Introduction

Natural diamonds are symbolic. They are passed down through generations and are likely the oldest thing you will ever hold in your hand. The diamond industry provides these wonders to consumers all while providing a positive impact to the communities in which they work.

The Billion-Year-Old Story of Natural Diamonds

For millennia, natural diamonds have been a thing of beauty, symbolism, and significance.

A Miracle of Nature

Many people believe coal plays a role in the formation of diamonds. In fact, most diamonds are much older than the Earth’s first plants, which are source materials of coal.

Natural Diamonds are Rare and Unique

Many say diamonds are the eighth wonder of the world because of their rarity and unique physical properties. Diamonds are in fact one of the rarest natural substances on Earth and fewer and fewer are recovered every year.

Modern Diamond Industry: Ethical and Conflict-free

Today, conflict diamonds are virtually eliminated from the market.

Natural Diamond Industry Benefits Over 10 Million People Worldwide

The natural diamond sector supports the livelihood of 10 million people globally. There are countless stories of the positive impact of diamond recovery in the areas where they are found.

What are Natural Diamonds, Laboratory-Grown Diamonds, and Diamond Simulants?

A natural diamond’s hardness, heat conductivity, and optical properties make them valuable for many industries. However, their rarity makes them too valuable to use for many of these applications. This fact has caused people to try and artificially replicate the unique properties of natural diamonds for decades.

What are the Differences Between Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds?

When comparing natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds, key differences emerge in their origin, formation time, and value, reflecting the unique processes of nature versus human innovation.

Identifying Laboratory-Grown Diamonds from Natural Diamonds

When comparing natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds, key differences emerge in their origin, formation time, and value, reflecting the unique processes of nature versus human innovation.

How are Laboratory-Grown Diamonds Made?

There are two main processes used to create laboratory-grown diamonds. The production method used does not affect the look or cost of the finished product.

What to Know About Environmental Claims

Laboratory-grown diamond manufacturers often make eco-claims about their products and at times, they are in violation of the U.S. Federal guidelines in doing so. It is important that the consumer is not misled and it is your responsibility to accurately represent the product.

Introduction

 Let us begin at the start, with the formation of diamonds between 1 and 3 billion years ago. Research reveals the oldest, as well as the youngest, diamonds in the world can be found in Canada.

Formation of Natural Diamonds

The formation of a natural diamond requires very specific conditions within the Earth.

Human Discovery

Upon their first discovery, diamonds were highly valued because of their unparalleled strength, brilliance, and ability to refract light, conduct heat, and engrave metal. Such properties had never been seen.

History of Diamond Symbolism

In the Middle Ages (between the 5th and 15th century), diamonds were thought to have exceptional healing abilities and considered to be a “miracle stone”. They were believed to have the ability to cure stomachaches, memory loss, depression, fatigue, infections, mental illnesses, nightmares, skin diseases and other head and heart ailments.

Diamonds As a Symbol of Love & Lasting Union

In the past, wedding rings signified a promise or contract between a couple and their two families. They were also tokens or even security deposits that showed a man’s promise was “good as gold”.

Diamonds in Modern Times

The story of the modern diamond really begins in about 300 BCE when they first appeared in Europe.

Are Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds Different?

Yes! Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds are different. Natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds differ in their formation, rarity and price, and symbolism. Natural diamonds are ancient creations of the Earth, while laboratory-grown diamonds are modern innovations crafted by humans..

Can Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds be Detected?

Yes! Laboratory-grown diamonds and natural diamonds can be detected using diamond verification instruments. Laboratory-grown diamonds are not i​​dentical to natural ​​diamonds. If they were identical, we would not be able to tell them apart.

Are Natural Diamonds Really Rare?

Yes! Natural diamonds are really rare. Just like original art, no two natural diamonds are alike. They are billion-years-old miracles of Mother Nature that hold unique characteristics and inclusions, making them intimately personal items and the oldest things you will ever touch.

Price Trends for Laboratory-Grown and Natural Diamonds?

When laboratory-grown diamonds began appearing in commercial quantities in the jewelry market in 2016, prices were slightly less than natural diamonds. Today the prices for laboratory-grown diamonds have fallen by over 80% for 1.5ct, and more for other sizes.

Are Natural Diamonds Traceable and Conflict-Free?

Yes! Natural diamonds are traceable and conflict-free. The diamond industry is highly regulated. Under the Kimberley Process mandated by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, all rough diamond trade is strictly regulated to ensure it is conflict-free.

Are All Laboratory-Grown Diamonds Eco-Friendly?

No! All laboratory-grown diamonds are not eco-friendly. Laboratory-grown diamonds may not always be as sustainable as some claim.

How is the Natural Diamond Industry Reducing Carbon Footprint?

The natural diamond industry has set out on its journey to decarbonize in line with global climate targets.

Do Natural Diamonds Benefit their Source Countries?

Yes! Natural diamonds benefit the countries where they come from. The diamond industry supports more than 10 million people around the world and has transformed many countries and communities. The contributions the diamond industry makes are vast.

What are the Working Conditions Like in the Diamond Industry?

Diamond recovery is mostly carried out by large-scale companies using modern equipment and mining practices.

Is the Diamond Industry Stockpiling Diamonds to Increase Prices?

No! The diamond industry is not stockpiling to raise prices. Inventories of natural diamond producers fluctuate across periods of time, especially when they are broken down by size or quality of stones. This is because, unlike other industries, natural diamond producers cannot operate a just-in-time production model to match supply with demand. Inventories are also impacted by seasonal demand patterns and by external events such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

What Happens to Diamond Mines No Longer in Use?

Before a single diamond is recovered, environmental permissions must be granted by governments with a legal obligation for mining companies to have ongoing monitoring, reporting and closure plans.