Sakuma says during this year's global economic downturn it has been harder to keep up with demand and fill their clients' orders.

VOA: standard.2009.09.09

Orders are up early this year, however,as consumer credit loosens somewhat.

VOA: standard.2010.03.01

But India's diamond center is now desolate. Merchants in the once busy trading city say they have transacted virtually no business since last Christmas as orders dry up from Western buyers, who bought nearly 90 percent of their stones.

VOA: standard.2009.04.03