How lab-grown diamonds are reshaping this western India city
In a warren of narrow lanes in western India, almost every man carries a paper pouch in his pocket full of glittering diamonds. Among them is Nagji Rawal.
Back at his shop, the diamond broker sits cross-legged with a velvet jewelry tray perched on his lap. Using his thumb and middle finger, he gingerly picks up a tiny diamond and brings it to eye level, peering at it through an eyepiece that he wears on a long rope around his neck.
An estimated 90% of the world’s diamonds are processed here in Surat, India, yet few come from Indian mines. Most of the diamonds that pass through Mr. Rawal’s shop are imported from mine-rich countries
