How Are Real Diamonds Made?

  • Alex Wong Jewellery - Trusted 3rd Generation Jeweller Since 1950.

    Written By Alex Wong.
    Last updated: 14 Oct 2024.

What Are Diamonds?

Diamonds are not only a symbol of beauty and strength but also the hardest natural material on Earth, which makes them ideal for both jewelry and various industrial applications. Their allure extends beyond their radiant sparkle to their rarity and the extraordinary conditions required for their formation.

Formed under extreme pressure and high temperatures deep within the Earth's mantle, diamonds are composed almost entirely of carbon atoms that are arranged in a crystal structure known as diamond lattice, which is the reason for their famous brilliant sparkle.

The journey of a diamond from the depths of the Earth to becoming a cherished adornment is a testament to its durability and the slow geological processes that create it.

Red diamond ring with a shade of rose colour on bed of rose petals.
2 brilliant diamond pieces placed side by side of each other.

What Are Diamonds Made of?

The 3 optical properties of a diamond - Reflection, Refraction, and Dispersion.

Diamonds are primarily composed of carbon, arranged in a highly organized crystal structure known as the diamond cubic. Under extreme conditions of heat and pressure found deep within the Earth’s mantle, these carbon atoms bond in this unique pattern.

This arrangement not only bestows diamonds with their unmatched hardness but also contributes to their optical properties, such as high refractive index and dispersion. This crystalline structure is what allows diamonds to capture light and reflect it with an unmatched brilliance.


How Are Diamonds Formed?

Illustration of how diamonds reach the earth's surface.

Diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle, about 90 to 130 miles down, under conditions of intense heat and pressure. Here, carbon atoms bond together in a unique crystal structure that gives diamonds their hardness. This process takes billions of years.


How Long Does It Take a Diamond to Form?

The creation of a diamond is a slow process, often taking 1 to 3.3 billion years. This long formation period contributes to the rarity and value of diamonds, making each stone a marvel of nature.


Why Choose Real Diamonds Over Lab-Grown?

The Value and Authenticity of Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are valued not only for their physical properties but also their authenticity. Each natural diamond carries a unique history of formation over billions of years, which is documented from the mine to market. This traceability adds to the authenticity that lab-grown diamonds, which are manufactured over a short period, cannot match. Additionally, the unique imperfections and color variations in natural diamonds often enhance their value and appeal.

Long-Term Investment and Resale Value

From an investment perspective, natural diamonds have historically shown stability in value, particularly for rare and high-quality stones. This stability is partly due to their limited natural supply. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds can be produced in larger quantities as technology advances, which may lead to depreciation over time. While both types of diamonds have intrinsic value, the resale market for natural diamonds tends to be more robust, reflecting a preference for natural stones among collectors and luxury goods consumers.


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We highly recommend booking a personal viewing appointment for the best experience. Seeing and testing our diamonds in person allows you to truly appreciate their beauty and ensures the perfect fit.

When scheduling your visit, please share your preferences and budget with us. We are dedicated to providing tailored recommendations and are eager to assist you in selecting the ideal gift.

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