Diamond!

The mere mention of the word evokes centuries of folklore, stories, and occasionally inaccurate claims. For example, because of their rarity and celestial appearance, ancient Greeks and Romans believed these sparkling gems were fragments of falling stars or tears of the gods fallen to earth.

For centuries, diamonds have been sought and admired. Historians estimate that diamonds were being traded as far back as 4 BC. Their exceptional beauty and rarity helped spread their popularity among European and Asian royalty as symbols of power and wealth. In 1477, the first diamond engagement ring was given, linking diamonds forever with commitment and love.

Throughout history, a diamond’s unique beauty and intrinsic value have endowed it with rich symbolic meaning and a deep emotional legacy. Diamonds have become one of the most emotionally significant gifts that partners exchange to express love and lifelong commitment. They can also be one of the most rewarding personal purchases a person can make.

Today, science allows us to understand and verify the origins of diamonds. We know their chemical composition, atomic structure, and the locations where they are typically found on Earth. And, like many other things in life, science can now replicate them in a lab.

Buying a diamond can be confusing due to the abundance of information available and the difficulty of separating fact from myth. This guide is designed to help you navigate the selection process for one of the most important purchases you may ever make.

Detection and Screening

Natural and lab-grown diamonds share identical chemical, optical, and physical properties. Their differences lie in growth environments at the atomic and microscopic levels. Sophisticated equipment can now test diamonds of any size or shape, whether loose or set in jewelry.

With proper screening, the origin of a diamond—natural or lab-grown—can be determined with 100% certainty.

To prevent mixing diamonds of different origins, the diamond industry has implemented strict protocols. These include separate manufacturing facilities, tamper-proof packaging, item coding systems, advanced testing equipment, and third-party grading. These steps ensure that natural and lab-grown diamonds are differentiated throughout the entire supply chain—from cutting and polishing to jewelry manufacturing and retail, all the way to the consumer.

Your Assurance

With robust quality assurance processes in place, you can purchase a natural or lab-grown diamond with total confidence from a responsible jeweler.

Whether you choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, you are investing in a gem of extraordinary beauty and unmatched durability, carrying a rich history of emotional symbolism and heritage.

 

“A Tale of Two Diamonds”

Natural Diamonds

Most natural diamonds are estimated to be 1–3.5 billion years old. Carbon, the core element of a diamond, crystallizes under temperatures exceeding 1,600 °F and pressures over 650,000 psi at depths of approximately 90 miles below the Earth’s surface. Volcanic activity then brings the crystals to the surface; if not transported quickly enough, a diamond may become graphite.

These conditions are extremely rare, which contributes to a diamond’s scarcity and value. Only a finite number of natural diamonds exist worldwide, making each one exceptional.

 

Lab-Grown Diamonds

A lab-grown diamond possesses the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as a natural diamond. Its crystallization occurs through a controlled, technological process that replicates nature’s method in weeks rather than billions of years. While lab-grown diamonds have been produced since the mid-1900s, high gem-quality diamonds suitable for jewelry have only recently become widely available.

 

Currently, two primary methods are used:

• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A small diamond “seed” is placed in a heated chamber flooded with carbon-rich gases. Ionization breaks the molecular bonds, causing carbon atoms to adhere to the seed and form a diamond.
• High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT): A diamond seed is placed in a carbon-rich environment under extreme heat (~2,700 °F) and pressure (~1.5 million psi), forming a diamond crystal around the seed.

Cutting, Polishing & Grading

Regardless of origin, all diamonds—natural or lab-grown—share the same optical, chemical, and physical properties. Both measure a “10” on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest gemstone on Earth and a lasting symbol of durability and emotional significance.

The 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—apply equally to all diamonds. Because lab-grown diamonds are crystallized like natural ones, their color can vary, and they may have inclusions affecting clarity and color grades.

The 4 Cs

Buying a diamond is a personal experience. Diamonds can mark love, accomplishments, or milestones. Unlike other products, a diamond’s features may not be immediately obvious. Understanding the 4 Cs empowers you to make confident, informed decisions and ensures your diamond jewelry is as unique and meaningful as the moments it represents.

Shape

The shape of the diamond is often confused with the cut. Choose the shape that you like based on your style and you cannot go wrong.