Why Every Gem Diamond Is Extraordinary

Of the estimated one quadrillion tons of diamond locked deep within Earth, only a vanishingly small fraction has ever journeyed close enough to the surface to be found. That journey requires a rare volcanic event — a kimberlite eruption — that occurs perhaps once every few tens of millions of years.

Of the diamonds that do reach near-surface kimberlite pipes, the majority are microscopic specks unsuitable for gemstone use. Only around 20–30% of mined rough diamonds possess the clarity, colour, and size to be cut and polished into jewellery.

What this means is profound: the diamond on your finger has survived a journey of billions of years, extraordinary geological pressures, and vanishingly rare volcanic transport. It is, in every meaningful sense, one of the rarest objects you will ever hold.