What is a Diamond?

A diamond is a true gem of the earth. Diamonds are a crystalline mineral found deep within the earth (between 120-200 kilometers) that takes as early as 45 millions of years to form. In actual fact, diamonds are igneous rocks (a rock that is crystallized and has solidified from magma, once the magma has cooled). Diamond formation requires the exposure of carbon-bearing materials found in the earth's upper mantle through very specific heat and pressure conditions and is mainly delivered to the earth's surface through violent volcanic explosions. Even though the vast majority of inorganic minerals found on earth are composed of a combination of chemical elements, diamonds are composed entirely of carbon.

A diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material known to man. In fact, the name diamond originated from the Greek word adamas, meaning invincible. Additionally, diamonds are known for their superlative physical strength. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, a scale created in 1812 by a German mineralogist named Friedrich Mohs, gives diamonds the highest rating of 10. The highest hardness rating proves that diamonds are the most scratch resistant natural substance known to man. However, a diamond can be scratched by another diamond.

The diamond acquired its unique status as "the ultimate gift of love" as far back as the fifteenth century. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise for marriage commenced in 1477 when the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. During that time, diamonds were viewed as talismans or charms that could enhance the love between husband and wife. Currently, the diamond still embodies the deep human expression of purity, strength, and eternal love.

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