Diamond Supply Monopoly

The discovery of a massive diamond deposit in South Africa in 1870 transformed diamonds from a rare luxury into a widely available commodity. However, an oversupply led to a market crisis, prompting Cecil to buy up mines and create a monopoly through De Beers, controlling 90% of the diamond supply. By intentionally restricting production and limiting sales to a select group, the perception of diamonds as rare and valuable was maintained, showcasing the power of market manipulation.