How Are Diamonds Mined?
How are diamonds - small rocks - able to command such high prices? Are diamonds really that rare, or does it have to do with how diamonds are mined?
It does have to do with how diamonds are mined because in reality, diamonds aren't as rare as many think; there are a lot more diamonds in the world than people realize. For example, there is a piece of land in South Africa that's estimated to hold three to four times more diamonds than all of the diamonds on rings today. The problem is, we can't get to it. Why not? It's because that land is mined, but it isn't the diamonds that are mined. The land is mined with land mines, fenced with razor wires and patrolled by armed guards.
Why? Because that land, as well as over 50% of the world's diamond supply is controlled by De Beers, the South African company that has long monopolized the world's diamond supply and that wants to keep prices and profits high.
When buying diamonds, there is no point in paying for color ratings below "J" and clarity ratings below "SI2." Why? Lower ratings cost much more but the difference can only be seen in the diamonds under the 10x magnification of a jeweler's gemscope.
Unless you or your friends have bionic vision, it's absurd to pay more, let alone many times more, for something that can't even be seen. Some women will compare their diamonds' imperceptible designations, and jewelers will tell you that a diamond should reflect the purity of your love, but ignore their nonsense.