India’s diamond supply was largely exhausted by the early eighteenth century, and the diamond trade moved to Brazil, then later to southern Africa. At the same time, London emerged as the world’s diamond sorting center, and Amsterdam and Antwerp became influential trade centers as well. Diamonds became an even more popular fashion item, worn by royalty and wealthy women at significant social occasions. The 1870 discovery of massive diamond deposits near the confluence of the Vaal and Orange rivers in South Africa was a watershed moment, igniting a diamond rush. British-born politician and businessman Cecil Rhodes began buying up the claims.
