Are Diamonds Really Forever?

The iconic phrase “Diamonds are forever” — myth or fact?

For years, the phrase “Diamonds are forever” has been deeply etched into the public consciousness not just as a tagline, but as a universal truth. Popularised by a 1947 De Beers advertising campaign, the slogan quickly became a symbol of eternal love, commitment, and luxury. But are Diamonds forever?

Why durability matters in diamonds (both emotional and material value)

Diamonds aren’t just beautiful stones, they carry deep, symbolic meaning and emotional weight. When someone chooses a diamond, especially for a proposal, milestone, or gift, they often choose a representation of something eternal: love, commitment, achievement, or legacy.

Here’s why durability matters:

• Emotional Value: A diamond ring is often associated with some of the most intimate moments in a person’s life. Its strength should match the depth of emotion it represents, whether it’s a lifelong marriage, a family heirloom, or a reward for years of hard work. 
• Practical Usage: Many diamonds are worn daily in the form of rings, earrings, or pendants. That means they’re exposed to daily wear and tear, accidental knocks, and even chemicals. If they aren’t durable, their sparkle may fade, or worse, they may get damaged over time. 
• Investment & Legacy: Natural diamonds are not just accessories, they’re often investments passed down from one generation to the next. A well-preserved diamond retains its beauty and financial value. A poorly cared-for one? Not so much.

Can Diamonds Be Damaged?

It’s a common belief that because diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, they’re also indestructible. However, that’s only partially true. While diamonds resist scratches better than any other material, they can still be damaged under the right (or wrong) circumstances.

The Truth About Toughness vs. Hardness

Hardness is not equal to Toughness

• Hardness refers to a material’s ability to resist scratches. 
  • Diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they are harder than any other natural substance. 
  • This makes them incredibly resistant to abrasion or surface-level wear. 
• Toughness, on the other hand, is a material’s ability to resist breaking, chipping, or cracking when struck. 

Think of it this way:

• A glass mirror is hard enough to scratch some metals, but if you drop it, it shatters. 
• Diamonds are very hard, but their toughness is only moderate compared to some other gemstones like jade or sapphire. 

This means diamonds are not immune to impact damage, especially at sharp angles or on pressure points.

How Diamonds Can Still Chip or Crack

Despite their strength, diamonds have a crystalline structure with “cleavage planes”, natural lines of weakness.

• If a diamond is struck with sufficient force along one of these cleavage planes, it can chip or even split. 
• Every day, accidents like dropping a ring on a tile floor, bumping your hand against a hard surface, or improper handling during setting can cause such damage.

Common scenarios:

• The pointed tip of a marquise or pear-cut diamond breaks off from an accidental bump. 
• A princess cut diamond chips at its sharp corner from rubbing against another ring. 
• Loose prongs in a ring setting lead to a diamond shifting and getting exposed to impact.

Vulnerable Areas in Certain Cuts

Some diamond cuts are more vulnerable than others because of sharp points, corners, or edges that are exposed and less supported.

• Princess Cut: Square shape with pointed corners, beautiful but prone to chipping at the corners. 
• Marquise Cut: Sharp tips on both ends, very elegant, but needs protection. 
• Pear Cut: A combination of round and pointed vulnerable at the narrow end. 
• Heart Shape: The point of the heart is fragile if not well protected. 

These cuts, while visually striking, require extra care both in how they’re set and how they’re worn.

Importance of Secure Settings

A diamond’s setting plays a critical role in protecting its weak spots. The right setting can prevent chips, cracks, and even loss of the diamond.

• Bezel settings fully enclose the edges of the diamond, offering maximum protection. 
• V-prong settings are ideal for corners (like in princess cuts), holding the vulnerable points in place. 
• Regular prong maintenance ensures the diamond doesn’t loosen over time. 

A poorly designed or worn-out setting leaves the stone exposed to impacts, increasing the risk of damage, even if the diamond itself is strong.

Proper Diamond Care: Tips to Keep Them Sparkling Forever

Cleaning and Maintenance

Over time, even the most brilliant diamonds can start to appear dull. Everyday elements like skin oils, lotion, soap residue, dust, and sweat build up on the surface, especially in hard-to-reach settings. Fortunately, diamonds are relatively easy to clean at home with the right techniques.

Here’s a simple DIY cleaning method:

• Step 1: Mix a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. 
• Step 2: Soak the diamond jewelry for 15–20 minutes. 
• Step 3: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (like a baby toothbrush) to gently scrub the stone, especially under the setting. 
• Step 4: Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. 

What to Avoid (Chemicals, Ultrasonic Cleaners)

While diamonds are durable, their settings and surrounding metals (like gold or platinum) can be sensitive. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and tools that could cause more harm than good.

Avoid:

• Bleach, chlorine, or ammonia: These chemicals can erode or discolor the metal setting and loosen prongs over time. 
• Abrasive cleaners: These can scratch softer metals and leave residue on diamonds. 
• Ultrasonic cleaners: Though effective, they can loosen diamonds from their settings, especially if the jewelry has delicate or older prongs. Usethem  only if you’re confident in thepiece’s conditione. 
• Toothpaste or baking soda: Often recommended online, but too abrasive for jewellery.

Safe Storage

Diamonds may not scratch easily, but they can scratch each other and other gemstones. Improper storage can result in unnecessary wear and damage to your jewelry.

Jewelry Box Essentials

• Always store diamonds in a soft-lined jewelry box or a pouch. 
• Use compartments or dividers to prevent pieces from rubbing against one another. 
• For travel, invest in a travel case with padded interiors and individual slots for rings, necklaces, and earrings. 

Storing Diamonds Separately

• Never toss multiple diamond pieces into a single pouch or box, even diamonds can scratch other diamonds. 
• Store each diamond in its soft cloth pouch or a separate jewellery slot. 
• For extra protection, especially with larger stones or valuable heirlooms, consider anti-tarnish bags or ring boxes with protective foam interiors. 

Regular Professional Check-Ups

Even the most well-cared-for diamond needs occasional professional attention, just like a car or a luxury watch. Jewelers can detect issues before they become visible to the naked eye and help prolong your diamond’s life.

Prong Tightening, Polish, and Inspection

Why it matters:

• Loose prongs or settings can result in the loss of the diamond altogether. 
• Scratches, dents, or subtle warping in the metal band can lead to misalignment or instability. 
• Dirt or debris build-up inside intricate settings may affect the stone’s brilliance. 

What to expect during a check-up:

• Prong inspection: Ensures the diamond is securely set. 
• Polishing: Restores shine to the metal and smooths out surface scratches. 
• Ultrasonic or steam cleaning: Deep-cleaning performed safely under expert supervision. 
• Structural checks: Detecting any wear-and-tear or stress fractures in the ring or necklace.

Should You Insure Your Natural Diamond?

While natural diamonds symbolize eternity, life is full of unexpected loss, theft, or damage that can happen no matter how careful you are. That’s why insuring your diamond is not just a good idea, it’s a crucial step in protecting your investment, both emotionally and financially.

Not all insurance policies are created equal. When it comes to insuring your diamond, you’ll want a plan that offers comprehensive coverage and clear terms.

Coverage Type: Replacement vs. Cash Payout

• Replacement Policy: The insurer replaces your lost or stolen diamond with one of equal kind and quality. 
• Cash Payout Policy: You receive the market value in cash.

Are Natural Diamonds Really Forever?

The phrase “A Diamond is Forever” has echoed through pop culture and jewelry marketing for decades. But is it just a clever tagline, or is there truth behind it? In this section, we’ll look at the scientific durability, emotional symbolism, and lasting value of natural diamonds — and what it truly means for them to be “forever.”

Natural diamonds are formed under extreme pressure and heat over billions of years, deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Their carbon lattice atomic structure makes them the hardest known natural material, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

But while they are nearly impervious to scratches, they are not unbreakable. Diamonds can chip or crack along their cleavage planes, especially in vulnerable cuts or if improperly set. That’s why understanding the difference between hardness and toughness is essential.

Scientifically speaking, with the right care and protection, diamonds are one of the most physically enduring natural materials on Earth. Their resistance to wear and chemical damage makes them ideal for long-term wear, even daily use, like in engagement rings.

Emotional and Symbolic Longevity

While their physical properties are impressive, the true power of a diamond often lies in its symbolism.

Engagements, anniversaries, milestones, and heirlooms, natural diamonds have become emblems of commitment, love, and legacy. Their perceived “forever-ness” reflects not just their durability, but the enduring emotions they represent.

Just like any other precious item, a diamond’s “forever” status is not automatic it requires attention and care.

• Regular cleaning to remove oils, dirt, and residue that dull the sparkle. 
• Safe storage in separate compartments or pouches to avoid scratching. 
• Routine inspections by a professional jeweler to maintain setting security. 
• Proper insurance to protect against unexpected loss or damage. 
• Mindful wear being cautious when doing rough work or sports. 

These practices don’t just preserve the physical integrity of a diamond; they also preserve the emotional and financial investment you’ve made in it.

Natural diamonds are a marvel of nature, durable, rare, and extraordinarily beautiful. Their scientific durability, combined with their symbolic weight, makes them a true icon of timelessness.

But like any treasure, their brilliance and longevity rely on how you treat them. A diamond may last for billions of years underground, but for it to remain flawless in your lifetime and beyond, it needs a little love, a little maintenance, and a lot of respect.

So yes, with the right care, a natural diamond truly can be forever.