ByA few historic diamond mines have played a significant role in shaping the global diamond trade and often hold rich stories of wealth, colonization, royalty, and cultural heritage.
Here are some of the most historically important diamond mines:
GOLCONDA MINES – INDIA
A group of diamond mines located in the Deccan Plateau, the region is currently referred to as the Telangana state in India. The Golconda mines are widely considered to be the first source of diamonds in the world. Diamond mining commenced in these mines in the early 4th century BCE.
The Golconda diamond mines have delivered some fine legendary diamonds, a few are listed below.
Koh-i-Noor
Hope Diamond
Seraphim Blue Diamond
Regent Diamond
Darya-i-Noor
Manual mining was done in the Golconda mines, strict security was maintained in the mining sites and nearby riverbeds. These mines were controlled by Indian rulers and then the Mughals. The start of the Nizam rule in 1724, brought the Golconda diamond mines under the Nizams.
Golconda diamonds are prized for being Type IIa – chemically pure, with exceptional clarity. Golconda diamonds are known for their illustrious provenance which often includes, a direct connection to royalty. The Koh-i-Noor diamond is currently part of the British Crown Jewels. The elusive Seraphim Blue Diamond which once adorned an exquisite turban ornament worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad (1724), has apparently been spotted in a private Russian collection. The Hope Diamond is now with the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA.
MINAS GERAIS – BRAZIL
Brazil became a major diamond source in the early 1700s after India’s production from the Golconda mines declined. The Minas Gerais diamond mines, supplied European markets throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Portuguese saw diamond mining as a source of revenue. Diamond mine operators were heavily taxed, the Portuguese also regulated diamond mining.
While the diamond mines in Brazil were considered to be productive during their time, the mines were known for smaller, good-quality diamonds. The smaller diamond sizes would explain why, no famed diamonds were claimed to have originated in the Minas Gerais diamond mines in Brazil.
SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMOND MINES
This region has a few diamond mines that, have been operating for over a century.
Kimberley Mine (Big Hole)
This South African mine was the first major source of diamonds in Africa, commercial mining began in 1866. The large quantity of mines found here, sparked the ‘South African Diamond Rush’. Diamond miners, brokers, diamond buyers and host of supporting businesses, headed for the region where the Kimberly diamond mine was located.
The sizable diamond mining activity and trading triggered this South African diamond mine, led to the creation of De Beers Consolidated Mines in 1888 by Cecil Rhodes.
The scope for large scale mining at the Kimberly Diamond Mine, led to a change in the technic used to extract diamonds. Mining at the Kimberly mines, shifted from alluvial to deep-pit mining. This is the diamond mine that took global diamond trade to the next level, the mines produced over 14 million carats of diamonds.
Premier Mine (Cullinan Mine)
The Cullinan diamond mine in South Africa is located near Pretoria. Mining in this South African diamond mine, began immediately after it was discovered in 1902.
In 1905 the Premier Diamond Mine, yielded the Cullinan Diamond – the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found (3,106 carats). The Asscher Brothers in Amsterdam, spent months studying the stone, this before cutting the rough Cullinan Diamond from the Premier Mine, into smaller diamonds. The original Cullinan Diamond was cut into 9 major stones and around 96 minor brilliants.
The Premier Diamond Mine where is still active and continues to yield (occasionally) some high-quality diamonds.
Lichtenburg and Jagersfontein Mine
The Jagersfontein Diamond Mine produced notable large stones in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 972-carat Excelsior Diamond was found here in 1893.
WEST AFRICA
Sierra Leone Diamond Mines
These diamond mines are located in the Kono District of West Africa. Diamonds in this region are recovered from alluvial deposits. The Sierra Leone Diamond Mines, became infamous for a disappointing reason. Diamonds from this region were known to have financed prolonged civil conflicts – giving rise to the term “blood diamonds”.
The Star of Sierra Leone Diamond (968.9 carats) was discovered in 1972.
RUSSIA
Diamonds In The Ural Mountains
Diamonds were discovered in the Ural mountains in the 1820s. The region never developed into a major source, but remains historically interesting as part of Tsarist Russia’s diamond mining efforts.
Russia’s involvement in diamond mining was taken to the next level, when large-scale diamond production began in the Mir Diamond Mines. The mines are located in Siberia and started production in the 20th century.
SUMMARY
Located in the present-day Indian states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Golconda mines are among the most historically significant diamond sources in the world. Diamonds from these mines—often referred to as “Golconda diamonds”—are renowned not just for their exceptional quality, but also for the mystique, provenance, and history associated with them.
In short, the astronomical prices that some Golconda diamonds fetch have more to do with their story and legacy than just the 4 Cs (carat, cut, color, clarity). They are historical artifacts as much as they are, precious stones that are highly sought after.
