10 Facts about Diamonds (that You might not Know)

Diamonds have always fascinated us with their beauty and the mystery surrounding their

origin. But how much do we really know about these extraordinary gems?

There’s much more behind a diamond: we know them for luxury, price, and, unfortunately,

also for the geopolitical controversies they can create.

But that’s not all. At JW24, diamonds are our constant thought.

We don’t trade natural stones, but lab-grown ones, identical in every way to real stones,

but with greater attention to respecting the environment and workers.

Don’t miss the 10 facts about diamonds (that you might not know) and discover all our jewelry

in our online shop.

1. Diamonds are born at incredible depths

Diamonds form about 150 kilometers below the Earth’s surface, where extreme temperatures and pressures transform carbon into precious crystals.

This transformation takes millions of years, and diamonds are brought to the surface through

violent volcanic eruptions that embed them within rocks called kimberlites.

To extract these precious stones, as you can imagine, enormous technological,

physical, and human efforts are required. Fortunately, today it is possible to replicate these geophysical conditions in

laboratories, producing diamonds identical to natural ones. I Lab-grown diamonds

not only offer the same quality and purity, but also represent a more

responsible choice compared to mined diamonds, avoiding the consumption of natural resources and reducing

environmental impact.

2. Their origins are ancient

The oldest diamonds ever discovered are over 4 billion years old, making them among the

longest-lasting materials on the planet. Prehistoric diamonds formed when the Earth was still

young and going through phases of intense geological activity. Natural diamonds are therefore

an extraordinary legacy of Earth’s past.

This means that a natural diamond you buy today could be between

1 and 3.5 billion years old.

3. The color of diamonds is not just transparent

Although the classic colorless diamond is the most well-known, there are gems in vibrant hues

such as pink, blue, green, and yellow. A diamond’s color is determined by the presence

of chemical impurities or structural defects during the formation process.

For example, blue diamonds contain traces of boron, while yellow diamonds owe their

hue to the presence of nitrogen. Lab-grown diamonds offer the possibility to

recreate these extraordinary hues through precise control of chemical elements

during the growth process.

4. They can withstand extreme heat

Diamond is known to be the hardest natural substance in the world, but it is also

extremely resistant to heat. It can reach temperatures of about 1405°C before

starting to burn, a characteristic that makes it ideal not only for jewelry but

also for technological applications.

For instance, diamonds are used in lasers, industrial cutting tools, and

even as semiconductors in advanced electronic devices. After all, the “womb” that

hosts them during their birth has temperatures of 1300°C and pressures between 45 and 60

kilobars, or 45,000-60,000 times atmospheric pressure.

Such conditions can only create indestructible stones.

5. Some diamonds come from space

Meteorites can contain tiny diamonds formed during stellar explosions.

Known as nanodiamonds, they develop under extreme pressures and temperatures created by

cosmic events, such as supernovae or collisions between celestial bodies. Although not usable

for jewelry, they represent a fascinating testimony to the processes that occur

in space.

6. The rarity of large diamonds

In some films, we see diamonds of considerable size that fit in the palm of a

hand. But is it true? Is it possible for a diamond to be so large?

Only one diamond in a thousand exceeds one carat after being cut and polished. The

formation of large diamonds is a rare and complex process that requires extremely specific

geological conditions.

However, lab-grown diamond technology allows us to overcome these

limitations, offering larger gems with the same purity and brilliance as

natural ones.

This is possible thanks to advanced techniques such as the HPHT (High Pressure High

Temperature) method or the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method, which allow control over

every aspect of the diamond growth process.

The result is a range of options spanning from small diamonds perfect for refined details

to large carat gems ideal for unique and spectacular creations.

7. Nanotechnologies reveal new perspectives on diamonds

In candle flames, diamond nanoparticles can be found. Although invisible to

the naked eye, this phenomenon demonstrates how diamonds can form in unexpected

contexts, expanding their scientific fascination.

Nanotechnologies are exploring ways to use these particles in revolutionary

applications, such as in medical treatments, industrial coatings, and even electronic

devices. The ability to create diamonds at the nano level opens up new possibilities for advanced

materials, offering opportunities that go well beyond traditional jewelry.

8. Diamond rain on other planets

Uranus and Neptune, thanks to the presence of methane in their atmospheres, might

experience diamond rain under the effect of extreme pressures. Laboratory experiments

have shown that methane, subjected to temperature and pressure conditions similar to those

present on these planets, separates into hydrogen and carbon, with

the latter crystallizing into diamonds.

Although this phenomenon cannot be observed directly, it offers a fascinating perspective

on how widespread diamonds are in the universe, even in environments extremely

different from ours.

9. Not all diamonds are crystalline

Carbonados, also known as black diamonds, are a polycrystalline variety. They have a unique

structure and high porosity, making them extraordinary both for their aesthetic aspect and for their

industrial applications.

Unlike transparent diamonds, carbonados are opaque and often used for cutting

or drilling tools due to their exceptional resistance. Their origin is still

a subject of scientific debate: some researchers believe they formed on Earth,

while others hypothesize an extraterrestrial origin linked to meteorite impacts.

10. Lab-grown diamonds: identical and sustainable

Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical and physical composition as their

natural counterparts. They are indistinguishable without specific tests, but their production is ethical

and environmentally friendly, offering a conscious choice for those seeking responsible luxury.

Their growth requires significantly less energy consumption compared to

natural diamond extraction, reducing the environmental and social impact associated with

mines.

Moreover, the ability to produce diamonds on demand allows for meeting the specific needs

of designers and clients, ensuring a personalized and high-quality product.

With lab-grown diamonds, it’s possible to combine science, sustainability, and beauty in a single extraordinary

jewel.

Explore our collection on JW24 to find the perfect lab-grown diamond, where

science, beauty, and responsibility meet.

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