Sorting diamonds needs to be a very accurate process because there are over 12,000 different categories of diamonds (Journey of a Diamond). Once diamonds are extracted, they are sorted out by the trained eye to determine if they are actually diamonds For example, at a De Beers sorting facility, the diamonds must first be separated from other types of mineral like rocks (see example #1 below). Once they are all confirmed to be diamonds, they are separated by the four c’s : cut, colour, clarity, and carat size (Journey of a Diamond). Every diamond is unique so it is important that this sorting is done by skilled sorters who do not make mistakes (see example #2 below). Once the diamonds are sorted, they are either cut and polished by the sorting company or they are sold to clients that will cut and polish them (Journey of a Diamond).
The world’s largest and most advanced diamond facility is in Botswana (Journey of a Diamond). Services related to diamonds accounts for 76% of Botswana’s export revenues and 33% of the country’s GDP (Diamond Facts). In countries like Botswana, the diamond industry has provided significant revenue that is important for building infrastructure and social services (Diamond Facts). President Mogae of Botswana said in 2006, “For our people, every diamond purchase represents food on the table; better living conditions; better healthcare; safe drinking water; more roads to connect our remote communities and much more” (Diamond Facts). The importance of diamonds to Botswana is similar to that in many other countries; it has had a very significant economic impact that the countries survive on.
Example #1: Sorting diamond from rock Example #2: Sorting Diamonds at a De Beers facility
Photo Source: Pinterest Phot0 Source: Journey of a Diamond