Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Diamonds


Where do natural diamonds come from?

First, diamonds do not come from coal! This common but false misconception has been repeated countless times. Most diamonds predate the Earth's first land plants, which are the source of coal. While coal seams are sedimentary rocks that occur as horizontal rock units, diamonds are found in vertical pipes of igneous rocks. Instead they are made from 100% pure carbon.

Is diamond the hardest substance on earth?

Diamond is 90 times harder than ruby or sapphire, which is the second hardest naturally-occuring substance, but still there are man-made synthetic substances which are still harder.

What is the largest diamond found so far?

A diamond named "Cullinan" was found in 1905 at a mine in Pretoria, South Africa weighing in at 3105 carats (1.33 pnds).

What is the most popular diamond cut?

Currently, round cut brilliant diamonds are the most popular.

Are there any other sources of diamonds?

Yes! Within the past 100 years we have started created man made diamonds and diamonds have even come from space!

What should I be paying attention to when buying a diamond?

The old term for the different qualities of a diamond are the "four C's" of diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight.

What is the best cut of a diamond?

The absolute top cut for a diamond is "ideal", but only 3% of the diamonds in the world are ideal cut which can make them very expensive, but at the same time reflects almost all of the light that enters the stone.

What is the best color for a diamond?

The diamond color scale ranges from D to Z with the most sought after being D, which are the most colorless diamonds. Considering 98% of diamonds in the world are not colorless, this is again rare and can be expensive.

When was the first diamond engagement ring created?

In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria started the tradition of using diamonds in engagement rings by his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy and commissioning the first diamond engagement ring.

If diamonds are the hardest substance in the world, can they be damaged?

Yes! Despite being the hardest naturally occuring substamce in the world, other diamonds can scratch them, hammers can crush them, and diamonds can be chipped, so proper care and maintenance is important.