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44 Amazing Things You Never Knew About Diamonds



  • Most diamonds are formed over thousands of years deep with the Earth's crust under extreme heat and pressure, and are found mostly in Kimberlite, a type of volcanic rock.
  • Today diamonds are mined in 25 countries.  The top producing countries are Australia, Botswana, Zaire, South Africa, Russia Angola and Namibia. These seven countries account for 80% of the worlds diamond supply.  Australia is the top producer in terms of volume.
  • Diamonds are composed completely of carbon, a diamond is clear in color, but if crushed it will turn black.
  • 80% of the worlds diamonds are not suitable for jewelry, and are instead used for industrial purposes.
  • Diamonds are being increasingly used in the production of semiconductor's, electronics, and other computer related products. With the exception of blue colored diamonds, diamond's are very good insulator. Most blue colored diamonds have boron impurities which actually make them good conductors of electricity.
  • Most diamonds have a bit of yellow coloring.  It is believed this is due to nitrogen in the stone.
  • Most Diamonds are formed between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earths surface.
  • Occasional small micro diamonds form when meteors crash into the surface of the earth.
  • Entrepreneur's who controlled early diamond mines from the 1800's through World War I were known as Randlords.
  • The name "diamond" comes from the Greek form of the word adamas, meaning invincible.
  • Diamonds were first discovered in India - over 2000 years ago. The first diamonds were alluvial stones found along river beds.
  • It is believed that the first ever engagement diamond ring was given to Mary of Burgundy of Austria in 1477. The ring was placed on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed a vein from that finger connected directly to the heart. While this is untrue the custom remains popular.
  • The diamond is the birthstone for April, and the traditional gift for the 60th anniversary.
  • Astronomer Thomas Metcalfe of Harvard-Smithsonain Center for Astrophysics believes that a diamond is at the core of a white dwarf star designated BPM 37093. He estimates the diamond is 4000 KM in diameter.
  • Carbon which is the main component of diamonds is much more abundant on the moon than it is on earth. Many scientists believe that diamonds will eventually be found on the moon.
  • Some researchers at Berkley have conducted experiments on elements of the atmosphere of Uranus and Neptune and discovered that it is possible for those elements to form into small diamond dust particles. They even believe that during atmospheric storms it could be raining diamonds.
  • According to legend, a diamond brought luck if worn into battle. Believing this legend Napoleon had the 20 carat Hortensia Diamond sewn into the epaulet braid of his uniform.
  • The Greeks believed diamonds were tears from the Gods that fell from Mount Olympus. While the ancient Romans believed that were splinters from the stars in sky.
  • Americans buy more than half the world's diamonds making it the world's largest diamond market.
  • Synthetic diamonds were created beginning in the 1950's.  Gem quality synthetic came into the market in the 1990's.
  • The 4C's in the diamond industry are cut, clarity, carat, and color.  This is what is used to determine the value of a diamond.  Cut is usually the most important factor in valuing a diamond.
  • Diamonds come in a rainbow of colors, most buyers prefer clear colors. However diamonds which are colored through natural processes are some of the most rare and valuable diamonds on earth. Diamonds come in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, teal, pink, and even black.
  • Approximately 130 million carats of diamonds are mined each year valued at approximately 9 billion dollars.
  • Retail sales for diamond jewelry in the United States in 2006 was over 50 billion dollars.
  • Diamond size and weight are physical characteristics and can be measured by anyone. Diamonds are color graded by the human eye of trained gemologists.
  • There are currently three gemstone grading organizations the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gemological Society (AGS) and the Diamond High Council (HRD).
  • Diamond are measured by special weight measurement known as a carat. One carat equals 200 milligrams
  • Since diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, they are used to cut, grind and polish other hard surfaces.  Diamonds are used to fashion ceramics, metals, concrete, computer chips and eyeglasses.
  • You can buy a Bently GT with diamond studded rims for only 1 million dollars.
  • For Super Bowl XLI Pepsi gave away a diamond encrusted Pepsi can valued at over $100,000.
  • Diamond Touch Golf Clubs makes a golf club with a 12 carat diamond in the head.
  • Mary Pickford a well known Hollywood actress of the early 1900's, was only allowed to appear on screen wearing no other jewelry except a simple strand of pearls, to maintain her girl next door image. In reality she adored large diamond and gemstone jewelry. She owned both the 60-carat Star of Bombay and the 200-carat Star of India and often wore both at the same time.
  • Whoopi Goldberg holds the record for the most expensive clothing ever worn. In 1999 she appeared in an Elizabethan costume covered with diamonds, and other precious stones valued at over 40 million dollars.
  • One of Elizabeth Taylors most prized possessions is her famous Krupp Diamond ring. She worn it in every film she's made since she owned it, and it even appeared on her finger in her cameo appearance of the Simpsons.
  • The phrase "Diamonds are Girl's Best Friend" was first sung by Marilyn Monroe in "Gentleman Prefer Blondes". Other note able performances came from Carol Channing, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minougue, Rihanna, Della Reese, Emma Harris, Connie Fisher, and legions of fans on YouTube.