The Story Behind Your Diamond Jewellery
Every item of diamond jewellery, whether it is a diamond engagement ring, necklace or other piece of jewellery, symbolises commitment, strength and the everlasting nature of love. But where do these stunning gems come from?
What is a diamond?
It is hard to imagine, but your diamond started out billions of years ago as a piece of carbon buried miles beneath the surface of the earth, far below sea level and subject to intense heat and pressure. This piece of carbon was then carried through molten lava flows to the earth's surface where it was mined and, in turn, made into the sparkling diamonds that we use in our jewellery.
What is carbon?
You could say that, when you give diamond jewellery, you are giving history, nature, purity and strength. Your diamond symbolises your love for each other because diamonds are the oldest, hardest, purest and most revered forms of carbon. Carbon is one of the most common elements in the universe by mass and the second most abundant element by mass in the human body (about 18.5%) after oxygen. This means that your diamond jewellery symbolises the very essence of existence as well as strength.
How does carbon become diamonds?
It takes centuries for diamonds to form and most diamonds are over billions of years old by the time they are mined and made into your diamond jewellery. To become diamonds, carbon requires very specific conditions. The carbon needs to be exposed to very high pressure, (45 and 60 kilobars) but at a comparatively low temperature range between approximately (1652-2372 °F (900-1300 °C)). These conditions are found in two places on Earth; deep under the earth, under stable parts of the continental shelf and at the site of meteorite strikes.
Can any carbon be a diamond?
The carbon to make diamonds can come from non organic sources, organic sources, or a blend of the two. In other words, if any carbon is subject to the right conditions it can become diamonds.
How do diamonds get to the surface?
For us to be able to find them, the diamonds must be delivered up to the earth's surface. This is done by flowing lava from depths up to three to four times greater than normal volcanoes. As a result, these magma flows are relatively rare, again contributing to the uniqueness of diamonds. But when they do occur and the magma cools, a rock formation called kimberlite, also known as lamproite, is left behind. This is one of the prime markers of a diamond deposit for miners searching for a deposit.
How are they mined?
If you mine into one of these deposits, known as kimberlite dikes or pipes, you are likely to discover diamonds. Kimberlite doesn't guarantee the presence of diamonds, but does indicate that the volcanic activity came from a place deep enough to contain diamonds. Diamonds can also be found in other places. Sometimes ancient glacial movements may have moved the diamonds from where they originally surfaced. Diamonds have also, occasionally, been formed where meteorites have had an impact with the earth. These areas are then mined to recover the diamonds, which are then either used for jewellery, or in industry.
Of all the diamonds mined, only half are of gem quality and even fewer are big enough to be made into a polished stone no bigger than a match head. So, not only has your diamond undergone an incredible journey, but it is also one in a million.
Where are diamonds found?
India has been the primary source of diamonds for centuries, almost depleting their deposits. These days almost half of the diamonds mined come from Southern and Central Africa. However, large mines also exist in Brazil, Australia, Siberia and parts of Canada.
Diamonds: history, glamour and style
Diamonds have been worn as symbols of love and power throughout history. Symbolic of everlasting love and the commitment two people make to each other, the diamond is a king among gems and an ideal way for you to express your love for someone.
