The Evolution of Diamonds: From Earth’s Core to Modern Luxury

Have you ever wondered about the evolution of diamonds? How is it that those glittering faceted gems came to be so popular in engagement and wedding jewelry? The story of diamonds is two-fold: starting with the creation of raw diamonds in prehistory and their discovery in Asia thousands of years ago. Modern cutting techniques, designs, and sophisticated technology continue the evolution of diamonds to innovative state-of-the-art trends. Here’s a brief description of the fascinating history behind your diamond jewelry.

Quick Facts: The Evolution of Diamonds

Origin of Diamonds: Prehistory and How Diamonds Are Formed

Most diamonds naturally formed billions of years ago as the earth evolved. Deep under the earth’s crust, the element carbon was compressed with enormous heat and pressure forces. The altered carbon formed diamond crystals. Volcanic eruptions brought the rocks containing diamonds closer to the earth’s surface; over time, natural weathering and erosion exposed some diamonds in riverbeds, waterways, and nearby plains.

Diamond History: Where Were Diamonds First Discovered?

Based on historical records, it appears that India is the place where diamonds were first discovered. Jewelry from as far back as the 4th century BC displays raw uncut diamonds with Indian gold settings. Initially found and collected around riverbanks and streams, mining of diamonds began in India around 700 BC.

Diamond Industry History and Early Global Trade

India traded diamonds for hundreds of years, including along the fabled ‘Silk Road’ route. These were initially uncut stones, though Indian artisans had early discovered how to polish the stones and increase their luster. In the 14th century, Europeans developed the art of cutting diamonds, revealing the brilliance of the crystals. India remained the primary diamond producer until the 17th century, when their mines were exhausted and supply dwindled. However, the evolution of diamonds continued as Brazil discovered, mined, and traded the gems once India faded.

Modern diamond trading with increased production to meet growing demand began in earnest in the late 1800s. The discovery of extensive diamond fields in South Africa resulted in significant changes to diamond trading.

Diamond Industry History: The Influence of De Beers

The famous De Beers diamond mining and sales company, formed in 1888, controlled a vast percentage of the world’s mined diamonds, and still does. Dominating the diamond market, De Beers influenced and modernized techniques as well as processes.

Mining processes became more efficient. New tools, methods, and scientific approaches improved diamond cutting and polishing techniques. The evolution of diamonds from raw uncut gems to sophisticated faceted gemstones that are cut, polished, and shaped in numerous ways underpins today’s diamond jewelry.

Modern marketing also came into play. De Beers, coining the phrase “A Diamond Is Forever,” successfully sold the concept that diamonds and engagement rings were fundamentally linked. Today, most engagement jewelry has diamonds; the first gem thought of by couples to mark their commitment to each other.

When Were Diamonds First Used in Jewelry and Cut for Brilliance?

Since the 1400s, different cutting techniques have been used to bring out the fire and sparkle within diamonds. In the evolution of diamonds for jewelry, continual striving for the best method is found in the round brilliant cut created in the early 1900s.

A brilliant cut creates 58 sides (facets) on the gem. Each precision cut is designed to give maximum light reflection to the stone, delivering the flash and sparkle associated with a high-quality diamond. The round brilliant cut is now the most popular cut for engagement rings.

The Latest in Modern-Day Evolution of Diamonds: A New Creation Process

De Beers is still a strong force in the diamond gemstone market, but there’s a major new player in the industry, laboratories. In what is, perhaps, the ultimate evolution of diamonds, technology now allows us to create real diamonds in laboratories. Traditionally obtained through the hard slog of mining from the earth’s natural resources, securing diamond crystals is now much simpler and quicker.

While artificially creating diamonds has been around for many years, the quality of stones previously obtained was mostly for industrial purposes. However, technical advancements have now moved diamond production forward to gem-quality stones.

Lab-created diamonds offer benefits, including being able to supply on demand, helping reduce the need for mining of natural resources. In addition, as technology keeps improving, the cost of lab-grown diamonds keeps reducing. A lab-created diamond comes in roughly 50% or more under the price of a mined diamond.

Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamonds at a Glance

Today’s modern era includes advanced lab-growing methods like CVD and HPHT, which have reshaped how diamonds are produced and purchased. To understand how these methods compare to each other and to mined stones, read our full guide on CVD vs HPHT vs mined diamonds.

Choices for Your Diamond Engagement Ring

At Carbon Diamonds, we offer both conflict-free natural diamonds and ethically crafted lab-grown diamonds, giving you the freedom to choose the option that best reflects your values and style. We source high-quality manufactured diamonds from reputable laboratories who continuously strive to reduce their carbon footprint, and we also provide responsibly sourced natural stones for our exquisite range of jewelry.

If you’re after an engagement ring with a difference, our Bespoke design services can create a custom piece matching your personal style and taste. Choose from our affordably priced lab-created gems or conflict-free natural diamonds to design and style intricate heirloom pieces or modern classics. You will be thrilled with your custom ring.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Evolution of Diamonds

How old are natural diamonds?
Most natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth between about 3.5 and 1 billion years ago, predating most life on Earth. According to the Gemological Institute of America, scientific studies show many natural diamonds formed more than three billion years ago under extreme heat and pressure.

Are natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds both real diamonds?
Yes. Both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. The only difference is their origin—natural diamonds form in the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments.

What does conflict-free natural diamonds mean?
Conflict-free natural diamonds are sourced through ethical supply chains that comply with international standards designed to prevent the funding of armed conflict. At Carbon Diamonds, we offer responsibly sourced, conflict-free natural diamonds alongside lab-grown options.

Why are lab-grown diamonds less expensive than natural diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost less because they do not require large-scale mining operations or global distribution controls. Natural diamonds often carry higher costs due to extraction, transportation, and limited supply.

How are natural diamonds formed compared to lab-grown diamonds?
Natural diamonds form over billions of years deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced methods such as High Pressure High Temperature or Chemical Vapor Deposition, which replicate the natural growing process in a matter of weeks.

Do natural and lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are valued based on the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Market dynamics differ, but both are considered genuine diamonds with lasting durability and beauty.

Are lab-grown diamonds more sustainable than mined diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds generally involve less land disruption than traditional mining. However, both lab-grown and responsibly sourced natural diamonds can be ethical choices when transparency and sustainable practices are prioritized.