Diamonds are Forever

Diamonds are Forever in Pop Culture

The idea of diamonds being associated with the everlasting was first popularized by Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel “Diamonds Are Forever” in 1956. The novel’s popularity gave rise to a movie of the same name in 1971, starring Sean Connery as the infamous 007 agent. Since those popular entertainment appearances, the prestige of associating diamonds with the eternal has grown, including world-renowned De Beers adopting the slogan “a diamond is forever” as one of their corporate icons.

A Diamond’s True Age

While diamonds may not be truly eternal, their true age is as close to forever as most people can ever hope to achieve. Diamonds are formed through millennia of geological processes involving intense heat and pressure, and today’s diamonds measure billions of years old. Because of that longevity even under adverse circumstances, diamonds have come to be associated with strong, stable relationships, hence the stone’s natural association with engagements and weddings, which themselves symbolize lifelong commitments.

Destroying Diamonds

In truth, however, diamonds can be destroyed far more easily than many people imagine. Despite the fact that the stone is one of the hardest known substances on the planet, its very rigidity makes it brittle and easily cracked under sharp blows. Other ways to damage a diamond and limit its forever include:

Sharp blows can destroy diamonds.

• Crushing under pressure, particularly if applying pressure to a narrow part of the stone.
• Burning the stone (composed of pure carbon) in high temperature kilns or fires.
• Exploiting natural flaws and inclusions that weaken the stone’s structure and make it more prone to damage.

Cut diamonds are particularly fragile and easily damaged because much of the stone’s beauty and value is related to the precision and perfection of the cut. A small chip, scratch, or nick along the girdle of the stone – the narrowest part of a cut gem – can drastically reduce its value. More extensive damage can destroy the integrity of the entire stone.

Diamonds as Long-Lasting Gifts

Nevertheless, diamonds are intricately intertwined with society’s perception of romance, love, and commitment. Because of this, diamonds are popular choices for long-lasting gifts, such as eternity rings, three-stone rings (representing the past, present, and future of a relationship), and anniversary rings and other anniversary jewelry typically associated with the sixtieth anniversary or higher.

Diamonds are Forever Popular

Diamonds are consistently the most popular gem chosen for engagement rings, and the vast majority of brides opt for diamonds in their wedding rings as well. Furthermore, in recent years right hand diamond rings have become popular, giving women an additional outlet for diamonds rather than restricting the beautiful gems to engagement and wedding jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are also popular types of diamond jewelry, with the entire diamond industry amounting to billions of dollars of revenue each year. With such consistent popularity, it is no surprise that diamonds are forever the leading choice of individuals, couples, and jewelers throughout the world.