On a less grand timescale, natural diamond jewelry has a day-to-day emotional return, too. That flash of joy you feel as you slip that beautiful engagement ring onto your finger in the morning, remembering the magic you felt when you said, ‘yes!’. The connection to your grandmother as you fasten the clasp to her treasured diamond pendant, passed down first to your mother, and now you. Or the sense of pride and inner strength you feel when you step out in the diamond studs you bought yourself for nailing that promotion – or just for making it another year around the sun. 

Natural diamonds are wearable memories, carrying a mood and sentiment of their own. 

How natural diamonds came to represent love and commitment

Did you know the earliest recorded diamonds date back over 2,500 years to India?¹ There, they were collected from rivers and cherished for their mystical properties and unmatched hardness (diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, FYI²).  

But these early diamonds weren’t beautifully cut or polished like those we pore over today. Their raw, natural form (known as rough diamonds) has sometimes been compared to quartz or other rough stones, though they were still striking enough to become covetable symbols of luck and love³, even back then. 

By the 13th century, diamonds began appearing in European royal jewels⁴, often set into religious relics or ornate coronation regalia. As trade routes expanded, they made their way from India to the courts of Europe, where they quickly became seen as rare and powerful treasures. 

Then came South Africa’s diamond discovery in the 1800s⁵. The Eureka Diamond (pictured below), a 21.25-carat brown-yellow diamond, was found in 1867 by 15-year-old Erasmus Stephanus Jacobs near Hopetown, a farming town that faces onto the mighty Orange River. This landmark moment dramatically changed the accessibility and supply of natural diamonds forever.

Fast-forward to the 20th century and diamonds began to represent something else – love, longevity and complete devotion. A natural diamond engagement ring became central to pretty much every wedding proposal.

Today, diamond jewelry fits every occasion and celebration, though still just as sought-after and precious. From coming-of-age gifts to graduation celebrations, personal milestones and wedding jewelry, diamonds continue to symbolize true love and commitment – whether it’s to yourself or someone else. 

Why natural diamonds considered so rare and precious

Put simply, natural diamonds are precious because they’re incredibly rare, especially ones that are good enough quality to wear. 

Formed under immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth, each diamond takes billions of years to materialize. Transported further to the surface by volcanic eruptions, only a fraction of diamonds are accessible to humans and fewer still are of good enough quality to be made into jewelry.  

Natural diamonds are completely unique. Much like a snowflake, they each have their own unique set of characteristics, making each one truly one-of-a-kind. You’ll never find two natural diamonds the same. Fact.

How the value of a natural diamond is measured

This is where the 4Cs come in: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. 
 
Together, these four factors determine a diamond’s brilliance, beauty and rarity. While it’s not always quite as straightforward as this, generally a diamond that scores highly across all four Cs is exponentially more valuable than one that doesn’t.  

But monetary value aside – and arguably more importantly – diamonds can hold serious emotional currency.  

Natural diamonds are gifted during life’s most intimate and transformative moments: proposals, births, special achievements and emotional farewells. And as anyone who’s been lucky enough to receive one will tell you, the real value of a diamond is as much about the story behind it as it is about its 4Cs grading. 

Should you invest in natural diamonds?

Right, let’s talk future value for a moment. Financially speaking, while we can’t predict the future, natural diamonds have generally held their value over the years⁶. Taking historical trends into account, a diamond that rates highly for the 4Cs may have the potential to retain or even appreciate in value. 

Natural vs lab-grown diamonds: which tell a richer story?

Tempted by a lab-grown diamond? While it’s tough to deny the appeal of LGDs’ affordability and nearly identical appearance, natural diamonds offer something completely irreplaceable: true originality and deep meaning.  

When examined up close, every natural diamond has its very own unique fingerprint: tiny inclusions (or imperfections), color quirks and birthmarks of its formation that make it truly one-of-a-kind. Unsurprisingly, many of us feel a stronger connection to a gem forged by nature over billions of years versus something produced in a factory in a matter of weeks. 

Past trends suggest that natural diamonds are more likely to retain monetary value than LGD alternatives⁷, too. The provenance, preciousness and rich history of natural diamonds appeals to collectors, jewelers and buyers so much more. 

A diamond’s real value is defined by love not labels

As most of us can probably agree, the value of something isn’t down to the amount of money we pay for it, but what it’s worth to us personally. It’s the same with diamonds – everyone’s idea of a ‘priceless’ item will be different. 

The real value of a natural diamond isn’t just in its rarity, sparkle or brilliance, but its meaning and the story you want it to tell – which, if you ask us, is one of the most valuable gifts of all. 

Sources

1. iangallacher.com, When were diamonds discovered? ︎
2. samaterials.com, The 10 strongest materials known to man ︎
3. Naturaldiamonds.com, Diamonds: The Rock of Gods ︎
4. Bntdiamonds.com, What is the royal history of diamonds? ︎
5. Cape Town Diamond Museum, South African diamond history ︎
6. Diamond101.com, Price of diamonds over the last 50 years ︎
7. Insurance times, Insurance warning issued as value of lab grown diamonds plummet ︎

The post The emotional value of diamonds: beyond their brilliance appeared first on A Diamond is Forever.

From an eternity ring to a chic tennis bracelet, if you’re considering buying something for a momentous occasion, choosing natural diamonds means it will have a life way beyond yours. Let your new favorite piece of jewelry be the start of a new story – a legend, even! 

What sets natural diamonds apart as heirlooms 

It’s pretty incredible to think that natural diamonds exist at all, let alone that we get to wear them!  

Formed deep in the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago, natural diamonds traveled to the surface through powerful volcanic eruptions – a process that gives every natural diamond its unique characteristics. With that sort of entrance into the world, it’s hardly surprising that they’re unrivalled when it comes to durability, too.   

Above all, it’s their individuality that makes them so special. With rich histories dating back billions of years, natural diamonds are precious and deeply personal. Each one boasts its own unique journey. It’s these qualities that make them what we call ‘heirloom diamonds’ – made to be worn, loved and thoughtfully passed on.

Why natural diamonds are gifts that span generations

Remember that durability we mentioned earlier? Well, in a world where change is pretty much the only constant, diamonds are one of the few things that truly last. Thanks to their super-strong atomic structure, diamonds are one of the strongest materials on Earth and rate as a 10 on something called the Mohs Hardness Scale¹, which ranges from 1-10. In fact, the word ‘diamond’ has roots in the Greek word ‘adamao’, with the adjective ‘adamas’ meaning ‘indestructible’ or ‘invincible’.²

Diamonds have a significant place in history, too. While the oldest natural diamonds dated are around 3.5 billion years old, they’re thought to have first been found in India over 2,000³ years ago. Scriptures dating as far back as the 4^th century BCE wax lyrical about their dazzling qualities.

For centuries, natural diamonds have been used as talismans or a kind of mystical currency to both ward off evil and ‘call in love’, as well as adorning some of the most celebrated figures in history, from royal crowns to world-renowned engagement rings.  

Centuries on, natural diamonds are still one of the most meaningful gifts we can give to mark special moments, from anniversaries to milestone birthdays to graduations and new arrivals.  
 
Holding powerful emotional and geological significance, when passed from one generation to the next, natural diamonds become much more than just beautiful objects or treasured ornaments, but lasting symbols of love, commitment and legacy. 

Do natural diamonds retain their value? 

If you’re wondering whether natural diamonds keep their value, past trends would indicate ‘yes’, thanks to their unmatched scarcity, brilliance and enormous sentimental value. When it comes to the value of diamonds over time, many have proven to be timeless investments, sometimes growing in value by as much as 3% each year⁴.  

Natural diamond value over time goes far beyond monetary value, of course. As all natural diamonds hold their own unique stories, they’re a beautifully fitting tribute to human craftsmanship and nature’s brilliance. Natural diamonds enrich families and friendships with treasured connections and act as real, enduring symbols of love and significance. 

Still, healthy demand has seen natural diamonds consistently sought-after through the ages, often commanding eye-watering prices at auction despite other alternatives being available. Heard of the Koh-i-Noor? Originally mined in India’s Golconda region, at a whopping 105.6 carats it’s one of the largest cut diamonds in the world and sits in the crown most famously worn by Queen Elizabeth II. It’s thought to be worth over $500 million⁵. 

Do laboratory-grown diamonds carry the same long-lasting value?

You’ve likely heard of laboratory-grown diamonds (also called lab-grown diamonds, synthetic diamonds, lab-created diamonds or LGDs). They were first developed and created in the 1950s, but it was only in the early 2000s that they entered the commercial jewelry market.  

Because of this, it’s possibly too early to say whether LGDs could one day carry the emotional or generational significance we associate with ‘heirloom’ or natural diamonds. After all, most owners are still first-generation. 

While LGDs might look like natural diamonds at first glance, there are some key differences to consider, especially when we’re thinking long-term. These diamonds are made in factories using processes like the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method⁶ or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)⁷, meaning they can be manufactured and sold in just a few weeks.  

Produced en masse, LGDs don’t boast the rarity of natural diamonds, and have typically lost value quickly on the resale market⁸. 

Another thing to keep in mind is craftsmanship. Because LGDs are usually more affordable, they’re often set in materials that aren’t quite as sturdy or finely made as those used for natural diamonds, which could affect how well they hold up over time. This is important if you’re considering gifting something special that you hope will one day be passed down. 

Heirloom value isn’t just about where something is from or what it costs though, right? For most of us, value is ultimately linked to the emotion, meaning and significance behind carefully considered gifts and passed-down treasures.

Caring for diamonds designed to last a lifetime

Natural diamonds are incredibly durable on their own, but if you want to reinforce their ‘forever’ status, we recommend a little maintenance. Regular at-home cleanings, annual professional cleaning and safe storage will ensure they continue looking their best for generations to come.  

That doesn’t mean keeping pieces boxed up and hidden from the world for fear of tarnishing them, however. Beautiful jewelry is made to be worn, to be shown off and admired. We’re here for making meaningful pieces a part of everyday life. 

An inherited diamond not quite your style? Whether it’s an engagement ring, pendant or bracelet, consider repurposing it.  

Resetting a gemstone into a different design, incorporating it into an existing piece of jewelry you already love, or crafting an entirely new design around it are brilliant ways to breathe new life into it. A modern design can be a fantastic way to reimagine an inherited diamond, while still honoring its remarkable journey and sheer beauty.  

Some say natural diamonds don’t just capture a moment; they carry it forward. That’s a proposal we’re absolutely saying ‘yes’ to! 

Sources

1. Cape Town Diamond Museum, Mohs scale of hardness ︎
2. Macklowe Gallery, A brief history of diamonds ︎
3. Diamond Guild Australia, When was the first diamond found? ︎
4. Ajediam.com, The Ajediam historical diamond prices chart ︎
5. Sotheby’s International Realty, The most expensive diamonds in the world ︎
6. International Gem Society, Lab-grown diamond production methods ︎
7. International Gem Society, Identifying synthetic diamonds ︎
8. Forbes, Lab-grown diamonds boom ︎

The post Why natural diamonds are the ultimate heirloom appeared first on A Diamond is Forever.

Want a ring shaped like a wave because the beach is your happy place? Done. A tailored-fit bangle with secret engraving that only you know about? Sure. Or perhaps a necklace made specifically for an upcoming special event? There could be a wedding or big birthday on the horizon, or, like when Diana, Princess of Wales stepped out in a custom-made Garrard necklace comprised of 178 marquise cut and round brilliant cut diamonds with seven South Sea pearls for a performance of Swan Lake in London in 1997, simply a trip to the theater! 

Princess or not, bespoke jewelry is where imagination meets craftsmanship. And if you want to create something truly distinctive, start with the world’s most coveted gem: the diamond. 

Naturally one-of-a-kind, every diamond has its own story, written by Mother Nature over the course of billions of years. No two natural diamonds will ever be the same, which, of course, is the magic. 

So, if you’re considering investing in a custom diamond piece, this guide will give you all the information you need to help turn your dream design into a sparkling reality.

Why natural diamonds? Because they’re as original as you are

Formed deep in the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago, and made accessible to humans only by a series of powerful volcanic eruptions, every natural diamond is inherently unique and bears the hallmarks of its journey through time – just like you. 

With that sentiment, natural diamonds are perfect for personalized jewelry, allowing for every aspect of a piece to be individual, from the design all the way to the gemstone sitting at the heart of it.  

Natural diamonds come in a wide range of cuts, colors and sizes to choose from. For example, a round brilliant cut diamond is a timeless classic, although the emerald cut is increasingly popular with those wanting a chic, minimalist-looking gem. 

When it came to Beyoncé’s engagement ring, Jay Z commissioned a geometric halo setting to display a flawless 18-carat emerald cut diamond for a piece that not only seduced his future wife but sent the world’s celebrity reporters, fashion fans and paparazzi into a spin, too.  

And while colorless diamonds are always on trend, colored ones (also known as fancy colored diamonds) have been making a comeback in recent years. Blake Lively’s jaw-dropping pale pink diamond engagement ring (given to her by now-husband Ryan Reynolds, of course) might have had something to do with that… 

Genuinely, there’s a natural diamond (or several, if you’re lucky!) to reflect every personality, occasion and celebration.

You can say it with words, too 

As well as hand-picking your diamond, there’s the option of having it inscribed. 

GIA offer a personalized girdle inscription service, which is especially popular with custom diamond engagement rings. Your chosen words are inscribed using specialist technology that doesn’t impact the 4Cs of your diamond and can only be read under magnification. 

You can also get letters, words and numbers engraved on the metal in your piece, should you want to. 

Time to mood board

Before reaching out to a jewelry designer, you’ll need to have collated ideas and inspiration for the piece you’d like them to create.  

‘Who’s it for?’, ‘what’s the occasion?’ and ‘what’s its message or statement?’ are all good questions to ask yourself as a starting point. 

Trawl through magazines, scroll on Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest and the wider internet to research styles, diamond cuts and types of metals. Make notes, save posts or get mood boarding! 

In addition to the visuals, there are important practical considerations as well, such budget (how much do you want to spend?), size (especially important if you’re looking to commission a ring) and the deadline (when do you need the piece finished for?). 

Once you’ve collated all the above information, reach out to reputable jewelry designers and retail stores that offer bespoke services for initial quotes and feedback. 

Next step? Transforming your vision into reality

Working with a jeweler to create your custom piece of diamond jewelry is a seriously exciting experience. The stages of the process will likely be: 

The initial consultation

This will be a meeting for you to discuss your aims, ideas and inspiration, and for the jeweler to run you through possible options. By the end of the consultation, you should have settled on a vision that really resonates with you.  

Selecting a natural diamond

You’ll then select a gemstone to suit the piece. In diamond terms, your choice may be based on the grading of the 4Cs – color, cut, carat and clarity – but you could also be drawn to a specific diamond simply for sentimental, instinctive reasons. Sometimes a diamond just speaks to you! 

In other cases, you may already have a rough or polished diamond in mind and are looking for a design based on the possibilities it presents.   

Designing and refinement

With the style, vision and gems for the piece decided upon, the next step is for your jeweler to develop a design that encapsulates everything. You’ll likely be presented with sketches or 3D mock-ups showcasing what the finished piece will look like for your approval before any work begins.  

The crafting and setting

At this stage, your jeweler will bring the design to life by molding or casting the metal, setting the cut and polished gem or gems and adding any bespoke flourishes or engravings. 

The final unveiling

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Once completed, your piece will be ready for you to see, touch and try on. You’ll be able to discuss any final tweaks if required, like a sizing amendment in the case of a ring.  

Three words: trust the experts

Both diamond cutters and jewelry makers are expert craftspeople who have a wealth of knowledge. They’ll play a critical role in the finish of your piece.    

A diamond cutter, who cuts and shapes rough diamonds, has a profound understanding of the nature of diamonds and their work requires a high level of skill, precision and artistry. A diamond cutter understands the properties of the gem, its symmetry, and the way light interacts with it. This craft combines technical knowledge with creative intuition, as a cutter must decide how to shape a diamond to maximize its brilliance and fire (its sparkle, basically).  

It’s then down to the jeweler to take into consideration a diamond’s setting and surrounding. Sure, this is your piece, but don’t feel embarrassed to ask their opinion about metals, such as what’s best for an everyday wearable versus an occasion piece. 

Did you know that platinum can make colorless diamonds appear whiter, compared to when they’re set with gold? It’s little nuggets of knowledge like this that a jeweler can share.

Bespoke jewelry has meaning that mass-produced stuff can’t match

Custom jewelry that features natural diamonds is not only next level in terms of aesthetic, but it also wipes the floor with everything else when it comes to storytelling and sentimental value.  

Think about this: a custom diamond engagement ring will not only hold memories of the proposal and, later, the wedding day, but also the time, care and thought process that went into planning it –  the giver meticulously selecting its diamond, deliberating over the right metal, going back and forth over the setting style, and all the rest.  

In the case of a bespoke engagement ring, it’s as unique as the couple’s love story itself. 

Uniqueness on another level 

By themselves, natural diamonds are individual and inherently rare, so when incorporated into a personal jewelry design, the uniqueness factor is off the chart. 

Whether you’re wearing a bespoke commissioned “I’m worth it” token of self-love or gifting a special piece to a loved one, you can be assured that no one else in the world has your exact creation. What’s cooler than that? 

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