Billions of years in the making
Diamonds were formed billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure when diamond-bearing ore was brought to the surface through volcanic eruption. After the magma cooled, it solidified into blue ground, or kimberlite, where precious rough diamonds are still found today. Rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are the hardest substances on earth, but their appeal goes far beyond durability

Adding to the mystery and aura of what make diamonds so sought-after, approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed in order to produce a single, one-carat, polished, gem-quality diamond.

Mining and cutting
It was over 4,000 years ago that the first diamonds were mined in India. Modern mining as we know it today began in South Africa in the late 19th century. Today, the top seven diamond-producing countries, accounting for 80 percent of the world’s rough diamond supply, are Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Australia and Zaire.