Diamonds aren’t just April’s birthstone—they’re billion-year stories told in light. At Rare.diamonds, we pursue one thing relentlessly: precision cutting that unleashes every ray of brilliance. Here are my favorite bite-size truths to help you see diamonds the way a cutter does.

What Makes a Diamond… a Diamond?

  • Hardest natural material: Diamond tops the Mohs scale. That’s why we polish diamond with diamond. Toughness ≠ invincibility—sharp blows can still chip edges.

  • Ancient origin: Most gem diamonds formed over a billion years ago deep in the earth, then rode volcanic “elevators” to the surface.

  • Yes, they can burn: With enough oxygen and high heat (think intense fire or torch), carbon will oxidize. Respect the heat around your jewelry.

  • Color is a spectrum: Jewelry grading runs D–Z (colorless to light). Natural fancy colors—blue, green, orange, pink, red—are far rarer; yellow and brown are more common.

  • Carat is weight, not size: 1.00 ct = 0.20 g (about 0.007 oz). Face-up size also depends on cut and shape.

From Deep Earth to Your Hand

  • Birthplace & conditions: Roughly 90–120 miles down, under immense pressure and high temperature.

  • How they travel: Explosive kimberlite or lamproite pipes carried crystals upward; rivers later concentrated them into alluvial gravels.

  • Rarity in reality: Only a fraction of mined diamonds become fine gems—then an even smaller fraction are cut to peak optical performance.

Famous Stones I Never Tire Of

  • Cullinan: The 3,106 ct rough was divided into over a hundred stones; Cullinan I and II anchor royal regalia.

  • Hope Diamond: A 45.52 ct steely blue legend with a storied past—now the Smithsonian’s showstopper.

  • Wittelsbach-Graff: A historic Fancy Deep Blue whose color likely comes from boron; a masterclass in rarity.


Care Tips from the Bench

  • At home: Warm water, a drop of mild detergent, soft brush. Rinse thoroughly; dry with a lint-free cloth.

  • At the jeweler: Ultrasonic/steam can be excellent for secure settings—have prongs and pavé checked first.

  • Avoid buildup: Lotions, hair spray, kitchen oils, and sunscreen mute sparkle fast. Remove rings before applying.

America’s Public Diamond Park

Crater of Diamonds, Arkansas is the world’s only dig-your-own diamond site. Visitors have found tens of thousands of stones since the early 1900s, including the 40.23 ct “Uncle Sam.” Bring patience and curiosity.

Brian’s Performance Note

Cut is the engine of beauty. When proportions, optical symmetry, and polish align, you get the trifecta—brilliance, fire, scintillation—that performs in real life, not just under showcase lighting. That’s the standard we demand at Rare.diamonds.

Quick FAQ

Are diamonds indestructible?
No. They’re extremely hard, but a sharp impact or a thin edge can chip. Treat them like fine optics.

Can diamonds burn?
Yes—extreme heat plus oxygen can oxidize carbon. Keep jewelry away from high-heat sources.

How big is a 1-carat diamond?
It weighs 0.20 g. Face-up size varies by shape and cut; well-cut rounds balance spread and light return.

What makes a diamond look “whiter”?
True color grade helps, but precision cut amps brightness and contrast, which can make a diamond appear whiter face-up.

Where do fancy colors come from?
Trace elements and growth conditions—boron for many blues, nitrogen aggregates for many yellows, and complex lattice effects for pinks/reds.