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A diamond’s allure: a journey into luxury and craftsmanship

Without a doubt, a diamond is the precious stone that appeals to the imagination of most. It is incredible how carbon compressed for millennia can eventually produce such a beautiful precious stone. Ever since diamond giant De Beers launched the slogan 'Diamonds are Forever' mid last century, diamonds have become an integral part of engagement rings and many other pieces of jewellery. We present you what a diamond is and how it is constructed.

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What makes diamonds so captivating from formation to finished jewelry?

Diamonds begin their journey as carbon deep in Earth's mantle, formed under extreme pressure and temperatures exceeding 1,000°C about 150km beneath the surface. These precious stones reach us through volcanic eruptions that push them upward, where they're mined through open-pit or underground methods.

The value of diamonds is determined by the famous 4Cs: carat (weight), cut (determining sparkle), color (with D-F being the most colorless), and clarity (measuring inclusions). A diamond's anatomy includes the table (top facet), crown, pavilion, girdle, and culet (bottom point), with each element affecting how light reflects through the stone.

Beyond their beauty, diamonds serve as both symbols of commitment in jewelry and potential investments. BAUNAT offers certified, conflict-free diamonds in various cuts—from classic round brilliants to modern princess cuts—ensuring each piece combines timeless elegance with ethical sourcing.

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How are diamonds formed?

Most of the diamonds we find in jewellery nowadays were formed in the earth's mantle. They arise out of carbon, one of the most important chemical elements in the world. Volcano eruptions transport the magma and it reappears on the surface as large blocks of rock. Even before these eruptions push the diamonds to the surface, the diamonds are formed in the 'diamond stability zone' in the earth's mantle. This requires a temperature exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius and extremely high pressure. That is only possible deep under the earth's surface, about 150 kilometres under the earth's crust.

Where are diamonds found?

Before the 20th century, most diamonds were found in alluvial deposits – the loose material carried along by a river. Now, they are mined using open-pit or underground mining. This type of mining started in the 1870s. In 1866, Erasmus Jacobs found the Eureka Diamond near the city of Kimberley in South Africa. Three years later, Cecil Rhodes found the Star of Africa, a diamond weighing 83.50 carats. This was the start of a real diamond fever.
Overhead shot of a large open pit diamond mine, revealing its intricate layers and the surrounding natural terrain

Where and how are diamonds mined?

Before the 20th century, most diamonds were found in alluvial deposits – the loose material carried along by a river. Now, they are mined using open-pit or underground mining. This type of mining started in the 1870s. In 1866, Erasmus Jacobs found the Eureka Diamond near the city of Kimberley in South Africa. Three years later, Cecil Rhodes found the Star of Africa, a diamond weighing 83.50 carats. This was the start of a real diamond fever.

The importance of conflict free diamonds

Today, the ethical sourcing of diamonds is paramount. Conflict-free diamonds ensure that every gem is mined responsibly, preserving both human dignity and the environment. By choosing conflict-free diamonds, we celebrate the splendour of these stones while upholding the values of integrity and sustainability.

The importance of certified diamonds

The allure of a diamond is not solely in its radiant beauty but also in the assurance of its authenticity and quality. Certified diamonds are accompanied by a detailed grading report from reputable gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). This certificate provides a comprehensive analysis of the diamond's characteristics, including the famed four Cs: carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity.

Opting for certified diamonds offers buyers confidence and peace of mind, knowing that their investment is substantiated by expert scrutiny. This level of assurance not only enhances the intrinsic value of these gems but also ensures that the diamonds meet specific standards, perpetuating an unwavering trust in their unparalleled beauty and worth.

Lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds

In the modern era of technological advancement, lab-grown diamonds have emerged as a viable alternative to their naturally occurring counterparts. These synthetic creations, developed in controlled environments that replicate the Earth's high pressure and temperature conditions, possess the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.

However, the allure of natural diamonds lies in their unique journey from the depths of the Earth to the pinnacle of luxury. Nature bestows each natural diamond with its own story, crafted over billions of years and encompassing geological epochs. It is this narrative, combined with the unrepeatable characteristics inherent to each gem, that imbues natural diamonds from Baunat with their unique selling proposition.

While lab-grown diamonds provide an appealing, ethical choice, the timeless elegance and storied provenance of natural diamonds remain unparalleled, captivating collectors and connoisseurs worldwide with their intrinsic value and historical grandeur.

The most famous diamonds in the world unveiled

Diamonds are probably the most prestigious precious stones in the world. With a score of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, they are not only the hardest stone in the world, they are also the only stones that reflect as much light as they absorb. A perfectly polished diamond can reflect up to 100% of the light.

Some diamonds have become world-famous over the years. One due to its exceptional size, the other through its unique history. We will present three of the most famous diamonds in the world.

  1. Koh-i-Noor: The Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light) is an Indian diamond weighing 109 carats. Through the centuries, various Indian and Persian generals and kings have owned it. In Hinduism, this stone is thought to have magical powers. Hindus believe that the diamond is a gift from the sun god Surya. Mid-19th century, the diamond fell into British hands and it is now part of the British Crown Jewels.

  2. The Great Star of Africa: This diamond is also called the Cullinan I, named after the diamond from which it came. This was the raw Cullinan diamond and weighing 3,106 it was the largest diamond ever found. The pear-shaped Great Star of Africa weighs 530 carats and was cut by the famous gem cutter Joseph Asscher from Amsterdam.

  3. The Hope Diamond: This precious stone was most probably mined in India and it was sold to Louis XIV. The French king renamed the 45.52 carat blue diamond 'The Blue Diamond of the Crown of France'. The Hope Diamond was subsequently stolen and only resurfaced 20 years later. According to Hindustani belief, the goddess Sita cursed the stone saying it would bring the wearer bad luck.


Other world-famous diamonds include the Sancy diamond, the Centenary Diamond, the Golden Jubilee and the Lesotho Brown.

The composition of diamonds

Before talking about the anatomy of a diamond, we will first have a look at the stone itself. The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat is exactly 0.2 grams. Carat (ct.) is further divided into points, whereby one point is equal to 1/100th of a carat.
A variety of diamonds in different sizes and shapes, showcasing their unique carat weights and sparkling brilliance.
The value of a diamond is not only determined by its carat weight but also by the dimensions of the precious stone. That is measured with a diamond measuring tool, an instrument to determine the length, breadth and depth of the precious stone in millimeters (mm).
drawing showcasing the depth of a diamond, often measured using a diamond loupe

The depth of a diamond

Scientists in a gemological lab measure the depth of diamonds using a diamond loupe. That is important because the depth affects the reflectance. If a diamond is cut too deep, light can escape.

The depth is measured from the culet to the table. To calculate the depth percentage, you divide the height of the stone by the width.
drawing showcasing the culet and table of a diamond

The culet and table

The culet is the bottom part of the precious stone where it would rest on if it stood up straight. The word comes from the Latin 'culum', which means bottom.
The table is the top facet of a diamond in the middle of the crown. If the table is too small or too big, it can affect the sparkle and fire.
drawing showcasing the crown of a diamond, consisting of the star bezel and girdle facets

The crown and facets

The crown is the facet under the table and above the girdle. The crown consists of the star, bezel and girdle facets. These facets absorb and reflect the light, which makes the diamond sparkle. The polished corners of the crown determine the amount of fire and sparkle the precious stone has.
Facets are the surfaces created when the diamond is cut. These actually act as mirrors and provide optimal refraction and reflection of the light. The number of facets, for instance 57 or 58 (including culet) on a diamond, therefore determine the flexibility of the reflection.
drawing showcasing both the pavilion and girdle of a diamond

Pavilion and girdle

The pavilion is the part of the diamond from the girdle to the culet. It is therefore the bottom half of a diamond. If the pavilion is cut too deep or not deep enough, light escapes from the diamond and the fire and sparkle pay the price.
The girdle is the part of the diamond from the crown and the pavilion. This part is usually not graded but described according to its thickness. If there is a laser inscription on a diamond, it indicates where it will be engraved.

The value of a diamond: addressing the 4C’s

The value of a diamond depends on various factors, including where you bought the diamond. The 4 Cs,colour, clarity, cut, carat, are the most important elements. It is quite simple to understand the effect of these but how much they affect the price of a diamond also partly depends on the market demands at any given time. So, it's difficult to determine an average price. The Rapaport Price List gives a good overview of the current trends.

In general, coloured diamonds are a lot more expensive than colourless diamonds. This is because they are much rarer. Colourless diamonds are also allocated a colour or gradation because they have nuances. The highest grade of colourlessness starts at D and runs to F. These are colourless diamonds without a yellow tint.
a diamond colour gradation scale, ranging from lower colour gradation diamonds to higher colour gradation diamonds
A lower colour gradation means the diamond has a yellow tint. That is only visible using a microscope or by comparing it to higher graded diamonds. Most colourless diamonds in our earrings, bracelets and engagement rings have a gradation of G or H.
visual diagram illustrating the diamond clarity scale
Furthermore, clarity also plays a role. Diamonds usually have inclusions or 'birth marks' that appear during the formation process. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the clearer it is and the higher the price of the diamond. The clarity grade goes from FL to P3.
visual representation showcasing the various diamond cutting styles used by gemcutters
The gemcutter cannot change the colour or clarity of a diamond, but the cut can be influenced by human hand. That is determined by the dimensions, polish and symmetry. A diamond with an exquisite polish is highly sought-after because the crown lets in a lot of light and it is almost completely reflected.
With every BAUNAT diamond, you receive a certificate of authenticity from a recognized lab, such as GIA, HRD or IGI. It includes all dimensions and other information about the four Cs.

The final C stands for carat. The weight and size of a diamond is expressed in carats, where 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. The higher the carat weight, the higher the price will be. The prices increase exponentially. This means a 2 carat diamond will not simply cost twice the price of a 1 carat diamond with all the same characteristics. The price will more likely be triple.

Types of diamond cuts

Diamonds and other precious stones can be cut into different shapes. We present the three most popular shapes.

  1. Without doubt, round brilliant cuts are still the most popular diamond shape, certainly for engagement rings. If they are cut perfectly, they are generally worth more than alternative shapes. The cut and the stunning reflection of light mean that brilliant cut diamonds sparkle the most.

  2. The princess shape is catching up on the brilliant cut. These diamonds are square shaped. This shape is gaining in popularity due to its modern look.

  3. The pear shape has also been popular in recent years. It is a mix between a round brilliant cut and the marquise. A pear-shaped diamond is an excellent choice for a pair of diamond earrings or a diamond engagement ring. With its pointed end facing the nail, the shape optically lengthens your finger.

Diamonds in jewellery

Diamonds are a timeless choice for jewellery, enhancing a wide range of exquisite pieces. At BAUNAT, we celebrate the beauty and significance of diamonds across various styles, including rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
elegant engagement ring featuring a 1.00 carat round diamond centre and sparkling side stones in white gold

Diamond engagement rings: a lasting commitment

Discover our stunning collection of diamond engagement rings, each designed to symbolise love and commitment. Find the perfect ring that reflects your unique bond and captures the essence of your relationship. Browse our selection now!
Elegant 0.94 carat white gold diamond earrings featuring stunning oval diamonds, perfect for any special occasion.

Diamond earrings: versatile elegance

Diamonds also grace a variety of earrings, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. These versatile pieces can elevate your everyday look or complement special occasions.
a stunning 1.00 carat cushion cut diamond pendant in white gold, elegantly hanging from a delicate chain.

Diamond necklaces: timeless charm

Necklaces adorned with diamonds can enhance your style, whether it's a casual day out or a formal event.
Elegant 3.50 carat diamond tennis bracelet in white gold featuring a stunning diamond clasp.

Diamond bracelets: a touch of glamour

Bracelets featuring diamonds offer a stunning way to showcase your elegance, making them perfect for any occasion.

Diamonds as an investment

Beyond their decorative appeal, diamonds can serve as alternative investments. As diamond mines deplete and the gap between supply and demand widens, the value of diamonds continues to appreciate, making them a smart choice for those seeking both beauty and financial security.

Discover BAUNAT’s diamond jewellery collection


In a world where luxury meets craftsmanship, BAUNAT stands as a symbol of excellence. Our diamonds tell stories of beauty, history, and transcendence, showcasing artistry and passion. Whether you are looking for a symbol of love or an investment in elegance, our diamond jewellery beckons with timeless allure.
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  • Fabienne Rauw

  • BAUNAT Antwerp

  • Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.

Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.