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What is the Diamond Bourse?
On our gemstone journey across Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and India we were lucky enough to visit Mumbai, the current location of India’s Diamond Bourse. It’s a unique and highly private place, so no one outside the industry is really aware of it. No-one outside of the diamond trade gets in (including us), which makes us even more curious!
The image of the diamond trade is often shrouded in scandal and mystery, it makes you think of thrilling heists and black velvet bags full to bursting with glittering gems. The reality is a bit less glamorous.
What does Diamond Bourse Mean?
Diamond Bourse is basically the name for the diamond version of wall street! Professionals in the industry gather on floors to buy and sell diamonds, sometimes to other traders, sometimes to jewellers or industrial manufacturers. It is a closed building, which means only members have access to the inside, and security is (understandably) tight.
The actual translation means ‘exchange’ but any stock exchange across Europe is usually referred to as the bourse.
What Does the Diamond Bourse Do?
As well as providing a space, structure, and access to stock for its traders, the Diamond Bourse also provides information and training related to the trade. Courses on practical diamond knowledge are available to non-members for a fee, and regular updates are posted on their website about relevant laws and legal matters!
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Are Lab Grown Diamonds Traded at the Diamond Bourse?
It is not confirmed whether or not each Diamond Bourse will allow the trade of lab grown diamonds!
In December 2020, National Jeweller reported that the Mumbai Diamond Bourse had announced its intention to trade lab grown diamonds as well as earth grown diamonds. However, in 2019 the Antwerp Bourse voted to ban lab grown diamond trading on their premises.
The diamond industry continues to be divided on the legitimacy of lab grown diamonds, despite the general acceptance across retail and jewellery makers! If you’d like to learn about the differences between earth and lab grown diamonds, you can read our guide on Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds.
Where is the Diamond Bourse?
The Diamond Bourse is not one thing, it is made up of many individual bodies scattered across the world. Major locations include Mumbai, London, Shanghai and Antwerp!
Where is the Biggest Diamond Bourse?
The largest is Antwerp's Diamond Bourse, where it is estimated that 86% of the world's diamonds pass through. The diamond trade in the city is a well established and popular occupation for over 10,000 people!
While the majority of the world's diamonds are still cut in Mumbai, the largest diamonds are usually cut in Antwerp due to the incredible specialists that live and thrive there.
How to Join a Diamond Bourse
While there are some credentials required to make it past those imposing doors, you also have to have the cash! Memberships to the London Diamond Bourse range from £999 to £6500 per year. Each membership tier comes with different benefits, and there is even an international membership which allows hot-desking and around 20 days entry a year!
Finding Your Own Diamonds With Jessica Flinn
Experience the thrill of buying your own diamonds through our collection of loose gemstones! Or even better, get a diamond set in a stunningly beautiful ring! Our ready to ship rings are waiting for their forever fingers, and we offer lab and earth grown diamond options on all made to order rings!
Contact us or book an appointment to start your journey with Jessica Flinn!
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Still searching for your dream ring? We can help make that dream a reality with our custom and bespoke services. You can customise one of our existing designs, swapping out gemstones for ones that speak to you or changing the metal type. Or with our bespoke service, you're able create a ring that is completely unique to you. So whether you want a custom engagement ring or a bespoke engagement ring, at Jessica Flinn we have you covered. Book an appointment to begin the process and create your dream ring.