Surat worth a visit?

[0515vision]

Hello, I'm going to India in late Dec-early January. Has anyone been to Surat? Is it worth a visit? Does the GIA facility give a tour? Do polishers have showrooms? I'll be a single woman traveling alone, for what that's worth.

I doubt I would buy anything since I'm not a casual jewelry buyer, so I'm not sure if there's anything to "see." Sure the diamonds would be cheaper there, but in my current situation, it's still money that could be used for other things. I love the nerdy spec aspect of diamonds and the ability to help diamond newbies.

Namely @Garry H (Cut Nut) @Karl_K @Texas Leaguer and any other trade folk, do you have favorite places/people?
I'm only posting here so as not to duplicate threads.
Would love any insights!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Hello, I'm going to India in late Dec-early January. Has anyone been to Surat? Is it worth a visit? Does the GIA facility give a tour? Do polishers have showrooms? I'll be a single woman traveling alone, for what that's worth.

I doubt I would buy anything since I'm not a casual jewelry buyer, so I'm not sure if there's anything to "see." Sure the diamonds would be cheaper there, but in my current situation, it's still money that could be used for other things. I love the nerdy spec aspect of diamonds and the ability to help diamond newbies.

Namely @Garry H (Cut Nut) @Karl_K @Texas Leaguer and any other trade folk, do you have favorite places/people?
I'm only posting here so as not to duplicate threads.
Would love any insights!

Hmmm, been many times.
But you will not get in to any or many places.
I suggest you google "surat diamond bourse"
The shops downtown are everywhere but may not to your liking?
You would be at risk of being robbed by jewelers but otherwise quite safe.
@V_sh might be able to help?