The Billion Year Journey of a Natural Diamond
Billions of years ago, deep within the Earth’s mantle, carbon transformed under immense heat and pressure into nature’s most extraordinary creation—a natural diamond. These geological marvels, formed long before life existed, embody Earth’s ancient history and unparalleled authenticity. Volcanic eruptions carried these treasures closer to the surface, where they awaited discovery. Today, diamonds are discovered in the remnants of ancient volcanoes known as kimberlite pipes. While natural diamonds are often called “mined” diamonds, some are recovered without the need for traditional mining methods.
The first natural diamonds were found in India over 4,000 years ago in the alluvial deposits of the Golconda region, located between the Krishna and Godavari Rivers. This discovery set the stage for a legacy that would span millennia. From there, diamonds made their way across cultures and continents, and over the centuries, they have come to symbolize eternal love, power, and enduring value.
The Positive Impact and Benefits of Natural Diamonds
The value of natural diamonds extends far beyond their rarity, value, and aesthetic beauty. Natural diamonds support millions of lives worldwide and contribute significantly to local economies. The diamond industry supports the lives of approximately 10 million people globally, and the benefits can be seen in numerous ways:
- 80% of rough diamond value remains in local communities, contributing to social programs, health services, and infrastructure development.
- 99.7% of employees in NDC member companies are hired locally, with a significant portion of the workforce being women—ensuring that the diamond industry benefits a broad segment of society.
- Local governments often co-own mining operations, which ensures that a significant portion of the wealth generated from diamond mining remains in the region and helps fund local projects and development.
- Investment in education and training programs provides lasting benefits that continue long after the mines have closed.
Unlike lab grown diamonds, which are mass-produced in controlled environments, natural diamonds are intricately connected to the places where they are recovered, creating jobs and improving infrastructure in local communities. Due to their significant contributions to the prosperity of communities, natural diamonds are the more impactful choice for engagement rings and other pieces of sentimental fine jewelry.
Why Natural Diamonds Are Truly Unique:
Rarity, Value, and Heirloom
Rarity
The rarity of natural diamonds is unmatched. In fact, the supply of diamonds is so limited that all diamonds over one carat ever unearthed could fit inside a single exercise ball. This finite supply is what sets them apart from lab grown diamonds. While lab grown diamonds are produced using technology that replicates natural conditions, they cannot match the uniqueness and geological authenticity of a naturally formed diamond. The process of forming a diamond is deeply tied to the Earth’s history, taking billions of years to unfold in specific regions of the planet. Once a diamond is created, it is truly one-of-a-kind, with every stone having a story millions of years in the making.
The rarity of natural diamonds makes them intrinsically valuable, not only because they are difficult to find but also because they are a limited resource. Unlike lab grown diamonds, which can be produced on demand, natural diamonds are only available in small quantities, which helps ensure their continued worth over time. Natural diamonds, with their rarity and exceptional durability, represent an enduring investment that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Value
The value of a natural diamond comes from its rarity as a finite, natural gem. This scarcity contributes to their lasting worth, with natural diamonds appreciating by an average of about 3% annually over the past 35 years. Unlike lab grown diamonds, which can be produced in virtually limitless quantities, natural diamonds maintain their inherent value over time, making them exceptional heirlooms. In contrast, between 2016 and 2022, the price of lab grown diamonds dropped by more than 70%.
Heirloom
Beyond rarity, natural diamonds hold immense cultural significance. When you give a natural diamond to your significant other, you are not just giving a gemstone; you are giving a story billions of years in the making. The tradition of the diamond engagement ring has its roots in history, dating back to 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented the first diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy.
Since then, diamonds have symbolized power, clarity, and eternal love. Their historical and cultural ties give them an emotional weight that lab grown diamonds cannot replicate. A natural diamond engagement ring can be passed down through the family, its value is not only in its appreciation as a wise investment but in its sentimental worth.
The rarity, durability, and cultural significance of natural diamonds transcends generations. Natural diamonds are more than just beautiful stones—they are heirlooms in the making. While lab grown diamonds may lack the same historical depth and uniqueness, natural diamonds continue to be the standard-bearer for those seeking a lasting, meaningful piece of jewelry. Their enduring value, both emotionally and financially, is inimitable.
