diamond engagement ring and wedding band - history of diamondsdiamond engagement ring and wedding band - history of diamonds

A Brief History of Diamonds


Learn how diamonds formed geologically and how they became the virtual standard for engagement ring stones in this brief history of diamonds.

3 Minute Read

How Did Diamonds Form?

Scientists have found evidence that diamonds formed in several ways.

Around 90 miles (145 km) below the surface in areas of the Earth’s mantle, temperatures reach 2,000° F (1,093° C). Diamonds form at these depths at those temperatures and under extremely high pressure, then fast-moving magma from deep-source volcanic eruptions bring them to the surface.

Very small diamonds have also been found in rocks from tectonic plates (large areas of the Earth crust) subducted into the Earth’s mantle and then returned to the surface.

Asteroid impact sites have yielded tiny diamonds as well. Researchers believe that the temperature and pressure from these impacts may suffice to form diamonds.

Diamonds also occur extraterrestrially. Some meteorites contain microscopic diamonds not formed by impacts. In 2004, astronomers discovered a white dwarf star in the constellation Centaurus that has crystallized into a diamond. “Lucy,” as astronomers have nicknamed this remnant, has a diameter of 2,500 miles (4.023 km) and weighs 10 billion trillion trillion carats!

Does Coal Play a Role in Forming Diamonds?

Although both coal and diamond contain primarily carbon, the answer is likely no. Most coal is a byproduct of terrestrial plants, particularly forests. The earliest known…


International Gem Society

Related Articles

More Articles
Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Diamond is the most romanticized and heavily marketed of all gemstones. Nearly every jewelry establishment handles diamonds, even if it...
Read More
What Customers Value Most in the Jewelry Insurance Buying Experience

What Customers Value Most in the Jewelry Insurance Buying Experience

There are a lot of considerations when buying jewelry insurance. Here's how to find the best policy provider.
Read More
An Interview with “Diamond Wizard” Maarten de Witte: Part 4

An Interview with “Diamond Wizard” Maarten de Witte: Part 4

The American Rose Brilliant Cut© is an innovative design by diamond cutter Maarten de Witte. Learn how he created it...
Read More
An Interview with “Diamond Wizard” Maarten de Witte: Part 2

An Interview with “Diamond Wizard” Maarten de Witte: Part 2

“Diamond Wizard” Maarten de Witte faced many obstacles getting into the diamond trade. In this interview, he explains how he...
Read More

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/a-brief-history-of-diamonds/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/a-brief-history-of-diamonds/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/a-brief-history-of-diamonds/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!