Natural Diamonds Guide
Natural diamonds have captivated us for centuries. Formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, each one is a rare, unrepeatable creation with unmatched fire and brilliance. If you're wondering what makes a natural diamond so special, and how to choose the perfect one, read our natural diamond buying guide to learn everything you need to know.
What are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle, around 150 kilometres below the surface, where extreme heat and immense pressure transform pure carbon into the hardest natural material known to exist. This astonishing process takes between one and three billion years. Brought towards the surface by ancient volcanic activity, natural diamonds are then carefully mined, cut and polished to reveal the extraordinary sparkle they're famous for. Every natural diamond is completely unique, a genuine wonder of nature that can never be exactly replicated.
Why buy Natural Diamonds?
1. Rarity & Value
Natural diamonds are finite and increasingly rare. Because supply is limited and demand endures, they hold their value beautifully over time, making them a meaningful investment as well as a treasured possession.
2. Timeless Beauty
No two natural diamonds are alike. Formed over billions of years, each stone carries its own character and delivers the exceptional fire, brilliance and scintillation that only nature can create.
3. Heritage & Tradition
For generations, the natural diamond has been the ultimate symbol of enduring love. Choosing one connects you to a rich tradition and creates an heirloom to be passed down through your family.
How are Natural Diamonds formed?
Natural diamonds take between one and three billion years to form, long before humankind existed. Their journey from deep within the Earth to a finished piece of jewellery is nothing short of remarkable. Pure carbon crystallises under extreme heat and pressure, is carried towards the surface by ancient volcanic activity, and is finally mined, cut and polished into the diamonds we treasure today.
Step 1: Carbon Deep Below
Pure carbon lies deep within the Earth's mantle, around 150km beneath the surface.
Step 2: Heat & Pressure
Extreme heat and immense pressure crystallise the carbon into rough diamond.
Step 3: Volcanic Rise
Ancient volcanic eruptions carry the diamonds up towards the Earth's surface.
Step 4: Mined & Polished
The rough diamond is mined, then expertly cut and polished, ready to wear.
Are Natural Diamonds a Good Investment?
Yes. Natural diamonds are one of the few luxury purchases that can retain, and even grow in, value. Because they are a finite natural resource with lasting global demand, high-quality certified natural diamonds tend to hold their worth over the long term, particularly larger stones with excellent 4Cs. Beyond their financial value, they carry sentimental and heirloom value that only deepens with time.
Natural Diamonds vs.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Natural and lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical. Both are real diamonds and impossible to tell apart by eye. The key difference is origin. Natural diamonds are formed by nature over billions of years and mined from the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks in a laboratory. Because they are rare and finite, natural diamonds command a premium and retain their value over time, whereas lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable, larger-for-your-budget alternative. Both are beautiful choices, and it simply comes down to what matters most to you.
How to Buy Natural Diamond Jewellery
All of our diamond jewellery is available with beautiful natural diamonds. When selecting your piece, simply choose "Natural Diamonds" from the options before adding to your cart. Whether you're buying a ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings, you can create the perfect piece, and every natural diamond we set is GIA certified, UK hallmarked and crafted in the heart of Hatton Garden, with free UK delivery.
Natural Diamond Tips
Cut
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs and determines how much a diamond sparkles. A well-cut natural diamond reflects light beautifully through the top of the stone, so always prioritise cut quality for maximum fire and brilliance.
Colour
Natural diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). The nearer to colourless, the rarer and more valuable the stone. Grades D to F are truly colourless, while G to J appear near-colourless to the eye and offer excellent value.
Clarity
Clarity measures the tiny natural inclusions formed inside the diamond. Fewer inclusions mean a rarer, more valuable stone. Grades of VS2 and above are typically 'eye-clean', with no imperfections visible to the naked eye.