-Elaine B Jewelry's-
Diamonds 101: History, Types, and the Sparkle Behind the Stone
You probably know that diamonds are often considered the most valuable and sought-after stones on the planet. One of the main reasons being, diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. Its name actually comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” In addition, they’re SPARKLY! Polished diamonds can refract and reflect light to sparkle with a particular brilliance that has captivated the minds of people for a millennia.
Today, we’re talking all about diamonds!
xo Elaine
Diamonds 101: History, Types, and the Sparkle Behind the Stone
Diamonds are forever, literally.
They’ve been worn by royalty, passed down through families, and picked out nervously in jewelry stores for proposals. People have been obsessed with them for centuries, and once you learn a few diamond facts, it’s not hard to see why.
Now, why are diamonds so special? For starters, they’re the hardest natural material on Earth. Their name comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning “invincible” or “unbreakable.”
Also, the history of diamonds goes back centuries. They were once believed to protect warriors in battle, heal sickness, and ward off evil. Over time, they became symbols of wealth, power, and eventually, love. Fast-forward to now, and they’re still one of the most sought-after stones on the planet.
Today, we’re digging into diamonds: their long history, the many types you’ll see today, and the science behind the sparkle no one can ignore.
The Fascinating History of Diamonds
Diamonds were first collected from riverbeds in India as early as 400 BCE. At the time, they were prized for their rarity and were used in trade, talismans, and religious objects.
By the 1400s, diamonds had made their way into European royal circles. One iconic moment in diamond engagement rings history came in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring, setting a long-standing tradition into motion.
Over the years, discoveries of larger stones only added to their fame. The Cullinan, the largest rough diamond ever found, weighed over 3,000 carats and produced several famous diamonds, including the Great Star of Africa in the British Crown Jewels.
The Royal Sceptre shown in Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Portrait.
Symbolism and Meaning of Diamonds
For centuries, diamond symbolism has been linked to qualities like strength, clarity, and longevity. Ancient cultures believed these stones could heal illness, protect against misfortune, and even act as safeguards against poison.
Slowly, the meaning of diamonds shifted. Instead of mystical powers, they came to represent enduring love and lifelong commitment.
But why diamonds for engagement rings? A big reason goes back to 1947, when De Beers launched its famous campaign with the line “A Diamond Is Forever.” The phrase cemented diamonds as the ultimate symbol of lasting love, a role they still hold today.
We love how this engagement tradition has evolved overtime to include other stones like sapphires, salt & pepper diamonds, and more!
^De Beers famous marketing campaign from 1947.
^EBJ's very own alternative engagement rings.Types of Diamonds: A Complete Guide
Not all diamonds are the same. Beyond the classic clear stone you see in most rings, there are many varieties, each with its own story, style, and value.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds form deep in the earth under extreme heat and pressure. Each one is made entirely of carbon and can take billions of years to develop. You’ll find them in a wide range of colors and clarities.
Our jewelry shop in Cincinnati also loves working with recycled and heirloom diamonds. Whether it’s a grandparent’s wedding ring or a vintage earring reimagined into something new, these pieces are a beautiful way to bring sustainable, ethical diamonds into your collection without sacrificing quality or sentiment.
Lab-Created Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds (also called lab-created diamonds) are real diamonds; just made above ground instead of under it. Scientists replicate the natural diamond-forming process using high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods.
We source lab diamonds from trusted U.S.-based partners. Every stone is certified and comes from a vendor who follows internationally recognized environmental standards. If you’re looking for a sustainable diamond option that avoids the social and environmental impact of traditional mining, lab diamonds are a great fit. You get the same sparkle, with a lighter footprint.
Salt & Pepper Diamonds
Salt and pepper diamonds have a completely different vibe from traditional clear stones. They’re natural diamonds filled with visible inclusions: little flecks of black, white, or grey that create a moody, galaxy-like effect.
Because no two are alike, they’re especially popular in alternative engagement rings. Couples love them for their raw, personal, and perfectly imperfect energy. Additionally, these unique diamonds are often ethically sourced and naturally low-impact.
The Four Cs of Diamonds Explained
By definition, the four Cs of diamonds are the standard for evaluating a stone’s quality and value.
-Cut is all about how well the diamond has been shaped and polished. It affects how much it sparkles, so even a smaller stone can shine bright if it’s well cut.
-Color refers to how white or tinted a diamond is. Colorless diamonds are rare (and usually more expensive). Warmer tones, like soft yellows, are usually more budget-friendly, but just as gorgeous.
-Clarity looks at how many tiny “flaws” or inclusions are inside the stone. Most of these can’t be seen without a magnifying glass, but fewer inclusions usually mean a higher price tag.
-Carat measures the weight of the diamond. Since bigger diamonds are harder to find, they tend to cost more.
The four Cs of diamonds have become a shared language in the jewelry world. Collectors, shoppers, and professionals regularly use these terms to describe and compare diamonds.
Choosing the Right Diamond for You
Choosing a diamond is a personal decision: there’s no one ‘right’ kind. Some basics you should think about include:
Understand the 4Cs: Cut, color, clarity, and carat all affect value and appearance.
Set a Budget: Diamonds vary widely in price, so know what you’re comfortable spending.
Ask About Certification: Make sure the stone is graded by a recognized lab (like GIA).
Think About Style: The setting and shape should reflect your taste and lifestyle. If you care about sourcing, feel free to lean toward ethical diamonds like lab-grown, recycled, or heirloom options.
Diamonds at EBJ: Our Ethical Promise
As you can see, we celebrate all sorts of diamonds at Elaine B Jewelry. No matter the type, we source with care.
Our approach to ethical diamond jewelry includes working with lab-created, recycled, and heirloom diamonds. We also love giving new life to stones passed down through families.
Many of our custom projects start with a piece of history and turn into something completely new. The team at our jewelry shop in Cincinnati is always here to answer questions, explore your options, and help you create something thoughtful, lasting, and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Diamonds have been part of human history for thousands of years. They’ve symbolized strength, love, power, and wealth. They’ve been mined, fought over, marketed, and celebrated.
And they’re still just carbon, formed under pressure deep in the earth.
The contrast between their simple origins and their cultural weight is part of what makes diamonds so fascinating. Add in the science of their sparkle and the range of types available, and it’s clear why they’ve held our attention for so long. EBJ’s collection includes lab-grown, recycled, and heirloom diamonds. Each stone is carefully sourced to reflect our commitment to ethical diamond jewelry.
Visit our jewelry shop in Cincinnati, explore our custom gallery, or shop our range to find a piece that feels truly yours.
Check out our custom gallery here.
Shop All Diamond Jewelry here.