Consumers 'unaware Of Diamond Journey'

Published on 22/10/08

Many consumers are unaware of the "long arduous journey" gems take before they are turned into jewellery, according to a source.

The stones go through several phases and travel great distances before being transformed into items such as diamond necklaces and brilliant-cut diamond rings, reports the Jewelry Insider blog.

According to the news provider, the gems begin around 200 miles under the earth, before being mined.

Once the diamonds are found, the process of cutting takes place, before then being polished both by hand and machine.

After this procedure, the gems are ready to be used in pieces such as platinum diamond rings and diamond bracelets and are sent to manufacturers, the news source adds.

Last month, a 500-carat stone was found during the mining process in Lesotho by Gem Diamonds.

A spokesperson for the group said the example was "near flawless" and could be one of the largest ever found.