Jailhouse Rocks: World's Only Inmates Who Cut and Polish Diamonds

By John Jeffay / August 28, 2023 / www.idexonline.com / Article Link

(IDEX Online) - Inmates at an Indian jail are cutting and polishing diamonds behind bars.It's common for prisoners to work in laundries or kitchens, in sewing or agriculture. But those at Lajpore Central Jail, in Surat, are believed to be the only ones in the world working with diamonds.Just over 100 of the prison's 3,000 inmates work at the polishing unit, according to the Times of India (ToI).They produce 25,000 small diamonds a month between them, and earn up to $240 (Rs20,000) a month.They're allowed to keep 10 per cent for personal expenses in prison and send the remainder to their families.Some of the men were already diamond artisans, others have learned the skills while inside."I have learned diamond polishing after I was lodged in the jail 11 months ago," he told ToI. "I hope to keep working as a polisher even when I am out of jail." Pic courtesy Gujurat Prisons, shows Lajpore Central Jail 

Recent News

Another 'Bubble Check' for the gold sector

September 08, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks continue to hit new highs

September 08, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Some mining stocks exposed to Burkina Faso take major hit

September 02, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks again hit new highs

September 02, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks reach new highs on metal price gain

August 25, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com
See all >
Share to Youtube Share to Facebook Facebook Share to Linkedin Share to Twitter Twitter Share to Tiktok