Observations

RAPAPORT…

Sethi Couture

There is no other country in the world where people revere diamonds and gemstones in the same way as they do in India. In India, a stone is not just a pretty colored mineral, it is a powerful talisman, a connection to the higher powers of the universe; some stones even emit healing energies. At birth, many children in India are assigned a gem that is especially tuned to them based on ancient Hindu astrology and traditions. That gem is to be worn, preferably touching the skin, throughout their lives. With that kind of deep cultural imperative surrounding gems, it is no wonder that the karma of India has manifested in the country becoming the world’s major center for cutting and polishing diamonds. India has an astounding number of diamond cutters, estimated at around 700,000 strong, who take the smallest rough and turn it into sparkling melee. According to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), 90 percent of all the world’s diamonds are cut in India and 61.8 million carats of cut and polished diamonds were exported from India in 2011. In addition to the millions of carats of diamonds cut in India, the country also has a thriving jewelry manufacturing business — the GJEPC estimates that there are about 2,500 Indian diamond and jewelry exporters around the world. Beyond the commercial jewelers, there are numerous artisan jewelers from India who draw upon their heritage to create fabulous jewelry with an old-world sensibility that merges with modern style. Throughout its history, India has provided the world with amazing gems and jewelry and, with its place of leadership in the international diamond community, it continues to do so today.