Where Do Diamonds Come From?

Formed deep beneath the planet's crust over many millennia, diamonds are synonymous with power, privilege, and prestige. Marilyn sang about them. James Bond stopped the bad guys smuggling them. Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Elizabeth Taylor have all worn them. 

But how do diamonds become forever?

The Origin of Diamonds

Explorers discovered diamonds in India over 2,400 years ago — and these sparkly stones soon became a hallmark of wealth and status. But where did they come from?

There's a misconception that diamonds come from coal, but this isn't the case. Diamonds are much older than the first plants on Earth — the source material of coal.

Most scientists believe the Earth's mantle creates diamonds and delivers them to the surface after volcanic eruptions. Other scientists believe diamonds come from outer space, created when asteroids collide before falling to Earth in meteorites. 

Did you know that the ancient Romans and Greeks thought diamonds were tears cried by the gods?

How Are Diamonds Made?

First, carbon atoms exposed to a high temperature and pressure bond together and become crystals. Each diamond comprises billions of tiny atoms that all stick together to create a crystalline structure. But there are lots of things scientists don't know about diamonds, which adds to their charm. Nobody knows how long diamonds take to form, for example. 

Companies can also make artificial diamonds in labs. Scientists heat a fragment of a genuine diamond in a chamber at the same temperature as the surface of the sun. Then they fill the diamond with different gases that add layers to the diamond. However, nothing comes close to the allure of natural diamonds. 

How Are Diamonds Mined?

Miners remove layers of rock and sand above kimberlite rocks — volcanic rocks that form when the Earth's mantle melts. This process is time-consuming because of the vast quantities of rock involved. Miners use trucks, tunnels, and steam shovels to remove diamonds from the kimberlite rocks. Research suggests that 142 million carats of diamonds were produced from mines in 2019. 

Did you know diamonds are the hardest natural substance found on Earth?

How Are Diamonds Cut?

After mining, diamonds need to be shaped. The shaping process turns a rough stone into one of the beautiful gems you see in jewelry stores like David's House of Diamonds:

• A rough diamond is cleaned and sharpened with a steel blade or laser. 
• The diamond is placed in a cement or wax mold to hold it into place.
• The diamond is split at its weakest point with a special tool. 

Recommended reading: How to Choose the Perfect Diamond 

Looking for the Perfect Diamond?

Are you looking for the perfect diamond ring? David's House of Diamonds specializes in diamond engagement and wedding rings that suit all budgets and styles. Explore our bridal collection or book a consultation appointment!