The topic of sustainability and diamonds is a pretty weighty one, with plenty of conflicting – and often confusing – information.  

LGDs, for example, are often touted as the ‘more sustainable’ choice, but the reality is a little more complex. Here, we’ll break down the facts behind lab grown vs natural diamond choices, what a more sustainably sourced diamond looks like and how the natural diamond industry is stepping up in a major way. 

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the topic of sustainability and diamonds is a whole different ballgame to ethically-sourced diamonds – the latter prioritizes human rights and fairness, while sustainability focusses on conservation efforts to protect the environment. But we’ll get to all that shortly… 

What does sustainability mean when it comes to diamonds?

The simple answer? When you buy more sustainable diamonds, you’re choosing a more environmentally responsible option – one that seeks to prioritize environmental protection and resource conservation (looking after our planet, basically).  

It means the people creating or sourcing the diamond have the utmost respect for the planet and its people. So that usually involves things like cutting down on carbon emissions, embracing renewable energy, and making sure that people and the planet benefit wherever possible. From rewilding programs to preserving biodiversity, the aim of the game is for the impact on Earth to be as minimal and respectful as possible.   

One of the most exciting recent shifts in diamond sustainability initiatives is traceability. Traceability means being able to trace a diamond’s provenance and journey from its source right to your jewelry box; knowing which country it originated from, which mine it was recovered from, and where it was cut or polished.  

As you’d imagine, knowing this information is something of a game-changer, since transparency around where a diamond comes from – and the conditions it was recovered or made in – helps us choose diamonds linked to more positive environmental initiatives and responsible mining practices.  

How lab-grown and natural diamonds impact our planet

The impact of lab-grown diamonds

As we mentioned earlier, LGDs (man-made diamonds produced in factories or labs) are often touted as the ‘sustainable’ choice since they’re not directly mined from the ground. But, producing a gemstone in a matter of weeks (that would otherwise naturally take millions or billions of years) requires a ton of energy. 

For starters, large amounts of electricity powered by fossil fuels such as coal are needed to power machinery and create the conditions in which LGDs are made (either using chemical vapor processes, or high pressure and temperatures). Carbon emissions are usually unmonitored too, which can lead to chemical contamination of the water used during this super-fast diamond turnaround.  

And demand-driven LGDs can be tough on the environment in other ways – the marketing of ‘eco-friendly’ LGDs was actually called into question by the Federal Trade Commission in 2019, as some of their sustainability claims can’t always be substantiated.

For example, most LGDs are produced in India and China¹, where the majority of facilities don’t use sustainable energy sources. On top of that, other mined materials like iron, nickel and cobalt are usually part of the process, meaning LGDs aren’t technically ‘mining-free’ gems either. 

Sadly, despite the energy-heavy nature of LGD production, efforts to cut down on things like greenhouse gases and their carbon footprint have been limited across the industry, which is why talk of ‘sustainable’ or ‘planet-friendly’ LGDs shouldn’t be taken at face value. It’s important to do your own research into the provenance of any LGD, just as much as you should with a natural diamond. 

The impact of natural diamonds 

Traditionally, natural diamond recovery uses a lot of energy, granted. But here’s the thing: in recent years plenty of diamond companies have seriously stepped up their game, putting in real effort (not to mention resource) into protecting the environment and ensuring their mining practices are held to higher sustainability standards. 

We’re talking wildlife conservation projects, land rehabilitation and long-term plans and commitments to make things as sustainable as they can possibly be. And it’s not just about the land; local communities can benefit hugely too. A large proportion of the rough diamond value typically stays local, supporting employment, businesses² and the families living in the region, as well as benefitting systems like schools, healthcare and local infrastructure, with workers protected by strict labor regulations.  

Ever heard of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme³ (KPCS)? Named after the South African city it originated in, it’s an initiative set up to stop any rough diamonds being traded to fund warfare. 

Initially focusing on countries like Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the KPCS now includes over 80 participating countries. It requires strict documentation and the tracking of diamonds to ensure they’re conflict-free all the way from mine to market.  

Why sustainability matters when choosing a diamond

While natural diamond recovery isn’t completely impact-free, with responsible practices and real, genuine accountability, the natural diamond industry is proving that luxury and sustainability commitments really can go hand-in-hand. After all, we’re not just looking for sparkle when we shop for diamonds – we want a diamond that reflects our core values which can leave a positive mark on the world.  

Supporting natural diamonds means investing in more than just a pretty piece of jewelry. It’s about backing ethical trade, uplifting communities, protecting ecosystems and owning a piece of the Earth’s history with deep sentimental and more sustainable value. 

While LGDs may seem like the simpler or more affordable choice, many can still lack transparency around their environmental credentials, and can’t deliver the same level of meaningful impact that natural diamonds from a responsible company can.  

The take-home? Whether you opt for a natural diamond or an LGD, it’s worth doing your homework to ensure the values of its supplier sit just as pretty with you as your jewelry does.  

Sources

1. GJEPC India, Global LGD annual output to touch 19.2 million carats by 2030 ︎
2. Naturaldiamonds.com, Supporting communities ︎
3. Kimberleyprocess.com, Ending conflict diamonds, ensuring responsible trade ︎

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From tracing a diamond’s journey from mine to finger (or wrist, or neck), to understanding the impact of recovery on local communities, the natural diamond world is making serious moves of late in terms of traceability, integrity and accountability.  
If you’re ready to shop with heart – and not just with your eyes – we’ll show you how to choose a natural diamond that represents global good just as much as it shines. 

Firstly, what are ethical diamonds?

Ethical diamonds are natural diamonds mined with integrity and care; they put people and human rights first. 

Unlike conflict diamonds, which have fueled civil wars and funded violence in parts of Africa, ethically sourced diamonds are mined in ways that respect human rights. That means no forced or underage labor, no funding of rebel groups and no hidden exploitation. AKA jewelry you can feel good about wearing.  

How are ethics enforced in the diamond industry?

Set up in 2003 specifically for natural diamonds, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme¹ (KPCS) requires participating countries to certify shipments of rough diamonds (unpolished natural diamonds, in their raw state) as conflict-free.  

In other words, the KPCS helps stop the flow of rough diamonds being traded to fund warfare. The scheme now includes over 80 participating countries, who must ensure any diamonds entering the market are tracked using strict documentation.

For both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, the Responsible Jewellery Council² (known as RJC) sets ethical and environmental standards across the entire jewelry supply chain. Members must meet specific criteria around fair labor, anti-corruption, environmental protection and community development. For a company to be certified by the RJC, it must adhere to strict rules around business practices, from working conditions to responsible mining.  

Then there’s the SCS-007 Sustainability Rated Diamond Standard³. Think of this as a scorecard for how responsible a diamond is in general. For natural and lab-grown diamonds, the SCS-007 checks five key goals: origin traceability, carbon footprint, fair treatment of people, sustainable practices and social impact. 

What does responsible diamond mining look like?

In addition to supporting ethics (moral principles based on human rights and good people practices), some diamond companies also seek to champion sustainability in their processes and aim to ensure a healthy environment for local biodiversity.  

Businesses that value all the above and seek to ensure the entire supply chain operates with integrity and care are often called ‘responsible diamond companies’ and their gems ‘responsible diamonds’.  

In many parts of Africa, Canada and Australia, responsibly mined diamonds help fund critical services like healthcare, education and local infrastructure. Entire towns end up benefiting from the opportunities created by the natural diamond recovery industry, with investments going into systems like schools, hospitals, roads, clean drinking water and other employment opportunities.  

For a while now, diamond mining and jewelry companies like Rio Tinto⁴ and De Beers⁵ have been investing in the communities and environment at recovery sites, showing that natural diamonds can encompass ethics, sustainability commitments and respect for the planet.  

Buying ethical diamonds: what you need to know…

Finding the abundance of information and barrage of buzzwords overwhelming when buying a diamond? These quick checks can help you separate truly ethical options from clever marketing:

Green flags to look out for

• Clear sourcing information, with details on where and how the diamond was mined 
• Third-party accreditation, such as from RJC or SCS-007 
• Retailers who speak openly about their supply chain, labor standards and environmental commitments 

Red flags to avoid

• Vague claims like ‘eco’ or ‘responsibly sourced’ without any evidence 
• Missing or incomplete certification paperwork 
• Retailers unable (or unwilling) to explain the origin of their diamonds 

Choosing ethical natural diamonds is easier than ever when you know the right questions to ask! 

Feel-good sparkle and the future of responsible diamonds

The emphasis on ethics and, more broadly, responsible diamonds, will likely grow stronger in years to come, offering us more choice and control over the jewelry we invest in.  

Knowing that natural diamonds have a commitment to the environment, transparency and local communities leaves us with just one thing left to consider: what’s next – a ring or bracelet?!  

Sources

1. Kimberleyprocess.com, Ending conflict diamonds, ensuring responsible trade ︎
2. Responsible Jewellery Council  ︎
3. Sustainability Rated Diamond Standard ︎
4. Rio Tinto, Sustainability ︎
5. De Beers Group, Building forever ︎

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Her brand focuses on using recycled metals to reduce the need for commercial mining and works closely with fair-trade and responsible gem recovery communities. For Wing, this isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about honoring materials, people and the environment.

To better understand the heart behind WWAKE, we sat down with Wing to discuss what inspires her, why natural resources are imperative and why she simply loves “rocks”!

How WWAKE took shape

Early on in her jewelry career, former sculptor Wing noticed that people were drawn to classic pieces. “I realized that people gravitated towards the more traditional pieces. Like, people [have] valued gold since the beginning of time; there’s a whole tradition of people respecting that material,” she says.

“[I thought] what if I could work with traditional materials but bring a fresh perspective to them?,” Wing recalls. This question led her to experiment with gold and silver and different types of natural gemstones, crafting delicate pieces that felt both familiar and innovative.

It’s all about the story

For Wing, the journey of a gemstone, from deep within the Earth to being set in a beautiful piece of jewelry, is key. She has dedicated herself to finding partners who specialize in transparent and sustainable sourcing initiatives, working with responsible mining communities.

“I started searching for partners who specialized in transparency. That really helped me understand sustainable sourcing initiatives,” she says.

But for Wing, sustainability isn’t just about impact. It’s about meaning. “There’s this futuristic world of lab-grown diamonds and sapphires, which I think is fascinating,” she acknowledges. “But for me, it’s really about the history of the Earth and the history of people in relation to it. If you can trace the backstory of a gemstone, like a natural diamond, you have all of that poetry and have more meaning.”

“I’m really interested in where natural materials come from, who has touched them and how that carries into heirloom jewelry today,” Wing says.

“[Think] how much work has gone into the planet forming a crystal? And then someone extracts it, another person cuts it and then it becomes something we wear. All that human effort – that’s where the beauty lies for me.”

A love affair with rocks!

Wing’s fascination with natural stones and gems goes far beyond a professional interest. It’s a full-on personal passion.

“I’m really obsessed with rocks,” she admits with a laugh. “If you’re my friend, you know that I’m really into rocks. There are rocks all over the studio. Cut and polished bowls made of stone, tables carved from marble.”

Her home reflects this obsession, with a beach rock collection and polished stones scattered throughout. “A lot of the furniture is made of marble. It’s really like a cliché at this point,” she jokes, “but my actual interest isn’t just the aesthetic – the look of a stone, whether it’s a piece of furniture, a bowl or part of a ring. I’m genuinely fascinated by the fact that all these rocks come from the Earth and they’re finite.” 

Designed by nature

Wing is captivated by the poetry of imperfection and the unique character that every natural gemstone has, shaped over millions of years beneath the Earth’s surface. It’s this history and rarity that deeply inspires her work. 

“I’m really interested in the science of how stones are formed and how the trace elements in them make them a particular color,” she says.

“I’m also interested in what exists in the landscape chemically and how the geology of a landscape informs what its culture takes on.” 

The bigger picture

Wing sees our planet not just as a source of materials, but as a collaborator in molding human experience. The minerals beneath our feet shape economies, rituals and the rhythm of life itself.

“You can say, “OK, this diamond is beautiful”, but what’s the history behind it? It’s incredible to know where it came from and what culture it built. For example, if we talk about natural diamonds in Botswana, an entire country’s history changed because of that diamond economy. That country has been able to grow from that. That’s looking at it from the lens of economics but that ladders into a human aspect, too.”

She adds, “In a lot of the mining communities that WWAKE works with, they mine in dry seasons and they culture coffee in the wet seasons. So gold and coffee are how people survive off the land.”

Want to hear more from Wing?

Watch the rest of our interview with Wing below…

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But what exactly are LGDs? Are they really grown in labs and, more importantly, are they even diamonds? Let us take you through the key differentiators between LGDs and their natural counterparts, which include formation, rarity and sentimental value.  

What are lab-grown diamonds and how are they made? 

LGDs are diamonds that are mass-produced in factories. They have the same chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds, but they’re created in an artificial environment and not by Mother Nature.  

Generally, there are two different methods of producing LGDs. Strap in for a science lesson… 

One method of production is High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT), which is popular in the US, China and Singapore. This process attempts to recreate the geological conditions required for natural diamonds to grow deep in the Earth, in a factory using powerful high-pressure presses. 

The HPHT method involves combining synthetic diamond powder or graphite powder, a metallic solvent and a synthetic diamond seed in a capsule. The capsule is then subjected to extreme heat, ranging from 2,300-2,900°F, as well as intense pressure. This causes the solvent to dissolve the powder, freeing carbon that then builds onto the diamond seed in crystalized form. 

Still with us? OK, the second technique used to produce LGDs is Chemical Vapor Deposition (often shortened to CVD). As the name suggests, this process involves using chemical gases, such as methane, to produce crystals.   

For CVD, a piece of synthetic diamond (often in a tab-like shape) is placed in a vacuum chamber. A gas containing hydrogen and carbon is then pumped into the chamber, which in turn is heated using microwave energy. This heat causes the gas to ionize, with carbon atoms separating from it and gathering on the synthetic diamond in layers. This process is repeated over the course of a few weeks to create large gems. 

What are the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

In addition to lacking the same geological, mythical and sentimental resonance, LGDs also have scientific differences to natural diamonds, though these aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. These include: 

Formation time

Scientific research tells us that stardust from the galaxy accumulated in the core of the Earth when it was formed 4.5 billion years ago. Like something from a fairy-tale, this stardust was the source of carbon that, when bonded under intense heat and pressure hundreds of kilometers deep, crystalized and formed diamonds. The gemstones were then brought nearer to the planet’s surface by powerful volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and became lodged in pipe-like rocks. 

The oldest diamonds that have been dated are around 3.5 billion years old, whereas LGDs are made over a period of days or weeks.   

Growth structures

At a highly magnified level, gemologists can see the difference in crystal growth structures of LGDs compared with those of natural diamonds.  

Natural diamonds typically grow in an octahedral shape (think two pyramids stuck together base-to-base), whereas the crystals in HPHT diamonds grow in a more cube-like shape and those of CVD diamonds are formed in tab-like layers.   

Clarity characteristics

Because of their long and rather turbulent journey to the Earth’s surface, natural diamonds often have imperfections and internal features. 

These unique features, which could be tiny pieces of mineral from the rock in which they grew, are individual birthmarks and make each natural diamond one-of-a-kind.  

Due to their human-controlled production process, LGDs rarely have any unique characteristics – any that do occur are a manufacturing mistake. You might find leftover remnants of the raw materials used in the production method, perhaps. 

Rarity and preciousness 

Lab-created diamonds can be made on demand in large batches, whereas natural diamonds are a truly rare thing.  

The world has a finite reserve of natural diamonds because, first and foremost, their supply comes from nature, and second, because most are buried too deep for humans to recover, despite modern mining technology.  

The world’s deepest diamond mine, Jwaneng in Botswana, reaches depths of up to 625 meters, however many diamond deposits sit between 140-200 kilometers underground. Unfortunately for diamond lovers, the volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago, surfacing the natural gemstones in existence today, won’t happen again in our lifetime. 

Emotional and spiritual value

Natural diamonds aren’t just stunning, they’re legendary. For centuries, these glittering gemstones have been treasured not just for their rarity and beauty, but for the powerful stories they carry.  

Across cultures and generations, natural diamonds have symbolized love that lasts a lifetime, unwavering strength, hope, and deep, eternal commitment. Some believe they even protect against evil or help to clear the mind, like a cosmic reset button.  

Born billions of years ago in the heart of the Earth, natural diamonds are nature’s pièce de résistance, something that LGDs can’t ever replicate.

What’s the difference when it comes to sustainability?  

Wondering how lab-grown and natural diamonds compare in terms of sustainability? Well, claims that lab-grown diamonds are more environmentally friendly or sustainable than natural diamonds aren’t always reliable.   

Often, the factories and plants where lab-grown diamonds are manufactured, such as those found in India or China, rely on fossil fuels like coal to operate. In addition, other mined materials like iron, nickel and cobalt are required to make lab-grown diamonds.   

In terms of social and environmental responsibility, it’s natural diamond mines that are leading the way. Natural diamond mining can bring huge economic growth to countries and communities, with mining sites creating direct employment and providing medical, housing and schooling services to local people.   

In some cases, mining companies support or lead biodiversity projects that aim to protect nearby nature reserves and wildlife, too.

Are lab-grown diamonds really diamonds?  

LGDs are considered diamond material, yes, but cannot be sold without their origin being disclosed. LGDs can’t be referred to or sold as ‘diamonds’ without the relevant prefix – laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, man-made or synthetic. Transparency is key. 

Most polished diamonds over 30 points (approx. 0.3 carat) will come with a grading report issued by an independent institute. This will state whether the gem is natural or lab-grown along with its grading in terms of the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. 

Given that most lab-grown diamonds occupy a narrow range of quality characteristics, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a more streamlined assessment method for grading them. They will either be classified as ‘Standard’ or ‘Premium’ depending on their quality and craftsmanship, rather than being graded based on the 4Cs of natural diamonds as natural diamonds are.

In the US, the leading certification bodies are the GIA, the American Gem Society (AGS) and De Beers Institute of Diamonds, but you may also see certificates issued by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), especially in the case of lab-grown diamonds.  

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Where do natural diamonds originate? 

Why are ethics essential when buying diamonds? 

Why is craftmanship key?  

What’s the emotional and symbolic significance of natural diamonds? 

What’s their worth beyond today? 

From ancient royalty to Hollywood’s red carpet, the world’s obsession with diamonds has been long-standing.   

No other gemstone has enchanted generation after generation quite like the natural diamond. Whether in the form of cherished heirlooms, knockout engagement rings or smaller, more everyday gems, natural diamonds continue to symbolize love, strength and timeless glamour.  

Natural diamonds aren’t just beautiful; they’re steeped in meaning. Each one carries a story that spans billions of years, making it a piece of history, too.   

Join us on a dazzling journey through time and cultures as we explore why natural diamonds remain the world’s most desirable gemstone and why their brilliance will go on long after the last one is ever unearthed…   

Where do natural diamonds come from? 

About a billion years after the Earth was formed (which was a whopping 4.5 billion years ago), diamonds began developing deep beneath the planet’s surface.   

Approximately 140-200 kilometers down in the Earth’s mantle, diamonds were made from pure carbon atoms that bonded and crystalized under intense pressure and blistering heat (we’re talking temperatures as high as 2,372°F). 

As the planet’s tectonic plates moved and shifted, powerful volcanic eruptions took place and caused the diamonds to surge upwards. Travelling in magma that eventually cooled in pipe-like formations closer to the Earth’s surface (known as kimberlite pipes), natural diamonds became accessible to humans, albeit via a very sophisticated recovery process. 

Open-pit mines have been built in the locations of these kimberlite pipes, in countries such as Canada, Australia, Russia, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.   

Natural diamonds aren’t only found on dry land, however. Over time, diamonds that were originally formed in the Earth’s mantle and volcanically expelled closer to or onto the surface have been carried along by rivers to the ocean. There, they’ve either been buried beneath the seabed or washed up along the shore.   

Recovering these ocean diamonds, known as marine mining, is carried out offshore, predominantly in Namibia, South West Africa. The country’s Atlantic Ocean coastline has been hiding rough diamonds for millions of years.

As a diamond travels from deep within the Earth towards its surface, it doesn’t remain untouched. Along the way, elements and minerals leave their mark. For example, if a diamond encounters boron, it takes on a stunning blue hue, whereas nitrogen will give it a warm yellow shade.   

These natural interactions define not just a diamond’s color but its character, too. Diamonds will often have tiny internal features, referred to as inclusions, such as small cavities or irregular crystals where other minerals have become trapped. These are often invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under a jeweler’s microscope. All these features, however subtle, tell the tale of where the natural diamond has been.   

As much as natural diamonds are individually unique, they’re incredibly rare. Most diamonds are still buried hundreds of kilometers beneath our feet, well beyond the reach of even the most advanced mining equipment. To date, the deepest natural diamond mine is 625 meters.  

The violent volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago won’t happen again in our lifetime and thus natural diamonds will remain rare. 

Certification, certification, certification

While the science behind natural diamonds can be complex, buying them absolutely shouldn’t be.  

Polished diamonds larger than 0.3 carat (also known as 30 points) in size, whether natural or grown in a laboratory, come with a certificate (also called a grading report) that documents everything you need to know about it: its origin, its carat weight and its cut, color and clarity grade.  

However, not all institutions grade lab-grown diamonds and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently introduced a more streamlined assessment method for LGDs. It now classifies them as either Standard or Premium based on their quality and craftsmanship, given that most lab-grown diamonds occupy a narrow range of quality characteristics.

Grading reports correspond to a microscopic inscription on either a diamond’s girdle (the ‘waist’ of the diamond) or their table (the top face) and are issued by trusted industry bodies like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), De Beers Institute of Diamonds or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).  

Certification follows a universal diamond grading system, ensuring accuracy and transparency for every buyer. 

Nowadays, technology plays a massive part in verifying that a diamond is natural. Gemologists use a range of machines and programs to differentiate between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs).  

Some gem experts closely study the growth structure of a diamond’s crystals to differentiate between natural and LGDs, while others examine the color of a diamond’s fluorescence (its glow) under ultraviolet light (natural and LGDs will typically radiate different colors due to their different growth process).  

Why are ethics essential when buying diamonds? 

Style, sparkle and budget are no doubt front of mind when diamond buying, but it’s ethics that should be your number one consideration. It’s all about making a responsible choice that supports human rights, environmental sustainability and fair labor practices.   

Ethical diamonds are sourced in ways that avoid funding violence, illegal labor and exploitation, and come from mines that follow strict environmental guidelines, reducing the impact on delicate ecosystems.   

A global responsibility  

Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (often shortened to KPCS) is an international initiative that aims to stop the flow of rough diamonds being traded to fund warfare. 

Named after the South African city where discussions of the scheme first began, the program was born from global concern over how the diamond trade was fueling brutal civil wars, especially in countries like Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

The Kimberley Process scheme now includes over 80 participating countries and requires strict documentation and tracking of diamonds to ensure they are conflict-free from mine to market.  

Under the Kimberley Process, participating countries must meet minimum requirements to certify that their diamond exports are not funding conflict. Each shipment of rough diamonds must carry a tamper-proof certificate stating its origin and confirming it complies with KPCS standards. The process also mandates that diamonds can only be traded between member countries, creating a closed loop intended to block illicit gems.   

On top of the Kimberley Process, major mining companies can enforce their own additional safety practices that promote fair working rights.  

Benefits for the community and environment

If you think natural diamonds and sustainability don’t go hand in hand, you’ll be pleased to hear that under the right conditions, diamond recovery can bring both environmental and community benefits. 

Well-regulated recovery operations and diamond companies can invest heavily in land restoration, reforestation and renewable energy projects, as well as repurpose old mine sites into wildlife habitats, parks and agricultural land, helping ecosystems recover and even thrive.  

Additionally, natural diamond mines can foster thriving communities and fund vital infrastructure for the areas in which they operate, like clean water systems, housing, schools and healthcare.  

When revenue gained from diamond recovery is effectively invested back into a country, it creates jobs and educational opportunities and provides more social services.   

Why is craftsmanship key when buying a diamond?

While a natural diamond’s unique color and characteristics are evidence of what it has endured on its journey to above ground, its brilliance (the amount of light it reflects) and fire (the different colors it disperses) are entirely down to its cut.   

The skill of a diamond cutter or diamantaire is crucial, as it can make the difference between a dull, totally lackluster gemstone and a next-level masterpiece. A well-cut diamond reflects and refracts light in just the right way to create that disco-ball sparkle, but if a cutter misses the ideal angles, it could look flat or lifeless. 

One of history’s most renowned diamond cutters is Joseph Asscher, who founded the Asscher Diamond Company in Amsterdam in 1854. The Dutchman designed the world’s first-ever patented diamond cut, the Asscher, which has a square shape with step-like facets and cropped corners.  

In 1908, Asscher was presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when he was asked to work on the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found: the Cullinan. This iconic beauty was discovered at a South African mine in 1905, weighing a record 3,106 carats. Like a total pro, Asscher divided it into nine major gems and 96 smaller brilliant cuts.   

Fans of the British royal family might already be familiar with the Cullinan, as the largest gem carved from it, Cullinan I (also called the Great Star of Africa), shines bright at the top of the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross. Kept at the Tower of London in England, it’s only removed for significant events; its most recent day out was for King Charles III’s coronation in 2023.   

A cut above

When you imagine a diamond, it’s likely you’re picturing a brilliant cut, shimmering with countless flashes of white and rainbow that dart off in all directions. The brilliant cut is a diamond cut characterized by its high number of facets (usually 57 or 58) that maximize brilliance and sparkle.   

The brilliant cut in a round shape is a classic choice for jewelry, especially for stud earrings and engagement rings, as the circular shape best reflects light (read: big sparkle energy!) 

If you’re after something a little different, though, there are plenty of other diamond shapes to pick from.  

We love the delicate, teardrop-like pear, which was the shape Frank Sinatra chose for his proposal to Mia Farrow back in 1966. More recently, Hollywood A-lister Margot Robbie announced her engagement to filmmaker Tom Ackerley with an up-close snap of a beautiful white pear-shaped diamond ring on Instagram.  

Selena Gomez’s marquise-shaped sparkler, given to her by record producer fiancé Benny Blanco in 2024, and Hailey Bieber’s 10-carat oval diamond engagement ring prove that the brilliant round indeed has some competition in the style stakes these days.   

What’s the emotional and symbolic significance of natural diamonds?

It’s widely believed that the first recorded diamond engagement ring was given in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to his beloved Mary of Burgundy; he’d commissioned the ring to have a series of flat diamonds arranged in the shape of an ‘M’.  

This wildly royal gesture started a trend among the European aristocracy, who fell head over heels with the idea of using diamonds to symbolize love and everlasting adoration.  

It wasn’t until centuries later, though, that diamond engagement rings became the popular tradition they are today, helped by De Beers’ iconic “A Diamond is Forever” advertising campaign, launched in 1947.  

A diamond is for everyone  

But diamonds aren’t only for engaged couples. Sure, they’ve long been the go-to gem for popping the question, but their symbolism extends beyond romantic love. 

First discovered in Ancient India, diamonds were worn by kings to signify wealth and power. Because of their iridescent crystals, diamonds were a symbol of divine light and held mythical, protective powers, while their durability (diamond is the hardest mineral on the planet) represented strength.  

If you’re marking a milestone birthday, celebrating a promotion, honoring a personal victory, or simply treating yourself (because why not, right?), diamonds can capture the feeling of achievement, endurance and personal power in a way few other things can.  

A pair of diamond earrings can instantly make you feel a million dollars, a tennis bracelet can say “you’ve earned this” or “yes, you’ve arrived!”, while a diamond pendant, physically touching your skin, can hold memories close to your heart or be a powerful talisman of courage. These things aren’t just pieces of jewelry but little trophies for life’s biggest occasions or beautiful tokens of self-love.  

What’s a diamond’s worth beyond today?

As the global supply of natural diamonds declines, the demand for them only increases, which, in turn, has a direct impact on their price.  

Due to their unrivalled geological origins and uniqueness, natural diamonds will always be precious and will continue to draw buyers at jewelry houses and auctions, with flawless and fancy colored natural diamonds – the rarest of all diamonds – being the most sought after. 

Given that they’re man-made, it could be said that LGDs are less coveted. This could be attributed to an oversupply of these synthetic gems, which are mass-produced and widely available.  

The future is bright

Because natural diamonds are rare, timeless and truly, truly beautiful, they’re often passed down through families as heirlooms and sentimental treasures.  

Gifted or bought for momentous occasions decades or possibly centuries ago, diamonds help future generations remain connected to the past. From dropping to one knee with a family engagement ring to stepping out in an inherited vintage necklace, it’s the sentiment and the story (ok, and perhaps that little bit of sparkle, too) that steals the show.  

Small miracles of nature, the magic of natural diamonds will never fade.  

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