Conspiracy: Are Diamonds Really Rare?

 

Diamonds are not actually rare; their high value is largely maintained by artificial scarcity, monopolistic marketing, and controlled supply, specifically by historical De Beers practices. While high-quality, gem-grade diamonds are less common, diamonds as a mineral are plentiful, with massive deposits worldwide. The "diamond is forever" concept was a successful marketing campaign rather than a reflection of geological scarcity.

Key Aspects of the Diamond Rarity Myth:

Controlled Supply: For much of the 20th century, De Beers controlled the majority of the world’s diamond production, creating a monopoly that restricted supply to keep prices high.

Abundance vs. Quality: While industrial-grade diamonds are common, only a small percentage of mined diamonds are high-quality, gem-grade stones.

Marketing Scarcity: The idea that diamonds are rare is a result of effective marketing campaigns (e.g., "A Diamond Is Forever") that, starting in the 1940s, created emotional value and an illusion of scarcity.

Geological Availability: Diamonds are found on almost every continent and are formed deep within the Earth, with studies suggesting they are more common than previously thought.

Comparison to Other Gems: Compared to rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, diamonds are actually quite common.

Disclaimer: While natural diamonds are abundant, the market for high-clarity, colorless, or rare-colored diamonds still exists within a higher price bracket due to the rarity of those specific traits.