Diamonds were formed millions of years ago deep under the earth surface due to immense natural pressure and heat. Diamond formations only occur approximately 150 to 200 kms under the earth's surface in a layer known as the mantle where the right conditions of high pressure and heat exist.

The word diamond comes from the Greek word Adamas meaning indestructible. Diamonds are formed at great depth in the earth approximately between 150kn to 300km below the surface of the earth. Diamonds are pushed up through the ground by a type of volcanic eruption through volcanic pipes of diamond bearing rock, known as the Kimberlite rock. The Kimberlite rock was named after the town of Kimberly n South Africa due to the discovery of an 83.5-carat diamond in 1871 which lead to a diamond rush in the town.

Today, Diamonds are mined in many countries across the world including South Africa, Botswana, Zaire, Australia and Russia. A Diamond is given a grade by gemmologist, which is proven in a diamond certificate, depending its sparkle and finish from the rough.

Diamonds are commonly popular for engagement rings, which date back centuries showing that a women is to be married.

The first recorded history of diamonds date back 3,000 years ago and were first discovered in Indian. Alexander the great brought the first diamonds over to Europe in 327 BC from India.

From the rough, diamonds were used many years ago to create tools for carvings. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were parts of stars from the sky that had fallen onto the earth's surface.

In 1407 the art of cutting diamond gems was developed, which is said to have been originated in Paris at the time. The first company to sell diamond jewellery opened in 1837 and the famous Royal Asscher Company was founding 1854.

Throughout history diamonds have been a symbol of wealth and strength, until the 15th century kings were the only ones that wore diamonds to display their power and wealth. There are many myths about what diamonds represent. One of their main symbols is as a sign of love to be given to a loved one in the form of engagement rings, diamond pendants and more - recognised as a "gift of love". Many believe Cupids arrows were tipped with diamonds.

Diamonds are produced and mined all over the world, the top seven that account for 80% of the world's rough diamond supply include South Africa, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Russia, Namibia and Australia.

Claw Setting - Also named prong settings are the most popular style settings for diamond jewellery and engagement rings. The claw setting secures the diamond or gemstone by a number of fine metal claws, typically between three to six claw settings which are spaced around the stone. Most engagement rings feature either six or four claw settings.

Claw settings are designed to allow more light to the diamond and put more emphasis on the diamond or gemstone, not the metal around it.

Invisible Setting – The diamonds in an Invisible setting look like they are being held on the jewellery by nothing and are not held by metal in the form of claws, they are simply held by rows of diamonds. The Diamonds appear to look like a solid surface of gems as the gemstones sit side by side to create a dazzling effect.

Channel Set – Refers to a number of smaller diamonds that are usually set in lines around a ring, bracelet or necklace. Channel set diamonds have small gaps between each adjacent diamond. The most popular cut stones for channel settings are baguette cut diamonds, princess cut diamonds and round cut diamonds.

Pavé Setting – a Pavé setting involves small diamonds which cover the surface of the jewellery. Pavé settings on jewellery create an effect where it appears the gemstones have been paved or rolled into the jewellery. A pavé setting is usually combined with a larger diamond setting with the pavé set stones around the diamond. This style of diamond setting has a vintage look and is popular in engagement rings, diamond earrings and diamond pendants.

Rubover Setting – Also known as bezel setting combines a rim of metal shaped around the stone to hold the diamond or gemstone in place. This style of setting offers the greatest protection for the stone. A Rubover style can make diamond jewellery look both traditional and modern. For engagement rings the rubover setting is the most practical for every day wear as the diamond sits closer to the finger.

Tension Setting – Tension set diamonds are usually held in place between two sides of a metal ring by pressure to create the illusion that the stone is suspended in the air with nothing holding it in place. Jewellery with a tension set diamond has a modern appearance and is popular for engagement rings

If you are interested in purchasing one of the diamond settings featured above browse through our collection of engagement rings, diamond pendants, diamond bracelets and diamond earrings to see our collection.

Shop With Confidence

Steven Stone Jewellers has sold quality diamond and other gem stone jewellery since 1937 at unbeatable prices, and has supplied jewellery in the past to some of the top jewellery retailers across the world.

All diamond sold at Steven Stone are GIA Certificated – one of the most reputable independent diamond grading laboratories.

From start to finish all jewellery is manufactured in-house using leading-edge machinery and with our skilled team of crafts-men, who beautifully hand-craft every piece of jewellery.

We provide a life time guarantee for items purchased online at Steven Stone and a 30-day money back guarantee if you want to refund an item.

We also provide Free UK Delivery on all orders.

How to keep your diamond clean

Ultrasonic cleaning – We provide all our customers with a free life time, annually diamond ultrasonic cleaning service. An ultrasonic cleaner is a cleaning device that uses ultrasound and cleaning solvent to remove any dirt and fully clean diamond jewellery. The diamond is cleaned by using high frequency sound waves that shake in a liquid, allowing it to remove dirt form the diamond.

Please note: the ultrasonic service includes postage and packaging charges.

You can also care for your diamonds at home.

Cold water soak- Diamonds can be cleaned in a bowl mixed with cold water and household ammonia into a bowl and then left for 30 minutes. Use a soft cotton cloth and pat dry the diamond jeweler

Storage – Diamond jewellery needs to be stored separately, in the box it came in, kept away from other jewellery as it easily scratches and may scratch the other jewellery.

Please remember, although diamonds are the hardest known natural material, they are brittle and when hit hard or dropped they can easily crack or chip, so don't wear a diamond ring or other diamond jewellery when doing rough work.