15th August 2024
Diamonds, often seen as symbols of luxury, elegance and love, have a remarkable origin story that spans billions of years and involves extraordinary geological processes. From forming deep within the Earth’s mantle to being polished into the sparkling gems we know, each diamond undergoes a journey that is as fascinating as it is complex.
Let’s explore each step of the diamond’s journey.
Diamonds begin their journey over 100 miles beneath the Earth’s surface in the upper mantle. Here, conditions are extreme, with temperatures ranging from 900 to 1300°C and pressures exceeding 45-60 kilobars. Under these intense conditions, carbon atoms crystallise to form diamonds. Unlike graphite, which also consists of carbon, the crystal structure in diamonds makes them one of the hardest materials on Earth. This process takes millions to billions of years, with some diamonds dating back as far as three billion years, making them as ancient as our planet itself.
Once formed, diamonds are brought to the Earth’s surface through powerful volcanic eruptions. These eruptions occur rapidly, and the diamonds are transported upward by molten rock known as magma. The diamonds are then deposited in vertical volcanic structures called kimberlite pipes. Over time, erosion and weathering expose these deposits, making them accessible for mining. In some cases, diamonds are found in alluvial deposits, where they have been carried away by rivers and streams from their original volcanic source.
In their raw form, diamonds are far from the polished gems you see in stores. Rough diamonds appear as translucent, greasy-looking crystals with irregular shapes and a dull lustre. They are typically cubic or octahedral in structure and can vary greatly in size, colour, and clarity. The value of a raw diamond is determined by its “4 Cs”: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Before a diamond is cut and polished, expert gemologists assess its quality to determine its potential brilliance and how best to shape it for maximum beauty.
The transformation from a rough stone to a sparkling gem requires precision and expertise. First, the rough diamond is analysed to determine the optimal way to cut it to maximize its brilliance while minimising wastage. Diamond cutting is a meticulous process that can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the stone. The skill of the diamond cutter determines the final quality and value of the gem.
Once cut and polished, diamonds are ready to be set into jewellery. The most popular settings include rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces. Diamonds are particularly cherished in engagement rings due to their enduring symbolism of eternal love.
Jewellery designers choose settings that complement the diamond’s shape, such as prong settings that hold the diamond securely while allowing maximum light exposure or bezel settings that encase the stone in metal.
Different styles of diamond jewellery are crafted to suit varying tastes, from classic solitaire engagement rings to intricate pavé set diamond rings that feature small diamonds on the band. Whether as a centrepiece in an engagement ring or as single diamonds in stud earrings, diamonds are celebrated for their timeless beauty and unmatched brilliance.
The journey of a diamond from the Earth’s mantle to a cherished piece of jewellery is one of nature’s greatest marvels. Formed over billions of years, transported by volcanic activity, and transformed by human craftsmanship, Earth-mined diamonds continue to captivate us with their rarity, beauty, and symbolic significance. Whether it’s a gift of love or a personal treasure, each diamond carries with it a story as timeless as the stone itself.
