The early diamond industry began with India as the sole source around which year?

• A. 1200 AD
• B. 400 BC
• C. 1500 BC
• D. 600 BC

Answer: (D)

Diamonds first entered the ancient world through India, where early alluvial deposits in riverbeds were mined and traded, creating the first recognizable diamond industry centered there. Historical and textual clues point to roughly the 6th century BC as the time when diamonds were already known and traded beyond India, making India the sole major source for centuries. This timing fits the long-standing Indian monopoly before new sources appeared much later, such as those found in Brazil in the 18th century. The other dates either come too late to reflect the established ancient trade network or are not as well supported by the earliest references to diamond use and exchange, so the period around 600 BC is the best-fit answer.