Often it is a mistake between the locality Diamantina (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and the Chapada Diamantina (Bahia, Brazil).

Brazil was (after India) the largest producer of Diamonds between circa 1700 and the discovery of Diamonds in South Africa in 1870.

In Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Diamonds are officially recognized 1727. You can meet Diamond dealers till this day.

But an other very large source of Diamonds in the 19th century was the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, with the localitys Lençois (with a French Consulate and three philharmonic bands!), Andaraì, Mucugê and Igatù. The Diamonds were found on the rivers like Rio Paraguaçu.

Today you can meet some Diamond searchers and cutters in the region Chapada Diamantina.

Both countries are wonderful, I was here often.

Kuno Stoeckli

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