GemLabTools - Gem 'Capital' Map Locations
Gemstones are mined, cut and fashioned all over the world but there are several major cutting 'capitals' that are at the heart of the gemstone industry. These capitals have usually developed due to the vast amounts of gemstones and diamonds found in the region or have contributed major development in the gemstone and diamond trade. The maps are interactive and enable you to zoom into the city locations.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok in Thailand has been a major cutting and gem fashioning center for some time. It is situated at the heart of south east Asia and is surrounded by a gem mining countries. Thailand itself mines sapphires and spinel and Its immediate neighbor Myanmar or 'Burma' as previously named boast the finest rubies in the world and is also famous for its spinal, sapphires and jade. Sapphire mines can also be found in Cambodia and close links with China allow for a generous customer base although gems fashioned in Thailand are traded all over the world. Bangkok is one of the most famous gem cutting centers in the world. Gem Traders, Jewelery manufacturers and designers all huddle together in this exotic city. For more information about studying gemology in Thailand click here.
Antwerp, Belgium
Today, Antwerp remains a global centre in the diamond trade. With the thriving diamond centres containing some 1500 diamantairs, almost two thirds of the world's rough diamonds, and aprroximately 50% of the polished diamonds pass through Antwerp every year. There are approximately 4,000 people working in Antwerp's diamond-cutting industry.
New york, United States
New York is one of the largest diamond cutting centers that rivals Antwerp. Because of the higher labor costs most of the worlds largest and highest quality diamonds are cut and fashioned here for the US jewelery manufacturers and retailers.
Gujarat, India
India has had a reputation for mining some of the finest Sapphires in the world including the prestigious 'ceylon blue' coloured sapphires. Since the deposits dwindled and supply overtaken by other mining areas, India remained a cutting center and was known for only cutting smaller diamonds and coloured stones. The city of Bhavanagar is known for processing the smallest stones. Until recently, the cities of Surat and Mumbai, (Bombay) were also know for cutting and polishing smaller stones of lesser value, but this reputation is beginning to change. In recent years, modernization and a skilled labor force are positioning Gujarat's diamond industry to rival the prestige of Antwerp's Jewish community.
