Diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth, formed deep below the surface under intense heat and pressure over billions of years. They were first discovered in India more than 2,500 years ago and have since captivated cultures around the world. South Africa became a major player in the diamond industry after the 1867 discovery near Kimberley, which led to one of the largest diamond rushes in history. Over time, diamonds became a global symbol of luxury and love, especially after marketing campaigns popularized the idea that “a diamond is forever.”
Diamonds are made of pure carbon and are evaluated according to the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Their brilliance and durability make them ideal for jewellery, but they are also used in industrial cutting tools, high-tech equipment, scientific instruments, and medical lasers. As an investment, diamonds hold value due to their rarity, durability, and emotional significance, especially high-quality stones. Some fun facts include that diamonds can be formed by lightning strikes in the ground, lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural ones, and many diamonds are over a billion years old.