Why is it that a diamond, and not any other beautiful gem, is used prevalently in engagement and wedding rings? It’s just a rock, like any other, so why is it that the diamond is the premiere jewel of love and romance?

Mankind has been fascinated by diamonds for ages. It truly is a remarkable stone, known widely for both its incredible hardness and durability, and its beautiful, sparkling clarity.  It is the hardest known substance found in nature – and even then, it is only bested by a mere two manufactured substances: aggregated diamond nanorods, and ultrahard fullerite. A diamond is nearly invulnerable – it can only be scratched by four substances in the world: other diamonds, Borazon, and the aforementioned nanorods and fullerite.

The diamond’s trademark, and aesthetic trait that sets it apart from other gems, is its clarity. It collects, refracts, and disperses light. A diamond sparkles in any light, and the light it casts is often refracted into a prism. In the right environment, a well-cut and set diamond ring will seem to be alight with its own bright, inner glow.

De Beers’ famous slogan, “A Diamond Is Forever,” is perhaps the most widely accepted definition of the diamond’s symbolism. The gift of diamond jewelry is a declaration of love or devotion that will be as durable and long-lasting as a diamond, and as clear and pure. A diamond set in an engagement ring is a symbol and promise of perfect love – sparkling clear and pure, and enduring eternally, just as the diamond that tops the ring.