All about Diamonds

What is a Diamond?

Diamond is one of the most renowned and beloved gemstones, used as adornment since ancient times. Its rarity and captivating brilliance earned it a place among the traditional four precious gemstones.

A diamond’s exceptional qualities come from its unique chemical composition and crystal structure. It forms deep within the Earth — more than 100 kilometers beneath the surface — under intense heat and pressure. This environment creates a pure carbon mineral with an isometric crystal structure, meaning all carbon atoms are bonded equally in every direction. This structure is what gives diamond its legendary hardness.

Diamonds are made almost entirely of carbon, with only about 0.05% trace elements influencing their color, clarity, and other characteristics. This purity also contributes to their unmatched brilliance among transparent gemstones, a beauty that became even more iconic with the rise of diamond marketing campaigns led by the De Beers Consortium.

Where are Diamonds from?

Natural diamonds form 150–200 kilometers beneath the Earth’s mantle and are brought closer to the surface through volcanic activity. Today, diamonds are mined in Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Russia, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Australia, and other countries.

Every deposit produces diamonds of varying quality and size, but most gem-quality diamonds come from Africa, Canada, and Russia.

The Origin

The word diamond is believed to come from the Greek word adamas, meaning "indestructible." Originally, adamas referred to anything considered unbreakable, but over time, it became synonymous with the strongest material known to man — diamond.

Diamond Standards and Gradings

What Determines a Diamond's Quality?

No two diamonds are exactly alike. Each stone carries unique traits, brought to life by skilled lapidaries who balance beauty and value.

The most widely recognized standard for assessing diamond quality is known as the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These factors are interconnected — a change in one can meaningfully affect the others.

Ultimately, the “right” diamond depends on your personal taste. Some people prioritize brilliance, others size, others purity. There’s no wrong answer — just what resonates most with you.

Diamond Certification

Certified gemologists use specialized equipment to measure a diamond’s weight, dimensions, and quality characteristics.

At Golden Eiffel, every diamond is individually inspected by our veteran gemologists and jewelers, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and consistency.

All Golden Eiffel diamonds come with a grading report — often called a diamond certificate — detailing the expert evaluation of the stone’s quality. We proudly offer diamonds graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world leader in diamond certification.

How is Diamond Grading Decided?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) pioneered modern diamond grading, introducing the 4 Cs system that remains the global standard today.

Thanks to GIA’s work, jewelers, appraisers, and buyers all speak the same language when it comes to evaluating diamond quality.

Golden Eiffel Diamonds

At Golden Eiffel, we are committed to offering only diamonds of the highest standards, carefully selected for their exceptional performance across the 4 Cs.

Learn more about our philosophy and dedication to quality

The 4 Cs

Developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat — form the global standard for assessing a diamond’s quality and value. Each “C” tells part of the diamond’s story, and together, they help you make the most informed and confident choice.

1. Cut

The most crucial factor for sparkle. Cut determines how well a diamond reflects light, affecting its brilliance, fire, and scintillation. A well-cut diamond brings a stone to life.

Explore Diamond Cut.

2. Color

Color refers to the diamond’s natural body color, graded from colorless to light yellow. The less color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.

See Diamond Color Guide.

3. Clarity

Clarity measures the presence of internal or surface features, known as inclusions and blemishes. Fewer imperfections typically mean a higher clarity grade.

Diamond Shapes

Shape describes the physical outline of the diamond — such as round, oval, pear, or emerald. Shape influences a diamond’s personality, how big it appears, and how it suits your personal style.

Browse Diamond Shapes.

Are natural diamonds rare?

Yes — natural diamonds are rare because they form under extreme geological conditions over billions of years. Only a small percentage of mined diamonds are of gem quality.

Why are diamonds suitable for jewelry?

Diamonds aren't just beautiful — they're also incredibly tough, which makes them perfect for jewelry you can wear every day without worry. Their timeless sparkle, deep symbolism, and lasting durability are why diamonds have stayed at the top for centuries, even with so many other gemstones out there.

Are all diamonds perfectly white?

No — diamonds come in a spectrum from colorless to light yellow or brown. Some rare diamonds naturally occur in fancy colors like pink, blue, green, and more.

What's the difference between a diamond and other white gemstones?

While stones like moissanite, white sapphire, or cubic zirconia may look similar, diamonds have unmatched hardness, brilliance, and fire due to their unique carbon structure.

What is an "heirloom diamond"?

An heirloom diamond is a diamond passed down through generations. Often, these stones carry sentimental value beyond their material worth — and can be reset into modern designs while preserving the family legacy.

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