Sorting and weighing diamonds, Kimberley, South Africa

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Sorting and weighing diamonds, Kimberley, South Africa

Sorting and weighing diamonds, Kimberley, South Africa, circa 1888 (Robert Harris studio). Date: circa 1888

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Media ID 14357085

© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography

1888 Diamonds Harris Kimberley Sorting Weighing

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the intricate process of sorting and weighing diamonds at the Kimberley Diamond Mines in South Africa, circa 1888. The image, taken by the renowned Robert Harris studio, offers a glimpse into the rich history of diamond mining in this region, which was then at the height of its discovery and production. The scene is set in a dimly lit room, where several workers are intently focused on their task. Diamond roughs, encrusted with dirt and grime, are spread out on large wooden tables, their rough surfaces glinting in the flickering light. In the foreground, a worker carefully sorts through the roughs, separating the diamonds from the other minerals using a magnifying glass and a pair of tweezers. Another worker, seated at a scale, weighs each diamond meticulously before placing it in a pile according to its size and quality. The atmosphere in the room is one of intense concentration and precision, as each diamond is handled with the utmost care to ensure its value is accurately determined. The air is thick with anticipation, as the workers know that each diamond they sort and weigh could be worth a fortune. This photograph is a testament to the painstaking process involved in the extraction and evaluation of diamonds, which has remained largely unchanged since the discovery of the Kimberley Diamond Fields in 1867. It is a reminder of the allure and value of these precious gems, which have captivated the world for centuries.

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