A diamond, one of Earth’s most valued treasures, stands as a remarkable and rare gift of nature. Formed deep within the planet millions of years ago, diamonds have embarked on an extraordinary natural journey.
Every diamond possesses its own individuality, much like a snowflake. Each one carries a unique pattern that narrates its distinct story, with no two diamonds ever being the same.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
Diamonds are composed of countless carbon atoms, each tightly bonded to four neighboring atoms. These robust connections make diamonds the hardest natural substance. Their properties extend beyond durability, showcasing exceptional thermal conductivity, chemical resistance, and unparalleled transparency.
The creation of diamonds is a testament to the power of nature’s extremes. At depths greater than 120 kilometers, under temperatures ranging from 900°C to 1300°C, and pressures exceeding 45 kbar, carbon undergoes a miraculous transformation over millions or even billions of years. It crystallizes, giving birth to diamonds—a marvel forged by nature’s fierce intensity.
For diamonds to continue their remarkable journey, they must be freed from the intense pressure and heat in which they were created and begin their ascent to the Earth’s surface.
This occurs when a deep-earth event causes a portion of the mantle to melt into magma. The magma then erupts rapidly towards the surface, carrying diamonds from immense depths. As it cools, the magma solidifies into a rock known as kimberlite, predominantly found in vertical formations referred to as kimberlite pipes.
The Creation of Colored Diamonds
Colored diamonds consist of countless carbon atoms, and their vibrant hues emerge when trace amounts of other elements are integrated into the crystal lattice or when the structure undergoes alterations. These subtle changes can transform a diamond’s appearance.
Often referred to as fancy diamonds, these natural colored gems are incredibly rare and are highly coveted, even more so than the traditional clear, colorless diamonds.
The Exquisite, Limited, and Extraordinary.
Diamonds, like all of Earth’s natural resources, are finite and becoming increasingly rare. The volcanic activity that once transported them from the mantle to the surface ended millions of years ago, ensuring no new diamonds will emerge.
Over the past 140 years, 7,000 kimberlite pipes—rock formations that may house diamonds—have been examined. Only around 1,000 of these pipes contain diamonds, and among them, merely 60 are rich enough in diamonds to be economically viable. Of these 60, only seven mines, such as De Beers Group’s Jwaneng, Orapa, and Venetia mines, are responsible for producing most of the world’s diamonds. The discovery of these precious gemstones remains extraordinarily rare.
Their rarity and enduring nature make diamonds a profound symbol of life’s most treasured moments and emotions. Beyond their sentimental value, natural diamonds hold great significance for the communities where they are found. The diamond industry generates $16 billion annually in socioeconomic and environmental benefits, with 60% retained locally to directly and indirectly support these communities.