What do diamonds have to do with marriage? In Western culture, a diamond ring is often given as a token of engagement. Many fiancées enjoy showing these diamonds to friends and family, as these gemstones are a token of how much their prospective bridegrooms value and anticipate marriage with them.

Jewels and gemstones are associated with marriage throughout the Bible. Solomon spoke these words of praise to his beloved, “Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold” (Song of Solomon 1:10). The prophet Isaiah exulted in words that prophesy the union of Christ and His Bride: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

In Biblical times, common gemstones included ruby, topaz, jasper, and amethyst. In our own day, diamonds have become the preeminent stone associated with marriage. What are some practical and valuable considerations that make diamonds a fitting symbol of the importance of covenant marriage?

Diamonds are made of carbon

Most people are shocked when they realize that diamonds are made of carbon, the same element that composes coal. Similar to a lasting marriage, even the best diamond is made of dust.

Diamonds are formed under tremendous heat and pressure

Many diamonds were probably formed during the worldwide cataclysm we know as “Noah’s Flood.” So also, our God uses heat and pressure to create strong and lasting marriages.

Diamonds are clear in their pure state

The purest diamonds are the clearest diamonds. In its purest state, a natural diamond is colorless and transparent. Similarly, our marriages should be pure and crystal clear.

Diamonds are extremely valuable

Some famous diamonds, such as the Great Star of Africa (3,106 carats in its original form), are of immense value and are only owned by royalty. Likewise, a Christian marriage is of immense value in the eyes of our King.

Diamonds are very hard

Diamond is the hardest material on the Mohs scale of hardness. These gemstones are used to cut glass; in fact, diamond powder can abrade even the toughest materials! It is very difficult to scratch a diamond ring with anything. Similarly, like a diamond, a strong marriage will endure through the most difficult trials of life.

Diamonds gain value when cut

An uncut diamond has great potential for value, depending upon the skill of the cutter and the style of the cut. The famous Centenary Diamond has 247 facets and took five years to cut. Each cut on a diamond, properly made, increases its value. In the same way, God the Master Jeweler, uses His tools to sharpen a married couple so that their value and effectiveness will be increased for His glory.

Diamonds reflect light

Diamonds are cut by a skilled craftsman in order to maximize the amount of light reflected. This process is what gives them that unique “sparkle” or “luster.” A Christian marriage is designed by God to reflect the light of Christ. Thus, this dazzling luster will testify of the beauty of Christ’s workmanship.

A diamond ring given by a man to his fiancée in anticipation of marriage can reflect all of these unique qualities that are present in this precious gemstone. These “diamond-quality” attributes testify to the strength, purity, value, and permanence of a covenant marriage blessed by God.