In Surat, India's diamond capital, VD Global made a remarkable discovery: a "diamond within a diamond," a rare and unique gem. The 0.329-carat gem has been affectionately named "Beating Heart" by the company, inspired by the overwhelming emotions experienced upon first laying eyes on it.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council has recognized the Beating Heart as a rare diamond, alongside the Matryoshka diamond, which was discovered in Siberia, Russia in 2019. The Matryoshka diamond is the first of its kind in history, containing another diamond inside it like a nesting doll.
The recent discovery in Surat is truly distinctive. Within the Beating Heart diamond, there is a smaller diamond, a rarity in itself. Surat is home to one of the world's largest diamond processing centers, where countless diamonds from around the globe are expertly cut and polished.
VD Global, a De Beers Group Sightholder, discovered the Beating Heart during the examination of rough diamonds at their Surat facility in October 2022. Vallabh Vaghasiya, the chairman of VD Global, expressed his astonishment, stating, "While inspecting the rough diamonds, we came across this exceptional diamond that encased a smaller diamond within it, a phenomenon we had never encountered before. We decided to name it 'Beating Heart' based on the initial emotions it evoked within us."
VDG Global promptly notified De Beers, and the diamond was sent to De Beers' laboratory in Maidenhead, UK for further examination. Various tests were conducted at the De Beers Group Institute (DBGI) using techniques such as preliminary analysis, optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as fluorescence and phosphorescence imaging.
The recent discovery, now acknowledged by the De Beers Institute of Diamonds (DBID), has elevated the Beating Heart to join the exclusive group of rare diamonds. Samantha Sibley, a technical educator from De Beers Group Ignite, expressed her awe, stating, "Throughout my three decades in the diamond sector, I have never encountered anything quite like the 'Beating Heart.' With the expertise of the De Beers Group, we can illuminate the formation and structure of this natural wonder, sharing our insights with the wider community of diamond professionals."
The Beating Heart diamond is a truly remarkable discovery, and its inclusion in the esteemed category of rare diamonds is a testament to its unique beauty and rarity.