Are Diamonds Actually Rare?

December 29, 2025

Diamonds have always been associated with luxury and rarity. Engagement rings, jewelry collections are thought to be up there with among the most coveted stones on this planet. But did you ever stop to ask yourself, “Are diamonds actually rare?” Though the notion is that diamonds are rare, the truth is a little more complex. In this blog, we’ll explain the facts on diamond rarity and explain why it’s important to learn about what makes up this coveted stone.

The Diamond Industry: A Brief Overview

The diamond industry is one of the world’s oldest and most lucrative. Diamonds have been sold for centuries as a sign of rareness, beauty, and prestige. But diamonds have been heavily concentrated in the hands of large firms, such as De Beers, which have shaped availability to keep prices high. This marketing has been successful, and one of the results is that diamonds seem rare.

Whilst natural diamonds are definitely sourced deep from within the crust of Earth, they aren’t rare due to how many are found, but rather by how many we allow. It’s not just about their rarity in nature; it’s also about the nature of the distribution and market.

Are Diamonds Actually Rare in Nature?

Diamonds occur naturally in the Earth’s mantle, where they are created under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, typically 90 to 120 miles beneath the surface. It takes millions to billions of years for this process. So, in that sense, diamonds are rare next to other stones. But the truth is that natural diamonds are not as rare as we are led to believe.

This is because there are so many more rhinestones already out there and in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where you can find diamond mines. For instance, huge diamond mines have been found in countries such as Russia, Botswana, and Canada, where the soil has many diamonds. The actual issue is mining such materials and getting them into people's hands.

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The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Recently, the industry has been revolutionized by developments around lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural varieties but are manmade in a lab under optimum requirements. Due to the limited length of time that it takes for lab-grown diamonds to grow, laboratories can control nitrogen-to-carbon ratios, temperature, and other variables, and they are a fraction of the cost and more accessible to consumers.

Interestingly, lab-grown diamonds are also technically rare because they’re still only really made in small batches, but the method is far more efficient than the natural diamond extraction. For an environmentally and ethically friendly alternative, consider lab-created diamonds. Plus, they deliver the same sparkle and sophistication, so this type of ring is great for something like diamond earrings or a promise ring.

The Truth Behind Diamond Rarity: Scarcity vs. Perception

So, when we ask, “Are diamonds actually rare?”, the answer is not so simple. Though diamonds do require millions of years to form in the earth, they are not as rare as everybody has implied. An industry careful to maintain tight control over supply, the rise of synthetic diamonds is changing our understanding of their rarity.

And consumers now have a much better grip on what rarity really means with diamonds, especially as more diamond types like green diamonds are grabbing attention for their unique color and rarity. But you also have to remember that, like any valuable gem, its perception of rareness is everything.

Rarity and Diamond Choices

Diamonds are a beautiful and classic option for engagement rings, but it is essential to remember that the scarcity of these precious stones is largely a result of human influences: mining operations, supply manipulation, and marketing, rather than something innate to the stone. The existence of synthetic diamonds and the agora marketing of customers makes diamonds a commodity for everyone.

If you’re in the market for a luxurious piece of jewelry, whether that’s a tennis bracelet or beloved engagement ring, knowing exactly how rare diamonds are can help inform your buying process. Whether you go with a natural diamond or a lab-grown one, both are sure to provide an enduring beauty and value.

Final Thoughts

The diamond industry is changing, and it’s intriguing to see how diamonds in various formats are being redefined. Thanks to this new knowledge, you now have the information at your fingertips, of their real value or even how rare they are.