The history of diamonds is a long and complicated one, with the first recorded diamonds dating back to India over 3,000 years ago. The stones were first used as religious icons and talismans, before becoming more widely known and prized for their beauty.
Today, diamonds are still coveted for their rare beauty and durability, with many of the world’s finest stones coming from just a handful of countries. Here are the top five diamond-producing nations, according to the most recent data from the Kimberley Process, an international initiative to track and certify diamonds.
Russia
Arguably the most famous diamond-producing country in the world, Russia is home to some of the largest and most valuable diamonds ever found. In estimate, Russia produces 23,000,000 carats of diamonds each year, worth an estimated $4.6 billion. The country’s primary diamond-mining region is situated in the far east of the country, in an area known as the Sakha Republic. Its natural gas deposits are thought to be untapped and could make it the world’s largest producer of precious stones.
Botswana
A close second to Russia in terms of diamond production is Botswana, which has been one of the world’s leading producers for more than two decades. The majority of Botswana’s diamonds come from the Orapa and Jwaneng mines, which are both owned by the government.
In terms of value, Botswana is the clear leader, with the country leading the list of top 10 countries in terms of value per carat. In fact, the South Africa-sourced diamonds are larger than Russia’s, with the Orapa mine producing some of the world’s largest diamonds, including the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona.
Canada
North America’s only entry on this list is Canada, which has become a major player in the diamond industry since the 1990s. The majority of Canadian diamonds come from the Northwest Territories, where two huge mines, the Diavik Mine and the Ekati Mine, operate.
Like Botswana, Canada has a close relationship with De Beers, with the company holding a minority stake in both of the country’s major mines. In total, Canada produces around 10% of the global diamond supply by value.
Australia
Australia is another major player in the global diamond industry, thanks to its vast reserves of high-quality stones. The majority of Australian diamonds come from two mines in Western Australia; the Argyle Mine and the Ellendale Mine.
The Argyle Mine is particularly famous for producing so-called “fancy” diamonds in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, and violet. In total, Australia produces around 9% of global diamond supply by value.
South Africa
A pioneer in the diamond industry, South Africa was home to some of the world’s first commercial mines and remains an important producer today. Although it has been overtaken by other nations in recent years, South Africa is still a major source of high-quality stones.
The majority of South African diamonds come from two mines; the Venetia Mine and the Cullinan Mine. The Venetia Mine is the largest diamond mine in the country and has been in operation since 1995. It is owned by De Beers.
The Cullinan Mine is perhaps even more famous than the Venetia Mine, as it is the source of the world’s largest diamond ever found. The stone, known as the Cullinan Diamond, was discovered in 1905 and weighed a staggering 3,106 carats.
If you’re interested in owning a piece of diamond history, keep an eye out for stones from these five countries. You will also have to be prepared to pay a pretty penny, as these countries produce some of the most valuable diamonds in the world. Plus, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the 4Cs before making a major purchase. With that in mind, consult with a qualified jeweler to ensure you’re getting the best quality stone for your money.
