Heirloom diamonds – diamonds of the natural kind that have been passed down through families and loved ones – offer much more than just an impressive twinkle. Boasting centuries (and then some!) of incredible history, they're a way of connecting the past with the present.
From an eternity ring to a chic tennis bracelet, if you’re considering buying something for a momentous occasion, choosing natural diamonds means it will have a life way beyond yours. Let your new favorite piece of jewelry be the start of a new story – a legend, even!
What sets natural diamonds apart as heirlooms
It’s pretty incredible to think that natural diamonds exist at all, let alone that we get to wear them!
Formed deep in the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago, natural diamonds traveled 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 that makes them so special. With rich histories dating back billions of years, natural diamonds are precious and deeply personal. Each one boasts its own unique journey. It’s these qualities that make them what we call ‘heirloom diamonds’ – made to be worn, loved and thoughtfully passed on.
Why natural diamonds are gifts that span generations
Remember that durability we mentioned earlier? Well, in a world where change is pretty much the only constant, diamonds are one of the few things that truly last. Thanks to their super-strong atomic structure, diamonds are one of the strongest materials on Earth and rate as a 10 on something called 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
Diamonds have a significant place in history, too. While the oldest natural diamonds dated are around 3.5 billion years old, they're thought to have first been found in India over 2,0003 years ago. Scriptures dating as far back as the 4th century BCE wax lyrical about their dazzling qualities.
For centuries, natural diamonds have been used as talismans or a kind of mystical currency to both ward off evil and ‘call in love’, as well as adorning some of the most celebrated figures in history, from royal crowns to world-renowned engagement rings.
Centuries on, natural diamonds are still one of the most meaningful gifts we can give to mark special moments, from anniversaries to milestone birthdays to graduations and new arrivals.
Holding powerful emotional and geological significance, when passed from one generation to the next, natural diamonds become much more than just beautiful objects or treasured ornaments, but lasting symbols of love, commitment and legacy.
Do natural diamonds retain their value?
If you’re wondering whether natural diamonds keep their value, past trends would indicate 'yes', thanks to their unmatched scarcity, brilliance and enormous sentimental value. When it comes to the value of diamonds over time, many have proven to be timeless investments, sometimes growing in value by as much as 3% each year4.
Natural diamond value over time goes far beyond monetary value, of course. As all natural diamonds hold their own unique stories, they’re a beautifully fitting tribute to human craftsmanship and nature’s brilliance. Natural diamonds enrich families and friendships with treasured connections and act as real, enduring symbols of love and significance.
Still, healthy demand has seen natural diamonds consistently sought-after through the ages, often commanding eye-watering prices at auction despite other alternatives being available. Heard of the Koh-i-Noor? Originally mined in India's Golconda region, at a whopping 105.6 carats it's one of the largest cut diamonds in the world and sits in the crown most famously worn by Queen Elizabeth II. It’s thought to be worth over $500 million5.
Do laboratory-grown diamonds carry the same long-lasting value?
You’ve likely heard of laboratory-grown diamonds (also called lab-grown diamonds, synthetic diamonds, lab-created diamonds or LGDs). They were first developed and created in the 1950s, but it was only in the early 2000s that they entered the commercial jewelry market.
Because of this, it’s possibly too early to say whether LGDs could one day carry the emotional or generational significance we associate with ‘heirloom’ or natural diamonds. After all, most owners are still first-generation.
While LGDs might look like natural diamonds at first glance, there are some key differences to consider, especially when we’re thinking long-term. These diamonds are made in factories using processes like the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method6 or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)7, 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 market8.
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. This is important if you’re considering gifting something special that you hope will one day be passed down.
Heirloom value isn’t just about where something is from or what it costs though, right? For most of us, value is ultimately linked to the emotion, meaning and significance behind carefully considered gifts and passed-down treasures.
Caring for diamonds designed to last a lifetime
Natural diamonds are incredibly durable on their own, but if you want to reinforce their 'forever' status, we recommend a little maintenance. Regular at-home cleanings, annual professional cleaning and safe storage will ensure they continue looking their best for generations to come.
That doesn’t mean keeping pieces boxed up and hidden from the world for fear of tarnishing them, however. Beautiful jewelry is made to be worn, to be shown off and admired. We’re here for making meaningful pieces a part of everyday life.
An inherited diamond not quite your style? Whether it’s an engagement ring, pendant or bracelet, consider repurposing it.
Resetting a gemstone into a different design, incorporating it into an existing piece of jewelry you already love, or crafting an entirely new design around it are brilliant ways to breathe new life into it. A modern design can be a fantastic way to reimagine an inherited diamond, while still honoring its remarkable journey and sheer beauty.
Some say natural diamonds don’t just capture a moment; they carry it forward. That’s a proposal we’re absolutely saying ‘yes’ to!
