Few pieces of jewellery draw attention quite like a diamond engagement ring. The internet’s fascination with Taylor Swift’s elongated cushion cut and our enduring admiration for Kareena Kapoor Khan’s round-cut classic — both natural diamonds — prove the point.
Of course, these rings captivate first with their beauty: their size, sparkle, and brilliance. But they also carry a deeper significance. Since the 15th century, an engagement ring crowned with a natural diamond has stood as an enduring symbol of love and eternal commitment.
So, should you choose a natural diamond engagement ring for your special day? Absolutely. Here’s why…
Natural diamonds exemplify authenticity and endurance
Natural diamonds have been synonymous with everlasting love long before we learned how to cut and polish them to optimally reflect light, so they could shine their brightest.
Formed by a combination of immense heat and pressure deep in the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago (most diamonds form between 140-300 kilometres below ground), a natural diamond connects us to the beginning of time.
The story of a natural diamond is one of incredible resilience, having travelled to the Earth’s surface via a series of volcanic eruptions before finally being discovered by humankind. Every natural diamond takes on a distinct shape, colour and size because of its individual journey.
Extreme temperature, pressure and explosive propulsion are factors that only the world’s toughest substance could survive. It’s no wonder natural diamonds have become fitting symbols of the love. What better way to honour a lifelong union than with an incredibly precious gemstone that lasts forever?.
“Natural diamonds are fitting symbols of enduring love”
A natural diamond’s origin enhances its emotional value
Natural diamonds are shining reminders of nature’s miraculous powers, and understanding the origins of your diamond engagement ring directly impacts its emotional resonance.
If you were to ask the Ancient Greeks where diamonds originated from, they might have said such precious gems were the tears of the gods or splinters of falling stars. It’s thought they believed diamonds represented endurance and immortality, so much so that the Ancient Greek word for diamond, ‘adamas’, literally meant unbreakable.1 It’s said that the Romans believed diamonds carried the power of love and physical strength; legend has it that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with fragments of the gemstone.2
India, of course, has an inextricable connection with natural diamonds. Until the 17th century, the mines in Golconda — a region in today’s Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — had been the only source of diamonds in the world. India was the first place where these gems were mined, sold, and worn. Emperors of yore even believed that diamonds possessed great spiritual powers, warding off evil and offering protection.3
While modern India may not produce natural diamonds, we still retain a powerful association with the gemstones. Today, more than 90% of natural diamonds are cut and polished in India, most notably in Surat.4 From here, the processed diamonds reach their final markets all over the world.
Many crystal healers see diamond as one of the most powerful gems on the planet. They believe it encourages spiritual awakening and creativity, and aids mental clarity. For some, a diamond is thought of as the ‘great amplifier’, boosting the cosmic energy of all other crystals.5
Do lab-grown diamonds carry the same emotional meaning?
Laboratory-grown or synthetic diamonds are made in a matter of days or weeks in energy-intensive factories or manufacturing plants. Since they’re man-made, mass-produced and not unique, they lack the emotional and symbolic charm of natural diamonds.
A lab-grown stone might be the right fit for a different occasion but for an engagement ring? You want something that’s more than just a piece of jewellery. That’s why bridal natural diamond sets — and even mangalsutras — have become so popular: they’re treasured for their emotional and symbolic value, not just their sparkle.
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a diamond engagement ring isn’t just for the proposal. It’s a treasure to last a whole lifetime, and perhaps even be passed down as a beloved family heirloom. As a diamond really is forever, going natural seems like the clear-cut choice.
