Diamonds are precious gemstones made from carbon and are naturally mined all over the world. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth and are coveted for their beauty, durability, and rarity. The classic clear diamond is a traditional symbol of love and commitment and is the most popular choice for engagement rings. However, diamonds are found in various colors, including black, blue, yellow, and more. The value of a diamond is based on several factors, including clarity, size, and cut. Jewelry designers also use lab-grown diamonds to combat scarcity issues and ethical concerns. These stones have similar properties to natural diamonds but are considerably less valuable.

Diamonds are formed deep within Earth. Conditions of high pressure and high temperature initiate the process of "diamond crystallization." Diamond crystallization describes the union of carbon atoms in a latticed structure that creates the brilliance, clarity, and sparkle associated with diamonds. Naturally formed diamonds are mined worldwide but are most abundant in Russia and Africa. Scientists and jewelry designers have successfully replicated the diamond crystallization process to create artificial diamonds. Lab-grown stones look similar to natural diamonds but are less expensive and do not retain value.

The 4 C's of diamonds are cut, carat, clarity, and color. These factors influence the value and overall cost of a particular stone. Carat is the weight of the diamond. The bigger the stone, the higher the value because large diamonds are rarer. Cut refers to the way a diamond has been cut and faceted. A higher-quality cut will improve the brilliance and sparkle of the stone. The Clarity scale rates the imperfection of a diamond and ranges from flawless (no blemishes) to included (blemishes visible to the naked eye). Finally, Color refers to the presence or absence of color in a diamond. The most valuable diamonds are colorless, whereas diamonds with brown or yellow hues are much less rare. Jewelers use the 4 C's to determine a diamond's rarity and overall value.

The meaning and symbolism of diamonds vary based on cultural and personal beliefs. The traditional special meaning of diamonds is love and commitment. As the hardest natural substance, diamonds are commonly used to express eternity. This symbolism contributes to the popularity of diamonds in wedding jewelry, especially engagement and wedding rings. In addition to everlasting love, diamonds represent wealth and prosperity.

The rarity of these stones offers an inherent value that is recognized across most cultures. Finally, wearing diamonds is thought to have spiritual health and growth benefits and is said to enhance inner strength and mental clarity.

Mined diamonds are naturally formed deep within the Earth. A combination of extremely high pressure and temperatures causes a phenomenon called "diamond crystallization" that forces carbon atoms to join in a lattice pattern. Lab-grown diamonds are manufactured. Scientists have developed a process that replicates natural diamond crystallization to create stones that mimic most properties of mined diamonds. There are two key differences between mined and lab grown diamonds.

Mined diamonds are more valuable because they are a scarce resource. However, many ethical concerns are associated with mined diamonds, including exploiting workers. Comparatively, lab-grown diamonds are created on demand and, therefore, readily available. While these manufactured stones do not pose any ethical concerns, the value of lab created diamonds is considerably less than natural diamonds.

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance found on Earth. However, despite being extremely durable, diamonds are not indestructible. Extreme conditions, including abrupt or severe changes in temperature, high pressure, and exposure to strong acids, can damage diamonds. In addition, it is possible to chip, crack, or scratch the surface of a diamond, especially along the cleavage plane. Jewelers are careful to cut diamonds to protect this fragile plane, but high impact in the right place can cause irreparable damage to these precious stones. To avoid breaking your diamond jewelry, protect it from extreme conditions, clean and inspect the stone frequently, and avoid exposure to chemicals.

Diamond certifications are completed by professional geologists at gemology laboratories and are used to dictate the value of a diamond based on the 4 C's: carat, cut, clarity, and color. Certifications are an objective, third-party assessment that protects jewelers and buyers. Diamond certifications influence the price of a stone and are required by most insurers. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are the two most well-known and reputable gemology laboratories.

Regularly caring for your diamond will maintain its brilliance and protect against damage. The best way to clean diamond jewelry is to bring it to a jeweler. Fine jewelry stores have the safest equipment and solutions to clean diamonds. In addition, jewelers can inspect your diamond and setting during cleanings to advise preventative maintenance. However, if you want to clean diamond jewelry at home, use non-abrasive chemicals like mild dish soap, a soft cloth, and warm water. It is okay to soak fine jewelry to help loosen dirt and grime but avoid harsh brushing or scraping.

Unless you are a professional gemologist, it is challenging to tell if a diamond is real just from looking at it. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are created to mimic the look of real diamonds, and high-quality simulated stones are hard to spot. The best way to tell if a diamond is real is to get a diamond certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). You can also use a handheld diamond tester or get it professionally appraised by a reputable jeweler or gemologist.

The most popular diamond cut is the brilliant round. This cut features over 57 facets, offering the most brilliance and sparkle of any diamond cut. Round-cut diamonds are a top choice for diamond stud earrings and engagement rings because of their unmatched reflective properties. Due to the major sparkle factor, round-cut diamonds can look larger and more expensive than they truly are, making brilliant round diamonds a savvy investment and stunning gift. Other popular diamond shapes are princess cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, oval cut, and radiant cut.

The most important question to ask when buying a diamond is whether or not it is certified and how it is scored during the evaluation. Ask how the diamond is rated against each of the 4 C's, including cut, carat, clarity, and color. Before purchasing a diamond, ensure you receive a copy of the stone's certification and appraisal. Then, have the jeweler show you similarly rated diamonds so you can compare the look and brilliance of different stones. Finally, please enquire about the sourcing of the diamond, especially as it pertains to ethical practices. While this final point does not substantially impact value, it is an essential step to fight the exploitation of underprivileged workers in the diamond trade.