India holds the title of being the birthplace of diamonds. For centuries, it was the only source of these precious stones, with the earliest known references found in Sanskrit manuscripts. However, diamonds had likely been known in India for over 3,000 years—possibly as far back as 6,000 years. Until the 1730s, the world’s diamond supply came exclusively from India.

In ancient Indian texts, diamonds were called “Vajra,” meaning “thunderbolt,” a reference to Lord Indra, the God of thunderstorms. Legend has it that diamonds were found in central Indian fields after thunderstorms, leading locals to believe they were created by lightning strikes—gifts from the gods. In reality, they had unknowingly settled over a colluvial deposit, with rainstorms washing away topsoil and exposing the hidden gems.

The Diamond Trade in Ancient India

The Golconda region in India was home to some of the earliest diamond mines, with stones found in riverbeds like the Krishna, and Godavari. During the 4th century B.C., ancient texts like the Ratna Pariksha codified gemstone assessment and ensured the quality of diamonds used in trade. This knowledge was highly valued, with specialized professions, such as the Mandalins, dedicated to diamond expertise. Diamonds were prized for their strength and brilliance, worn as adornments, and even believed to offer protection in battle or cure illnesses.

Diamond Polishing and European Discovery

India pioneered diamond polishing techniques, discovering that only diamonds could be used to polish other diamonds. This led to the development of intricate cuts, including the briolette, and marked the beginning of diamonds as polished jewels.

Diamonds made their way to Europe when Alexander the Great returned from India with these prized gems in 327 B.C. For centuries, diamonds in Europe remained the domain of the wealthy, becoming symbols of status and power. By the 1700s, European nobility heavily invested in diamonds, spurring the stone’s continued significance.

India’s Monopoly and Modern Influence

Despite discovery of diamond deposits in Brazil and Africa, India remains a key player in the global diamond industry. Today, 92% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in India, mostly in Surat, Gujarat. The Indian diamond industry employs over 4 million people and remains integral to the global supply chain.

India’s historical role in the diamond trade shaped its current status as a global hub for diamond processing. Whether you’re buying diamonds today or admiring an antique jewel, it’s likely those gems have a connection to India’s centuries-old diamond legacy.