This paper describes changes and proposed changes in the structure of the Russian diamond mining and processing industry upon the USSR's disintegration, focusing on the conflict between legislative and executive branches of the Russian government and between Russia and Yakut-Sakha for increased powers over the distribution of diamond output. It traces the evolution of administrative forms, from the past Soviet government monopoly over distribution of rough diamond output to a current arrangement in which Yakut-Sakha retains 20 percent of its output of rough gem-quality stones for independent distribution within a broader framework of Russian Federation control.
