Diamonds, formed over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle, are the hardest natural known substance and are made up almost entirely of carbon atoms. These carbon atoms are arranged in a crystal structure known as diamond cubic. Under the immense pressure and high temperature of the Earth’s mantle, carbon atoms bond in a unique way that results in diamonds' incredible hardness and high dispersion of light. The latter property gives diamonds their characteristic sparkle, a quality highly prized in jewelry. The process of diamond formation—from carbon to crystalline—can take 1 to 3.3 billion years, which is approximately 25% to 75% of the age of the Earth.
Diamonds are not only sought after for their beauty but also for their utility in various industrial applications. Due to their extraordinary hardness, diamonds are ideal for cutting, grinding, or drilling various materials. This makes them invaluable in industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing. Furthermore, diamonds have a high thermal conductivity, making them excellent heat sinks in electronics such as semiconductor devices and high-performance microprocessors.
The geographical distribution of diamond mines is predominantly in regions like Africa, Russia, and Canada, which together account for the majority of the world's diamond production. Botswana, in particular, is one of the largest producers of gem-quality diamonds. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa in the 1860s led to the famous “diamond rush,” and the establishment of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888 by Cecil Rhodes, a key figure in the diamond industry. The control and distribution of diamonds have historically been managed by a few major companies, which established an almost monopolistic hold over the diamond market until the end of the 20th century.
The cultural impact of diamonds is profound, symbolizing wealth, luxury, and emotional commitment, particularly in the context of engagement rings and wedding bands. The tradition of diamond engagement rings was popularized by a marketing campaign by De Beers in the 1940s with the slogan “A Diamond is Forever.” This effectively linked diamonds with the concept of eternal love and commitment, a notion that has persisted in many cultures around the world. Additionally, diamonds have often been associated with mystical powers and are believed to offer benefits such as strength, courage, and invincibility, adding to their allure and perceived value.