Do Diamonds Really Last Forever?
You’ve probably heard the infamous saying that a diamond is forever. Whether it’s from an infomercial on television or the title of a James Bond movie, the real question lies in how true the phrase is.
Diamonds are Forever
Renowned as showcase pieces known to bedazzle and amaze, diamonds have a history that delves deeper into mythology. Believed to be the very tears shed by gods, or splinters from falling stars, diamonds are formed deep within the Earth approximately 150 kilometres below the surface.
From a basic carbon form, the combination of intense heat and pressure creates a beautiful, unique crystalline structure known as the diamond. Deep volcanic eruptions move the rocks containing diamonds closer to the Earth’s surface where access to mining can be made.
Because diamonds are created under high pressure and heat, the properties of a diamond include hardness and high thermal conductivity unparalleled to any other naturally occurring material.
The composition of a diamond’s molecular structure is extremely robust. Thanks to its natural properties, a diamond will retain its structure indefinitely unless put under exorbitantly high temperatures and pressure comparable to how it was created in the first place.
So do diamonds really last forever? Comparative to the human lifespan, a diamond will theoretically last forever.
In a more scientific answer, everything degrades and decays due to entropy. Diamonds are not immune to the natural order of degradation and will degrade into graphite. Yes, graphite being the very same material you can find in your pencils.
And while degradation is inevitable, a standard size engagement ring would take billions of years to convert itself completely into graphite. So while diamonds will not technically last forever, they will outlast the human species, possibly our planet too, and perhaps most of the universe as well.
How are Diamonds Symbolic?
Given the fact that a diamond will most likely outlive Mother Earth, and the entire human race, gifting diamond jewellery to a loved one is symbolic in resembling eternity and love that will outlast time as we know it.
Where you source your diamonds is crucial as this impacts the pricing as they aren’t a one size fits all investment. Best certification and strongest saturation of colour are what you’d aim for as an investment item that could be passed on from generation to generation.
Quality is determined by the cut, colour, clarity and carat. It is strongly advised that you seek expert advice when shopping around as high retail markups can lead to substantial pocket losses. Other things to consider include return policies and after-sale customer support.
