When the name “Surat” is mentioned, it doesn’t merely evoke a city on India’s western coast in the state of Gujarat, but rather a global hub for diamond cutting and trading, a place where rough stones from the farthest corners of the world are transformed into brilliant gems adorning the world’s finest jewelry houses.
Diamond Polishing Industry: Global Leadership Rooted in a Local City
According to recent estimates, Surat is responsible for polishing over 90% of the world's diamonds and more than 99.99% of those processed within India. This makes the city the backbone of India’s gemstone exports, accounting for around 90% of the country’s total diamond exports.
These figures are not mere statistics; it is estimated that 9 out of every 10 diamonds sold in Manhattan’s bustling markets have been polished in Surat.
A Historical Journey That Began by Chance... and Grew with Opportunity
Surat’s journey with diamonds began in the early 20th century when two brothers from the Gujarati Patidar community returned from South Africa in 1900, bringing with them the craft of diamond polishing. However, the real turning point came post-World War II when Indian artisans fled Rangoon (now Yangon) in Myanmar during the Japanese invasion, returning to Surat and reviving the trade.
Their return embedded technical expertise in the city. During the diamond demand boom in the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s, the industry expanded rapidly, establishing Surat as a global center for diamond processing.
From Traditional Craftsmanship to Advanced Technology
What sets Surat’s diamond industry apart is its evolution—from a purely artisan-driven craft to one embracing high-precision technology. Where polishing once relied on primitive cement wheels, today's Surat workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art laser cutting tools, aligning with international standards of quality.
Family-run businesses play a crucial role in the industry, often spanning three generations under one roof, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and continuity of skill.
A Global Network from Africa to Surat
The journey of a diamond typically begins in mines across Africa, Russia, or Canada, then makes its way to global trade hubs such as Antwerp in Belgium, before reaching Surat. Here, over 700,000 workers in more than 6,000 manufacturing units transform rough stones into dazzling gems—an industry valued at approximately $24 billion annually.
The Gujarati diaspora in Antwerp played a vital role in cementing the trade link between the two cities, creating a seamless commercial channel for rough diamond imports and global exports.
A Local Economy Fueled by Industry
Surat’s GDP reached around $40 billion in 2016 and climbed to $57 billion by 2020, thanks to its diverse industrial base that spans textiles, petrochemicals, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and ports, alongside diamonds.
The diamond sector remains a cornerstone of this economy, generating hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Challenges of the Era: Pandemic and Demand Decline
Despite its industrial strength, Surat wasn’t immune to global disruptions. In 2019, India’s diamond exports fell by 18% amid weakening global demand. The situation worsened in 2020 with the outbreak of COVID-19, which forced manufacturing units to halt operations for several months.
However, the industry quickly bounced back, driven by renewed demand in Asian and U.S. markets and bolstered by the integration of infrastructure and skilled labor.
Surat: Where Local Becomes Global
In Surat, the mantra “Think globally, act locally” comes alive. It is a city where artisanal skill meets cutting-edge technology, transforming raw stones from distant continents into jewels showcased in New York, Paris, and Tokyo.
As Surat continues to cement its place as the world’s diamond capital, its story stands as a testament to how a local city can emerge as a shining node on the global economic map.
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