Where Are Natural Diamonds Found?

Nature’s Most Captivating Treasures

Diamonds have fascinated people for thousands of years. In ancient Rome, soldiers thought they brought protection in battle. In the Middle Ages, people believed they could cure illnesses. Now, diamonds represent everlasting love and are used in 87% of engagement rings. Natural diamonds are remarkable because each one has its own unique story. That tale began deep underground and eventually ended up becoming someone's treasured piece of jewelry. Let’s explore how diamonds are formed, where they’re found, and how they end up reaching you. 

An Explosive and Ancient History

Natural diamonds are between one and three billion years old. They were made deep inside the Earth out of countless carbon atoms. Heat and pressure changed the atoms into diamond crystals. Volcanic activity eventually brought the diamonds to the surface, carried by magma. At the surface, the magma cooled and turned to rock, covering up the diamonds.

Where Natural Diamonds Are Found

Diamonds were first discovered in ancient India, where diamond mining began about 2,500 years ago. Rock erosion by rivers meant that diamonds were scattered into streams, where miners found them. India was the only place with diamond mining for thousands of years, so the stones were very expensive and unique. Only the most elite in society, such as kings and queens, could afford them.

Fast forward to 1866, when everything changed. Diamonds were found in South Africa, and at first they were only collected from rivers. Later, diamonds were discovered in solid rock far away from streams. Mines soon popped up, and diamonds quickly became more affordable, so common folk could finally afford them.

This is how the modern diamond industry began. Companies like De Beers established themselves and remain giants in the industry today. Diamond mines were later built in  other parts of Africa, Canada, Australia and Russia. 

How a Natural Diamond Gets to You

After mining, the stones need to be sorted. Then they are sent off for cutting and polishing. This process can take months and requires both computerized steps and manual labor done by skilled artisans. Most of the work is done by hand, using methods that have been perfected over time.

Once a diamond is cut and polished, it is examined according to the 4 C’s. This helps decide its worth. Then the diamond can be sold on the market. Manufacturers and designers buy diamonds to make jewelry which they then sell to jewelers like Laskers.

The last step happens when you visit Laskers to buy the perfect diamond piece. In finding that sparkling treasure and taking it home, the stone’s journey is complete. 

Ethical Diamonds

Customers sometimes worry about unethical diamond sources, a concern Laskers takes seriously. The Kimberley Process, created in 2000, prevents conflict diamonds from being sold. Backed by the UN, this rigorous process guarantees ethical stones. With Laskers, you're ensured conflict-free and environmentally responsible diamonds.

Find Your Natural Diamond at Laskers

Natural diamonds have quite a story to tell, from their ancient beginnings to becoming part of your shining jewelry. At Laskers, you can discover your own diamond for an engagement ring or something special. Ask one of our diamond experts to help you pick out the perfect stone today. 

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