Diamonds are made from pure carbon, earth's most common element and the hardest natural substance known to man. Diamonds were formed eons ago under incredible heat and pressure deep in the earth. Great volcanic upheavals millions of years ago forced the "blue earth" containing diamonds to the surface where they were scattered along rivers and into the oceans.

The first river-bed (alluvial) diamonds were probably discovered in India, around 800 B.C. The volcanic source of these diamonds was never discovered, but the alluvial deposits were rich enough to supply most of the world's diamonds until the eighteenth century.

Only about 20% of all mined diamonds could be considered of gem quality. From 35 to 250 tons of gravel and sand must be processed today to recover one rough diamond from the world's depleting diamond deposits. Experts estimate that all known supplies of diamonds will be gone within 30 to 40 years. 75 – 80% of all diamonds mined are used for industrial applications such as drilling, grinding, or sawing. The rest are used for jewelry or investment. Less than 2% are of such high quality that they may be considered investment quality.

On average, 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed to produce a one carat diamond of gem quality. When the mining operation is completed, sorters look at rough Diamonds, separating them into small piles by shape, size, and quality, a time consuming process.

The earliest record of Diamond-polishing is Indian, and probably dates from the fourteenth century. The earliest reference to diamond cutting is in l550 in Antwerp, the most important diamond center of the period, where a diamond-cutters' guild was to be established.  Today, 90 percent of diamond jewelry is made from Diamonds mined in African countries with the rest mined in Australia, South America, Canada and Russia.

The word "Diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable, suggesting the eternity of love. In fact, Diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love since ancient Greece. When discovered about 2500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, perhaps crystallized lighting or hardened dewdrops.

Traditionally, the Diamond is the accepted birthstone of April. And, besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, it is the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. 

Although Diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright color- green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. These “Fancy” color Diamonds are highly prized.  Occasionally, to improve appearances, Diamonds are laser-drilled and sometimes, a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures. Diamonds may also be irradiated and/or heated to induce “fancy” colors.

Even though is it the most durable of gemstones, care should be taken to protect a Diamond from sharp blows. To clean, you may use a jewelry cleaner, lukewarm soapy water and a small bristle brush, soak in half- and half solution of cold water and ammonia for ½ hour, or a home ultrasonic machine with its recommended cleaner.

In 1939 De Beers introduced the criteria for Diamonds determining the gem quality by a combination of four distinct factors. These are called the 4 "C's". Cut, Color, Carat and Clarity. Each diamond is unique, with its own individual beauty.

Many of the rarest Diamonds occur by rare occurrences of nature in shades of pink, blue, green, amber, or even red. These diamonds are referred to as “Fancy" diamonds and are evaluated by a different set of color standards. Fancy diamonds are the most expensive due to their extreme rarity. Some of the “Fancies” may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for diamonds of one carat or less!