Diamonds have long been revered as one of the most precious and sought-after natural materials on Earth. Their rarity and value are shaped by a combination of geological, aesthetic, and market factors. But what truly makes a diamond rare and valuable? Let’s explore the key elements that define the worth of these mesmerising gemstones.

1. The Four Cs: The Foundation of Diamond Value

The value of a diamond is often determined by its cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight, collectively known as the Four Cs. These characteristics work together to influence a diamond’s rarity and desirability:

• Cut: A diamond’s cut is crucial to its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating the signature fire and scintillation we associate with high-quality diamonds. The process of achieving the perfect cut requires immense skill and precision, making exquisitely cut diamonds rare and valuable.

• Clarity: Diamonds form under extreme pressure and heat, often resulting in natural inclusions and blemishes. The fewer the imperfections, the rarer the diamond. High-clarity diamonds (graded VS2 to VVS1 and higher) are harder to find, which drives up their value.

• Colour: While many believe diamonds are purely colourless, truly colourless diamonds are incredibly rare. Most diamonds have subtle hints of yellow or brown. The rarest and most valuable diamonds fall within the D to F colour range, meaning they exhibit no detectable colour. Fancy-coloured diamonds, such as pinks, blues, and greens, are even rarer due to the unique conditions required for their formation.

• Carat Weight: Larger diamonds are much rarer than smaller ones. Finding a high-quality diamond with significant carat weight is uncommon, as most rough diamonds are found in smaller sizes. As carat weight increases, so does the value exponentially.

2. Natural Formation: Billions of Years in the Making

A diamond’s journey begins deep within the Earth’s mantle, where carbon is subjected to intense heat and pressure over one to three billion years. Over time, these conditions crystallise carbon into the remarkable structure that forms a diamond.

Once formed, diamonds travel to the surface through rare volcanic eruptions. This natural process is unpredictable, and for every diamond discovered, countless others remain deep within the Earth, never to be found. This lengthy formation period, combined with the difficulty of retrieval, contributes to a diamond’s rarity and allure.

3. Geographic Scarcity: Limited Sources

Diamonds are not found just anywhere—they are mined in only a handful of locations worldwide. Some of the most famous diamond-producing regions include:

• Botswana – One of the world’s largest diamond producers, known for high-quality stones.

• Canada – A growing source of ethically mined diamonds.

• Russia – Home to some of the largest diamond deposits.

• South Africa – Historically one of the most significant diamond sources.

Some of the rarest diamonds come from specific mines, like the Argyle Mine in Australia, which produced the world’s most coveted pink diamonds before closing in 2020. The closure of such a significant source has only increased the rarity and value of pink diamonds.

4. Unique Characteristics: What Sets a Diamond Apart

Even diamonds of the same grade can have distinct characteristics that make them unique. Factors such as light performance, fire, scintillation, and fluorescence play a role in making one diamond stand out from another.

A diamond’s proportions and ratio also influence its overall appearance. Certain shapes, like elongated cushions or oval diamonds, can create the illusion of a larger stone while maintaining excellent brilliance. Some diamonds even possess rare optical effects, like the butterfly effect seen in fancy-cut stones, making them highly sought after by collectors.

5. Fancy-Coloured Diamonds: Nature’s Rare Gems

While white diamonds dominate the market, fancy-coloured diamonds are exceptionally rare and valuable. These diamonds owe their colour to the presence of trace elements during formation:

• Blue diamonds (such as the famous Hope Diamond) get their colour from boron.

• Yellow diamonds contain nitrogen, which gives them their sunny hue.

• Pink and red diamonds are the result of unique structural changes during their formation.

• Green diamonds gain their colour from natural radiation exposure over millions of years.

Because of their rarity, fancy-coloured diamonds often command record-breaking prices at auctions, making them some of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

6. Market Demand and Historical Significance

Beyond their physical attributes, historical significance and market demand play a crucial role in a diamond’s value. Diamonds have long been associated with love, commitment, and prestige, making them a symbol of lasting beauty.

Some diamonds become priceless due to their provenance and history. Famous examples include:

• The Cullinan Diamond – The largest rough diamond ever discovered, parts of which now reside in the British Crown Jewels.

• The Koh-i-Noor – A historic diamond with a legacy spanning centuries and multiple royal dynasties.

Owning a diamond with a rich history or extraordinary origin makes it even more desirable.

7. Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: The Future of Diamonds

With increasing awareness around ethical sourcing, consumers today seek responsibly mined diamonds with verified origins. Ethical diamonds, including Canadian-mined stones and lab-grown diamonds, are gaining popularity as buyers prioritise sustainability and transparency.

Diamonds with certified ethical origins often carry a premium, as they ensure minimal environmental impact and fair labor practices. As demand for ethical jewellery grows, responsibly sourced diamonds are becoming an essential part of the industry’s future.

Conclusion: Rarity in Every Sparkle

A diamond’s rarity and value are shaped by a combination of natural phenomena, meticulous craftsmanship, and market dynamics. From their billion-year formation deep within the Earth to their transformation into dazzling gemstones, diamonds are truly nature’s finest treasures.

Whether you are drawn to their timeless beauty, historical significance, or unique brilliance, understanding what makes a diamond rare and valuable allows you to appreciate their significance even more.

Ready to find your own rare and valuable diamond? Book an appointment with Morgan & Co and explore our hand-selected collection of exceptional stones, perfectly suited for your unique love story.

Diamonds have captivated us for centuries, admired for their dazzling sparkle and timeless appeal. But while their outward brilliance is what first catches the eye, the true essence of a diamond lies beneath the surface. This hidden world inside the gem holds the key to its beauty, rarity, and value.

Let’s take a journey into the heart of a diamond — where science meets artistry —and uncover why inner beauty matters more than you might think.

A Magnified Reality

To the naked eye, most diamonds appear flawless. They glisten under the light, refracting rainbows and igniting imaginations. But what happens when we take a closer look?

Under 10x magnification, a diamond reveals its secrets. Tiny clouds, feathers, and minute crystals can suddenly come into view, each telling a story of the gem’s natural formation deep within the earth over billions of years. These internal characteristics, known as inclusions, are not necessarily flaws — they’re fingerprints of nature, giving each diamond a unique identity.

However, not all inclusions are created equal. Some are so minute that even under magnification, they’re hard to spot. Others can affect a diamond’s brilliance by disrupting the way light travels through it. This is where clarity — the measure of a diamond’s internal purity — comes into play.

Why Clarity Matters

Clarity is one of the “Four Cs” of diamond grading, alongside cut, colour, and carat weight. It directly impacts a diamond’s rarity and value. Flawless diamonds, those free of any inclusions or blemishes even under magnification, are incredibly rare — so rare, in fact, that most jewellers will never come across one in their lifetime.

The beauty of a high-clarity diamond is undeniable. When light enters a stone free of internal obstructions, it reflects and refracts with breathtaking brilliance. Conversely, diamonds with significant inclusions may appear less lively, as these natural imperfections can block or scatter light.

But here’s the fascinating part: most inclusions are invisible to the untrained eye. That’s why, for many people, the balance between clarity and other factors—like cut or carat weight—often takes centre stage when choosing a diamond.

The Rarest of Gems

The rarity of a diamond is directly tied to its clarity. Imagine searching for a perfectly clear, natural stone in a sea of billions. It’s like finding a pristine drop of water in an ocean. This rarity is why flawless and internally flawless diamonds command such high prices — they’re not just stones; they’re miracles of nature.

At Morgan & Co, we believe that every diamond should meet the highest standards of beauty, both inside and out. That’s why we carefully inspect every gem we source, looking beyond surface brilliance to ensure each piece is truly exceptional. We work exclusively with trusted suppliers who share our passion for quality, so you can be confident in the integrity of every diamond you choose.

Diamonds That Reflect You

When selecting a diamond, it’s not just about the technical specifications — it’s about finding a piece that feels like it was made for you. Whether you prefer a perfectly clear stone or one with subtle inclusions that make it unique, your diamond should reflect your story, style, and values.

At Morgan & Co, we guide you through the selection process, helping you balance clarity, cut, colour, and carat weight to find the perfect diamond for your dream piece. Our goal is to craft jewellery that’s not only stunning but also meaningful — a piece that embodies both outward brilliance and inner beauty.

The Morgan & Co Standard

Every diamond we source undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We believe that a diamond should be as stunning internally as it is externally, offering you a gem that’s a true reflection of quality and craftsmanship.

Whether you’re searching for an engagement ring, a bespoke design, or simply exploring the world of fine jewellery, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Because in the end, beauty isn’t just about what you see on the surface — it’s about the story, care, and passion that lie within.

Our Process: How we Select your diamond 

When selecting the perfect diamond for your engagement ring, we take great care in ensuring every stone meets our high standards. Each diamond is hand-selected, falling within our carefully chosen parameters — colourless or near-colourless, with clarity between VS2 and VVS1 for lab-grown diamonds, and SI1 to VVS1 for natural diamonds. With natural diamonds, clients often need to compromise on size or quality due to their higher price, whereas lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable way to achieve a higher-quality stone without sacrificing carat weight. There is no right or wrong choice — it’s about what feels right for you, and we’re here to guide you based on your preferences and budget. Beyond the traditional 4Cs, we also consider the diamond’s ratio, ensuring the shape and proportions complement the wearer’s hand. We meticulously check for hidden imperfections, unwanted bowties, and overall brilliance, working with expert diamond sources to guarantee a stone that will sparkle beautifully for a lifetime.

Schedule your free consultation  

Ready to explore the world of diamonds with confidence? Schedule a consultation with Morgan & Co, your Buderim Jewellers, today and discover the perfect piece that’s as unique as you are.

An oval diamond bow tie refers to a pair of black triangles visible across the middle of the diamond. To ensure your oval diamond doesn’t display this characteristic of a poorly cut stone, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Oval diamonds are captivating gems but come with their own set of unique qualities. Before delving into the specifics of how a bow tie forms in an oval diamond, let’s take a moment to appreciate the oval cut itself. Ovals are currently in the spotlight, experiencing a surge in popularity unlike any other cut. Currently they stand as one of the top choices for engagement rings, and rightfully so. Their elongated shape offers a refreshing departure from the traditional round brilliant. Ovals create the illusion of elongated fingers and impart an additional touch of sophistication to a classic solitaire setting. Additionally, ovals tend to appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight due to their spread-out, shallower profile. Furthermore, they often come at a slightly lower cost per carat compared to rounds, allowing for a larger appearance within a given budget. With so many appealing attributes, it’s no surprise they have garnered such widespread acclaim.

Unfortunately, choosing an oval diamond presents more challenges than selecting a round brilliant diamond. The complexity arises from what's referred to as the "oval diamond bow tie" effect. However, if you're willing to invest additional time, patience, and effort, the oval cut might be the ideal choice for you. There are numerous pitfalls when it comes to choosing the right oval diamond, with the most common mistake being the bow tie effect. So, what exactly is this effect? Why is it undesirable? And how can you ensure that your oval diamond is free from it? Do all oval diamonds exhibit this feature? Read on and we will answer all of these questions for you in our detailed blog covering all things oval diamonds and bowties! 

Ever been caught in the shimmering allure of a diamond? Gazing at a diamond's glimmer can be like looking into an endless sea of stars - but it's more than just its shine. Take emerald cut vs radiant cut, for example.

Imagine being at a crossroads, one path leads you to an emerald-cut diamond - elegant and sophisticated with its step-like facets that mirror stairways leading to infinite depths. The other way introduces you to the radiant-cut gem - bold and vivacious as it dances with dramatic flashes across every facet.

Diamond Engagement Rings - the embodiment of a promise, a symbol of commitment and love.

This is no ordinary piece of jewellery. It's an investment in your future together, an expression of shared dreams and hopes.

Choosing the perfect diamond size for your engagement ring can feel like an intimidating task. Fear not! This guide will navigate you through these sparkling waters smoothly while shedding light on what truly matters when selecting that special token for your beloved one or yourself.