Surat's first-ever online auction of rough diamonds has begun.



Arjav Diamonds, a subsidiary of India's Blue Star Diamond Company, is offering 5,004 carats of rough stones in 60 lots. The diamonds are available for viewing through June 7, and the actual bidding will be held on Arjav's dedicated website, www.arjavbids.com.



The auction's per-carat prices are listed in USD and range from $1,000 to $20,000.



Surat Diamond Association President Dinesh Navadia said that the online sale would be beneficial to diamond traders, particularly small-scale manufacturers.