De Beers’ ‘A Diamond is Forever’ initiative has released The Great Indian Diamond Archive, a curated record of 12 historic diamonds tracing their origins to India and their subsequent global journeys.

The archive was launched on March 31 in New Delhi as part of Diamond Month, with the aim of documenting India’s early role in diamond mining and trade.

Historical records indicate that India was the earliest known source of diamonds, with mining activity dating back to the 4th century BCE. The Golconda region, particularly areas along the Krishna River, served as one of the most significant early diamond-producing centres.

Several of the world’s most well-known diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond, Regent, and Daria-i-Noor, originated in India. Over time, these stones moved across continents through trade and conquest, becoming part of royal collections and state treasuries.

Many of these diamonds have undergone re-cutting over the centuries, altering their physical characteristics and identities. Today, some are displayed in museums, while others remain in private or royal ownership.

The Great Indian Diamond Archive brings together these historically significant diamonds into a single reference framework. It documents both their geological origins and their movement across geographies, providing context on their historical and cultural associations.

According to De Beers, the archive does not rank the diamonds, as each stone’s individual journey and transformation over time makes direct comparison impractical.

By combining physical attributes with historical narratives, the archive aims to present a comprehensive view of the legacy of Indian-origin diamonds and their influence on the global jewellery sector.

The initiative underscores India’s historical position as a primary source of diamonds before discoveries in other parts of the world shifted mining centres globally.