Why are diamonds worth so much???

Question

...tom science

Answer 1

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man, so it can only be cut or scratched with another Diamond. Because of its hardness, when polished it achieves a high lustre. It also has a very high refractive index which disperses the light that passes through it, giving the stone the 'Fire' or sparkle that makes it so beautiful.

Why are theyso expensive ?
Diamond is not a rare mineral, but what comes out of the ground is mostly black or gray material called 'Bort' and is used for industrial abrasives and cutters. It takes about 50 tons of solid rock to yield one carat of Diamond, about 20% of which is gem quality, of this only about 5% is of the best quality. Larger single gem quality crystals are much rarer.
The rough crystal is hewn into its basic shape by spinning it in a lathe and rubbing it with a Diamond tipped tool. Usually about 30% of the original crystal is lost. From there it is cut by a Diamond impregnated saw, and polished with powdered Diamond paste. This process is time consuming and wasteful, as it can take about 8 hours to cut once through a one carat stone, and it can take days to polish the facets on. Although there is much automation, larger stones are cut and polished by hand, and measured by eye.
After polishing, the finished Diamonds are sorted and graded by colour, clarity, and weight. From there they are bought and sold by dealers mainly in Antwerp and London.

Because of how they are made, and where they land, diamonds are rare, and hard to get to!
Diamond mining is a very expensive business.

Diamonds are a symbol of one’s love for another, and because of their often extravagant cost, seem to symbolize the depth of that love based on the price. More than money, though, diamonds are an indication of one’s feelings for another. Diamonds are the gift of choice for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and other holidays. The engagement ring, a symbol of lifelong love, traditionally holds one solitaire – a diamond, and this stone signifies major life commitments. A gift of a diamond is considered a verifiable sign that one’s love is true and runs deep.

Diamonds continue to play an important role in people’s lives today just as they have in the past. Conflict over their value proves how important they are to society. The beauty and elegance of diamonds make them an important addition to anyone’s jewelry collection. Because they are the most coveted, however, a gift of a diamond holds a special place in the recipient’s heart.

Answer 2

Because they're owned by a Dutch company, under a monopoly, in South Africa. This company is known as DeBeer's. So, any diamond you buy is a DeBeer's diamond. Look it up and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Answer 3

They really aren't. The market value of cut diamonds is set by the supply chain (De Beers, mostly), and remains relatively unaffected by consumer demand. The instrinsic value of diamonds is surprisingly low - the market price exceeds the value by quite a bit. See this link:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040903.html

Answer 4

Because it is a monopoly held by the debeers corp. and they only release so many at a time, and girls are silly enough to fall for it, there are stones that are prettier and more rare than diamonds.

Answer 5

they are expensive becoz they have to spend alot of time diggin for the diamond ...then cut it with another diamond and then polish it......before u purchase a diamond u muz always check the diamond if there is any crack in it...it will brin u bad luck...

Answer 6

Diamonds are the toughest thing on earth and yet the most beautiful one!

Answer 7

Because they are rare and nonreactive hardest substance which is good to be use for some kind of currency that will last a long time.

Answer 8

dear friend,
Hi; i think because diamonds are 100% natural and rare and surely they are beauty and brilliant.