Approximately how many segments define the diamond value chain?

• A. Four segments
• B. Five segments
• C. Six segments
• D. Seven segments

Answer: (C)

Think of the diamond value chain as the path a diamond takes to add value, from the ground to the final buyer. In most standard explanations, this path is described as six major segments. They cover the journey from mining rough diamonds, through rough sorting and valuation, into manufacturing (planning, cutting, and polishing), moving through trading and distribution, then certification and grading, and finally retail to the consumer. Six segments provide a clear, manageable overview that includes all the essential value-adding stages without getting lost in finer sub-processes. Fewer than six would usually skip an important stage like certification or distribution, while more than six would break things into too many minor steps.