Diamond

Diamond is the ultimate symbol of enduring love, strength and commitment, cherished across cultures and generations for its unparalleled brilliance, sparkle and legendary hardness. The diamond has held a special place in history and romance, adorning crowns, regalia and cherished jewellery for centuries. Composed entirely of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure, diamond forms deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and temperature over millions to billions of years.  

This remarkable formation process is responsible for diamond’s unique optical properties and its status as the hardest known natural material on Earth, ranking at a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. No other gemstone matches a diamond’s hardness, making it highly resistant to scratching and ideal for everyday jewellery, particularly diamond engagement rings and wedding bands designed to be worn for a lifetime. 

Diamonds are meticulously graded according to the universally recognised “Four Cs”—carat, cut, colour and clarity—with each factor contributing to a diamond’s overall value, beauty and individuality.  

“Carat” refers to the stone’s weight (measured in metric carats, where 1 carat equals 0.2 grams); “cut” describes the craftsmanship, symmetry and proportions that unlock a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle; “colour” grades range from colourless (graded D) to light yellow or brown, though rare fancy colours like vivid yellow, pink, blue, green and even red are prized by collectors and can command extraordinary prices. “Clarity” assesses the presence of natural inclusions or blemishes, which are unique to each diamond and can enhance its character. 

While the classic colourless (white) diamond remains the most iconic and traditional choice for engagement rings, fancy-coloured diamonds such as chocolate, canary yellow, blush pink, icy blue or rich cognac, are increasingly sought after by those looking for a unique and luxurious statement piece. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds, like the Hope Diamond (blue), the Pink Star and the Golden Jubilee, showcase the spectacular range of hues that diamonds can exhibit.  

Canadian diamonds, in particular, are highly regarded for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins. Canada has emerged as a major diamond producer, with mines in the Northwest Territories and northern Quebec leading the way in sustainable and traceable diamond extraction. Canadian diamonds are laser-inscribed with unique identification numbers, offering peace of mind to those seeking conflict-free and environmentally conscious gemstones. 

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale) – Diamond stands alone as the hardest naturally occurring substance on the planet, meaning it is virtually immune to scratching (except by another diamond) and can endure daily wear for generations. Its durability makes it a practical and symbolic choice for engagement rings and other jewellery meant to be worn constantly. 

Colour: Diamonds are found in a dazzling array of colours. The vast majority are near-colourless, with a grading scale from D (absolutely colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Fancy-coloured diamonds, such as yellow, blue, pink, green and even red, are much rarer and often highly valuable. The intensity and purity of a diamond’s colour, especially in fancy varieties, can significantly affect its price and desirability. 

Origin: Major sources of natural diamonds include Canada, Russia, Botswana, South Africa and Australia. Canadian diamonds are renowned not only for their high quality but also for the stringent ethical and environmental standards upheld during mining and production. This transparency and commitment to responsible practices make Canadian diamonds especially appealing to environmentally and socially conscious consumers. 

Notable Fact: Diamonds have been revered for thousands of years, symbolizing love, invincibility and clarity of spirit. They have been featured in myths and legends from ancient India to Rome, and their enduring allure has ensured their place in royal jewels and the world’s most famous treasures. The tradition of the diamond engagement ring, now an iconic expression of lasting love, gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century but has roots stretching back to the Renaissance. Diamonds are frequently passed down as family heirlooms, carrying stories and memories across generations, and remain the gemstone of choice for celebrating one of life’s greatest milestones.