Heirloom diamonds – natural diamonds that have been passed down through families and loved ones – offer much more than just an impressive twinkle. Boasting centuries of incredible history, they’re a way of connecting the past with the present, serving as history keepers and legacy makers.
Whether it’s an eternity ring or a chic tennis bracelet, if you’re considering buying something for a momentous occasion, choosing natural diamonds means they will have a life way beyond yours.
How natural diamonds become treasured family heirlooms
Formed deep in the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago, natural diamonds travelled to the surface through powerful volcanic eruptions – a process that gives every natural diamond its unique characteristics. With that sort of entrance into the world, it’s hardly surprising that they’re unrivalled when it comes to durability, too.
Above all, it’s their individuality and rarity that makes them so special. With rich histories of their own, they embody a timelessness that transcends generations; it’s these qualities that make them what we call ‘heirloom diamonds’ — made to be worn, loved and thoughtfully passed on.
Be it some new diamond studs gifted to a loved one on an auspicious occasion or a diamond ring that has been in the family for generations, heirloom diamonds are the ultimate carriers of emotional and cultural legacies.
Natural diamond gifts that carry value across generations
In a world where change is pretty much the only constant, diamonds are one of the few things that truly last. Thanks to their atomic structure, diamonds are one of the strongest materials on Earth and rate as a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale1, which ranges from 1-10. In fact, the word ‘diamond’ has roots in the Greek word ‘adamao’, with the adjective ‘adamas’ meaning ‘indestructible’ or ‘invincible’.2
While the oldest dated natural diamonds are around 3.5 billion years old, they were first found in India over 2,000 years ago.3 Scriptures dating as far back as the 4th century BCE state how stunning these gemstones were.
For centuries, natural diamonds have been used as talismans or a kind of mystical currency to both ward off evil and ‘call in love’. They’ve also adorned some of the most celebrated figures in history, whether on royal crowns or engagement rings.
It’s no wonder, then, that natural diamonds are considered the perfect presents for milestone occasions, from weddings and anniversaries to graduations and birthdays. Their monetary worth is a bonus, doubling up as lifelong assets for the family.
But, most importantly, heirloom diamonds hold within them scores of stories and memories, across generations, and act as gleaming witnesses to your life’s adventures.
Do natural diamonds hold their value over time?
Do diamonds retain their value? Past trends would indicate ‘yes’, thanks to their scarcity, brilliance and enormous sentimental value. Over time, rare natural diamonds — especially those with exceptional qualities — have continued to be treasured and sought after, reinforcing their reputation as timeless assets.
Of course, natural diamonds’ value goes far beyond monetary worth. As all natural diamonds hold their own unique stories, they’re a beautifully fitting tribute to human craftsmanship and nature’s brilliance. Whether you choose to embrace heirloom diamonds in their original forms or prefer to have them reset in more contemporary settings, they will always retain their emotional significance.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold the same value as natural diamonds?
You’ve likely heard of laboratory-grown diamond alternatives (also called LGDs). They were first developed in the 1950s, but it was only in the early 2000s that they entered the commercial jewellery market.
While LGDs might look like natural diamonds at first glance, there are some key differences to consider, especially when thinking long-term. These diamonds are made in factories using processes like the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method4 or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)5, meaning they can be manufactured and sold in just a few weeks. Produced en masse, LGDs don’t boast the rarity of natural diamonds, and have typically lost value quickly on the resale market.5
Another thing to keep in mind is craftsmanship. Because LGDs are usually more affordable, they’re often set in materials that aren’t quite as sturdy or finely made as those used for natural diamonds, which could affect how well they hold up over time.
It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re investing in something special that you hope will one day be passed down. Also consider that certification and hallmarking for LGDs are still evolving, especially in India, which adds another layer of uncertainty to their worth.
Heirloom value isn’t just about where something is from or what it costs though. For most of us, value is ultimately linked to the emotion, meaning and significance behind carefully considered gifts and passed-down treasures.
How to retain your natural diamonds’ value for generations to come
Natural diamonds are incredibly durable on their own, but if you want to reinforce their ‘forever’ status, we recommend a little maintenance. You wouldn’t want your beloved heirloom diamonds affected by humidity, dust and pollution, would you? Regular at-home cleanings, annual professional cleaning and safe storage will ensure they continue looking their best for years to come.
That doesn’t mean keeping pieces boxed up and hidden from the world for fear of tarnishing them. Beautiful jewellery is made to be worn, to be shown off and admired. We’re here for making meaningful pieces a part of everyday life.
When you inherit a diamond, you inherit more than just a jewel. You inherit a story, a connection to something older and deeper than today’s trend-led shopping. Heirloom diamonds are timeless by nature, existing outside the ebb and flow of fashion, which makes them beautifully versatile for reinvention.
So what if an inherited piece isn’t quite your style? Instead of leaving it unworn, think of it as raw material for something more “you.” Resetting a gemstone into a fresh design, incorporating it into a piece you already love, or even crafting an entirely new jewel around it are brilliant ways to breathe new life into an heirloom while keeping its emotional resonance intact.
You might turn an antique diamond brooch into a statement cocktail ring, reimagine a traditional diamond-studded bangle as a modern bracelet stack, or craft a new bridal necklace using diamonds from a mother’s mangalsutra. Thoughtful redesigns like these allow you to keep the essence of an heirloom alive while creating pieces that suit your personal style.
Natural diamonds don’t just capture moments; they carry them forward, passing down cherished memories, emotional legacies and decades of cultural heritage.
