A billion-year legacy: Why natural diamonds remain Earth’s rarest treasures

For a generation raised on the timeless adage ‘Diamonds are forever,’ these sparkling gems continue to captivate the imagination with their unmatched brilliance and enduring appeal. A diamond’s allure lies not just in its shine or physical properties like hardness, density, and chemical composition but also in the stories it carries and the emotions it symbolises. Beyond their glimmering exterior, diamonds carry deep emotional value, often passed down as heirlooms that symbolise love, legacy, and cherished memories. A diamond is a precious gift, especially on Valentine’s Day, as it signifies not just beauty and resilience but the depth of a relationship—something truly treasured is given only when the bond is valued.A natural diamond is a marvel that defies the ordinary—a gem that embodies authenticity, scarcity, and the timeless magic of nature. For those who seek not just any sparkle, but one of unmatched beauty and genuine origin, natural diamonds stand alone as Earth’s rarest treasures.“Natural diamonds are rare, and becoming increasingly rare, with diamond recovery having dropped by 30% since 2005 and no significant new diamond deposits being discovered in recent times. They are so scarce that all natural diamonds of 5 carats and above, recovered annually from around the world, would fit into a single basketball!” says Richa Singh, MD, India and middle East, Natural Diamond Council (NDC)Nuggets of Magic“Natural diamonds are limited so it makes them more valuable & exclusive. For customers they have an emotional value. The colour and unique character traits that make them truly special.” says Celebrity Jewellery Designer, Rahul PopliNurtured in Earth’s WombNatural diamonds are the result of an incredible geological journey, one that began billions of years ago, deep beneath the Earth’s surface.Ancient treasuresNatural diamonds are timeless, formed between 90 million and 3.5 billion years ago, while the formation of Earth is dated 4.5 billion years ago; buried 90 to 150 miles beneath the Earth’s surface—witnesses to eras we can only imagine. They are the oldest thing you will ever hold in your hand.Absolutely rareNo two natural diamonds are alike. Out of every million diamonds mined, only one will weigh over a carat and possess the clarity needed for fine jewellery. It’s truly a one-in-a-million find!Born of fire and furyAt intense temperatures of 2,000°F and pressures reaching 725,000 pounds per square inch, carbon atoms crystallise to become natural diamonds, creating one of nature’s toughest masterpieces.Delivered by Earth’s powerHigh heat, pressure and possibility of being found and coming to the surface by a volcanic eruption is rare. Their journey to the surface is pure chance, as only 1% of volcanic eruptions in history contain recoverable diamonds.“They’re hundreds of millions or even billions of years old, which gives them a special allure. To me the entire point is that all of these atoms & molecules are formed into a near-perfect crystal within the Earth. If it’s within your budget and you’re drawn to the unique qualities of a natural stone, it’s worth choosing one.” says Popular Beauty and Fashion Content Creator, Sana Grover.Tips for buying natural diamondsKnow the 4 Cs:Prioritise cut for brilliance, colour (D-Z scale), clarity (fewer blemishes), and carat weight. Opt for well-cut diamonds, even if slightly smaller.Check for uniformity:Ask if the colour and clarity bands of all the diamonds in your jewellery are uniform so as to confirm you are paying for the right thing.Check certification:Ask if you will get a certificate for the diamond and the mounted jewellery. GIA & IGI certify the single diamond before mounting. Trusted brands also give a certificate for the jewellery after the diamond is fixed in it.Choose reputable sellers:Opt for trusted jewellers with clear return and buyback policies. Genuine sellers will always provide well-defined terms for authenticity and resale.Ask about upgrades:Look for jewellers offering lifetime upgrades or trade-ins.Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Tanishq by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.