Bhavnagar’s women artisans spark a diamond revolution in India’s diamond industry

Surat/Bhavnagar : Diamond has become a best friend of women in Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar, a district in the Indian state of Gujarat, has emerged as a significant centre for diamond manufacturing, thanks to the contribution of women artisans.

These female artisans have been contributing majorly in scaling up the production of polished diamonds. Today, 40% of all diamond manufacturers in Bhavnagar are female artisans, who contribute to about one-fourth of the total market share of diamonds produced in India.

Bhavangar’s diamond industry employs about 1.75 lakh diamond artisans, out of which about 55,000 are female artisans. Bhavnagar has left behind Surat, the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in the world, when it comes to employing female artisans.

The contribution of women artisans has led to improvements in working conditions and wages in the diamond cutting industry. Traditionally a male-dominated field, diamond cutting now employs 40% female workers, resulting in over Rs. 900 crore of annual production by them alone. These women are highly skilled and specialize in a variety of tasks such as polishing, assortment, cleaving, bruiting, planning of diamonds etc. with remarkable efficiency.

The success of these women artisans in the diamond industry is a testament to their hard work, talent, and determination. Their contribution has not only improved the industry but also brought about significant social and economic changes in the region. The diamond cutting industry has become a major source of employment and livelihood for many families in Bhavnagar, providing a means of support and financial stability.

Furthermore, the industry is poised for further growth, with estimates indicating that the sector will continue to contribute to triple its current production output within the next five years. This is due to the high demand for diamonds worldwide and the availability of more qualified female diamond cutters.

Diamond industry leaders in Bhavnagar stated that the diamond industry contributes about Rs 35,000 crore in the total exports of polished diamonds from Gujarat per annum.

“Women artisans  have been trained for performing the cutting and polishing of high-value diamonds” said Chhagan Navadia, president of Bhavnagar Diamond Manufacturing Welfare Association. “These female artisans are earning wages in the range of Rs 17,000 to Rs 30,000 per month, depending on their skill sets”

The women artisans of Bhavnagar have made significant contributions to the diamond manufacturing industry in India, transforming it into a more inclusive and prosperous sector. Their success is a testament to the power of skill, determination, and hard work, and it has brought about significant positive changes in the social and economic landscape of the region.