Natural Diamonds
What is a Natural Diamond?
A natural diamond is a pure carbon crystalline gemstone formed by carbon, high pressure, high heat, and time beneath the earth's surface.
Diamonds are incredibly tough gemstones, making them exceptional choices for heirloom-quality pieces that are worn frequently. They possess scintillation and optical qualities that make them truly enchanting gemstones.

The Benefits of Natural Diamonds
Beauty
Natural diamonds are stunning additions to any jewelry collection. They’re available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors.

Timelessness
A natural diamond is unique, classic and truly luxurious. These gemstones have been popular for centuries.

Responsibly Sourced
Diamonds Our natural diamonds, also known as earth-made diamonds, are responsibly sourced.

What Makes Natural Diamonds Unique
While lab-grown diamonds can be produced limitlessly, we are limited to the number of natural diamonds the earth has created. The conditions in which natural diamonds have formed beneath the earth’s surface are precise, making these gemstones astounding creations.
With awe-inspiring origins, enchanting beauty and impressive durability, a natural diamond ring, necklace, bracelet, or custom jewelry creation is the ultimate love letter to your special someone or to yourself.
How Natural Diamonds Were Made
Natural diamonds that grace engagement rings, tennis bracelets, earrings, and other fine jewelry pieces started as pure carbon deep underground millions of years ago. High pressure and high temperatures caused the classic diamond crystal pattern to grow from pure carbon, resulting in durable stones.
The natural diamonds formed in a layer of the mantle that’s still too deep to reach with today’s mining technology. It's believed that the raw natural diamonds were brought closer to the earth’s surface through rare volcanic events known as kimberlite eruptions in the Cretaceous Period. Had the diamonds found their way closer to the earth’s surface in other eruptions or processes, the slower movement would have caused the diamonds to transform to simple graphite, which is also pure carbon, rather than diamonds.
But instead, natural diamonds were brought closer to the surface very quickly. This allowed them to maintain their unique crystal structure that sets them apart as sparkling, strong and timeless diamonds. Once these deposits of diamonds were discovered by humans, they became a favorite gemstone worldwide.

The Stunning Symbolism of Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are woven into the special moments that add a spark of brilliance to life. An engagement, a wedding, a birthday, a major accomplishment —these are significant events that are often marked by a natural diamond.
While lab-grown diamond jewelry can certainly be used to celebrate milestones, and can be cherished forever, earth-made diamonds are more often intended as heirloom pieces because they usually retain their value better.

Are Natural Diamonds a Responsible Choice?
Not all natural diamonds are equal. If you’re in search of responsibly sourced natural diamonds, choose jewelers who adhere to the Kimberly Process. This will ensure that the diamonds are 100% conflict-free.
Grading Natural Diamonds
Many natural diamonds are graded by their cut, color, carat, and clarity. These qualities are known as the 4Cs of diamonds, which are standardized diamond grading systems used to assess an individual diamond’s important details.
Trusted institutions like GIA and IGI offer diamond dossier reports of the 4Cs and other qualities of note, making it easy to compare and contrast natural diamonds to find the right fit. Visit our diamond certification guide to learn more about the 4Cs and how they influence the value of natural diamonds.

FAQs About Natural Diamonds
Does Blue Nile sell loose natural diamonds?
Yes, we sell loose natural diamonds that can be used for engagement rings, wedding bands and other jewelry.
Are natural diamonds flawless?
Not all natural diamonds are flawless. Many natural diamonds have some inclusions or flaws, but the types of the flaws vary from one diamond to the next. Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare and are available in both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds.
How do I evaluate the quality of a natural diamond?
You can use the 4Cs of diamonds to assess a natural diamond’s quality. You should also consider its shape and certification.
What are natural diamonds called?
Natural diamonds are also known as earth-created diamonds or simply diamonds.
Are natural diamonds priced differently than lab-grown ones?
Yes, natural diamonds are typically priced higher than lab-grown diamonds due to the increased rarity of natural diamonds. While lab-made diamonds can be produced endlessly, our natural diamond selection is limited to what the earth has created. This makes natural diamonds rarer.
Which diamonds are best for engagement rings or wedding rings?
For timelessness and added symbolism, consider natural diamonds for wedding rings, women’s engagement rings, men’s engagement rings, and gender neutral engagement rings. A natural diamond ring carries deep meaning and unique beauty that can’t be matched by lab-grown diamonds.
Ultimately, the “best” diamond is the one that matches your budget, the occasion and the wearer’s style.
Are natural diamonds better quality?
Every diamond is unique, and a natural diamond isn’t necessarily higher quality than a lab-made diamond. Consider a diamond’s 4Cs when determining its quality.
What is the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds?
Natural diamonds are unique gemstones formed deep beneath the earth’s surface. Lab-grown diamonds are created above ground by humans and have the same optical, chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds.
Does Blue Nile sell conflict-free natural diamonds?
Yes, all our natural diamonds, including our loose natural diamonds and our diamond jewelry are 100% conflict-free and adhere to the Kimberly Process. Visit our responsible diamonds guidelines to learn more.
What is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberly Process is a global commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the diamond supply chain. It was established in 2003 and has been growing through partnerships around the world. Today, the process helps support the availability of conflict-free diamonds through dedication to transparency and responsible sourcing.
Are natural diamonds better than moissanite or lab-made diamonds?
There are many popular diamonds and gemstones available including natural diamonds, moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. Each has its own benefits and considerations.
Natural diamond engagement rings represent a timeless choice. An earth-made diamond carries added symbolism of magnificence and beauty. And they're an awe-inspiring wonder, just like love.
Ultimately, diamond and gemstone type is a personal choice that should reflect your values, style and budget.
Are natural diamonds popular?
Natural, earth-made diamonds have delighted for centuries with their beauty and strength. Some of the most famous diamonds are natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are a popular choice for fans of this classic gemstone.