A Few Fun Facts About Diamonds

While many of us are familiar with the gorgeous sparkle and brilliance of diamonds, there are many things you might not know about these special stones.

Diamonds are made from only one element: Carbon. Under the intense heat and pressure deep within the earth, carbon atoms crystalize to form these beautiful and unique stones. This process takes millions or even billions of years. Due to the immense time needed for new diamonds to form, the supply of diamonds continues to shrink, making diamonds a desirable and increasingly rare stone.

Diamonds come in a wide variety of colors. Blue, pink, yellow, the options are endless! It is a common misconception that white diamonds are more expensive than colored diamonds, when in fact the opposite is often true. Fancy colored diamonds are extremely rare; the more rare the color the higher the cost. Fancy red diamonds are the most rare and are coveted for their intense crimson color.

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth. They are rated at a 10 on the Mohs Hardness scale. In fact, the only thing that can scratch a diamond, is another diamond. This isn't to say that your diamonds cannot be damaged. Chips and fractures can occur when your diamond takes a strong impact especially along vulnerable areas like thin girdles or corners. Make sure to inspect your jewelry for any damage along the prongs or edges to ensure your diamond does not become more susceptible to breakage.

The first known use of a diamond engagement ring took place in the 15th century when Mary of Burgundy received a gold ring featuring an M spelled out in diamonds from Maxmillian of Austria. This sparked a trend among the aristocracy of Europe. Fast forward to the 1940s when the slogan "diamonds are forever" became popularized. The diamond industry boomed and the tradition of diamond engagement rings became cemented into our culture.