural diamonds hold a special place. They are chosen for various occasions, spanning engagements, anniversaries, and inheritances. That emotional connection sustains demand and supports millions of livelihoods across the world.


The human story behind 90% of the world’s diamonds
According to the reports via IBEF, India processes over 90% of the world’s cut and polished diamonds. The industry generates billions in foreign exchange, with exports averaging $35-40 billion annually and an ambitious target of $75 billion by 2030. Most of this activity is concentrated in and around Surat, Gujarat.

India’s leadership is not built on cost alone. It rests on an ecosystem that is difficult to replicate. Over decades, Surat has developed deep artisan networks, family-run polishing units, advanced laser mapping and precision tools, grading laboratories and export houses, and strong financial links with global trading centres.

Skills are often passed down within families. A father trains a daughter. A mentor guides an apprentice. Technology has improved accuracy, but the final judgment still rests with experienced human eyes. That blend of intuition and innovation gives Surat its edge.

A million lives
The diamond trade in Surat is not just an industry. It is a livelihood system.

More than one million people are directly and indirectly connected to the diamond value chain in and around the city. This includes cutters, polishers, graders, planners, machine technicians, traders, transporters, and support workers.

Beyond them are drivers, packaging suppliers, cafeteria owners, and small retailers whose incomes depend on the steady rhythm of the trade.

Women’s participation in the diamond industry is steadily rising. According to a GITNUX Report 2026, female representation in diamond polishing facilities in Surat reached 15.8% in 2022, with over 12,000 women employed compared to 8,500 in 2019.

About 60% of workers in Surat’s diamond cutting and polishing sector are women, totalling roughly 280,000 women, making it one of India's largest female-dominated manufacturing sectors, as stated in the ZIPDO report 2026. Many now lead in quality control, grading, planning, and design support, strengthening household incomes and reshaping the workforce.

The Surat Diamond Bourse: A strategic shift in global trade
The opening of the Surat Diamond Bourse is a historic, world-class hub designed to shift the epicentre of global diamond trading to Surat.

The Bourse was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17, 2023, and he described it as a symbol of India’s growing strength in global trade and entrepreneurship. For years, India was seen mainly as the world’s processing hub. Trade negotiations and pricing benchmarks were often set elsewhere. The Surat Diamond Bourse aims to change that by positioning India not just as the world’s workshop, but as a global decision-making centre in the diamond trade.

The Bourse reflects the broader Make in India vision. Instead of only adding value to imported rough stones, India is strengthening its infrastructure so that more value remains within the country. When fully operational, it is expected to generate over 150,000 jobs and significantly enhance export efficiency. More importantly, it anchors greater economic value within India, strengthening the country’s role across the entire diamond value chain.

Economic impact beyond the bench
The diamond sector plays a visible role in Gujarat’s growth story. Industrial expansion in the state is closely linked to diamond processing and exports.

Even during global slowdowns, natural diamonds remain a significant export category. The sector contributes through large-scale employment, foreign exchange earnings, urban infrastructure growth, real estate development, and improved access to education and healthcare in artisan communities.

Surat is not just a manufacturing cluster. It is an economic engine of national significance. Its story goes beyond brilliance. It is about ambition, resilience, and mastery built over generations. It carries the pride of an artisan, the strength of a household, and the future of a million livelihoods.

Disclaimer: Information and images by Natural Diamond Council.