A diamond is a mineral composed of 99.5% pure carbon that is crystallized in an isometric arrangement. The remaining 0.05% consists of impure elements that often influence the crystal's color or shape.

Diamonds are formed 75 to 120 miles beneath the earth's surface. It is here, underneath the huge rock plates of the continents, where the necessary temperature and pressure conditions exist to form the gem.

Over the course of history, diamonds were delivered to the earth's surface by special kinds of volcanic eruptions. These eruptions are estimated to have first occurred over 2.5 billion years ago with the most recent occurring about 45 million years ago. After these eruptions some diamonds settled back into their volcanic pipes while others were washed hundreds of miles via floods, rivers and oceans creating alluvial deposits.

The first diamonds are believed to have been discovered in India before 500 BC. For over 200 years India was the only major source for diamonds. Although these deposits never produced substantial quantities they did yield some of history's most famous gems. Today India contributes only a small fraction of the world's diamond production.

It was in South Africa, around 1870, when farmers began finding diamonds in rivers and fields. Soon after they discovered the existence of diamonds in the rock materials that brought them to the surface. These findings opened an era of continual discoveries. Geologists learned how to locate and identify other potential sources. Although large quantities are found in only a few places, diamonds have been found in every continent except Antarctica. In the past 30 years major discoveries have occurred in Botswana, Australia, Russia, and China. These exciting discoveries ensure a secure future for the world's diamond industry.

The journey begins with diamond mining. The methods used in mining diamonds can vary greatly in cost and efficiency. Diamonds were forced up volcanically through kimberlite pipes. Not all diamonds made it to the surface. Some diamonds remained hidden in their pipes, while others were washed along the earth leaving alluvial deposits.

Pipe mining consists of sinking a large vertical shaft next to the existing pipe. These pipes contain diamond bearing rock and can run up to 3,600 feet beneath the earth's surface. This rock is blasted loose and taken to a processing plant to separate the diamond from the rock.

Alluvial mining can range from primitive pan mining with pie tins to complex processes involving massive machinery capable of scooping 1,800 tons of sand. The sand and gravel are scooped and then carefully sifted in search of the gem.

Each deposit offers special challenges from falling frozen ground to enduring the sweltering desert heat. More than 200 tons of rock, gravel, and sand need to be blasted, crushed, and sifted to yield just 1 carat of gem quality. 80% of the rough diamonds found are used for industrial purposes, leaving only 20% suitable for gem quality.

The majority of the worlds rough supply is first distributed by Debeers Central Selling Organization. The CSO sorts the rough into different categories of size, shape, and color. Once this is completed the rough is priced accordingly then sold as a sight to a small number of major cutters called sightholders. These sales are held ten times a year and are by invitation only. The balance of the rough supply is distributed to private buyers and some through private auctions.

This stage involves the distribution of rough to 5 major cutting centers. These centers are located in Antwerp, Israel, Bombay, Johannesburg, and New York. Rough is now carefully examined in order to determine which cut will yield the greatest value. The diamonds are marked for sawing and cleaving. Once completed they are polished and ready to sell.

The manufacturers now sell the finished product to other jewelry manufacturers, diamond wholesalers, and retail jewelry stores. Today's technology has changed the pipeline of diamond distribution, allowing the consumer to have a more direct link to the wholesalers.