Vaktavya • Story

Surat: The City That Polishes 90% of the World’s Diamonds

Jan 29, 2026 865 views
Summary
An inside look at the bustling lanes of Varachha and Mahidharpura, where millions of dollars change hands in paper packets.

Surat is not just a city; it is an economic engine. If you own a diamond, chances are it passed through the skilled hands of a cutter in Surat.

From Textile to Sparkle

While historically known for silk and textiles, the diamond boom transformed the city. Families migrated from Saurashtra, bringing with them a relentless work ethic.

We interviewed Mr. Patel, a factory owner, who said: "Trust is our currency. We hand over packets worth lakhs without a receipt, just on a word."

With the new Diamond Bourse coming up, Surat is set to overtake Antwerp as the trading capital of the world.