It is difficult to deny the allure of diamonds, especially when they are clustered brilliantly in a brooch or pin design. Diamond brooches are an enduring and elegant complement to a jewelry collection, and they share a bit of the rich history of the coveted gem.

In a chemical context, diamonds are composed of crystals derived from carbon. This carbon is compressed under incredibly high temperature and pressure deep within the mantle of the Earth to yield the radiant gemstones. While a seemingly gritty process, the result, when faceted, is the brilliant, crystalline diamond that sparkles with even the smallest catch of light.

First discovered in India around 1000 B.C., diamonds were immediately revered because of this luminosity. Even before finessed stone cutting techniques were available, these ancient cultures appreciated the marvelous shimmer of diamonds as a sign of their magical or talismanic powers.

Quick Facts

• Though diamonds are mined around the world, less than a quarter of them are considered gemstone quality
• Diamonds take on different colors based on the chemical components within the carbon that cause irregularities in the crystal lattice structure of the diamond itself
• One of the most impressive diamond brooches features the Cullinan III and IV diamonds. Designed for England’s Queen Mary (the Cullinan III was used as the finial for Queen Mary’s crown), the two diamonds together total 157.4 carats