What makes something valuable? Age, rarity, and beauty are a few “valuable” characteristics. All three attributes are combined when it comes to gem stones. And some of the oldest, rarest, and most beautiful jewels are diamonds.

Would you like to see something nearly as old as the Earth? No need to go to a museum; you may be wearing it on your finger. Blasted through molten rock some 93 miles below the surface of an earth in the pangs of creation, behold the diamond.

The brightest gem on earth is the diamond, which possesses the greatest ability to refract light. And right now, the brightest diamond, in the sense of popularity, is the brown diamond. Brown diamonds, which are among the stones known as fancy colored diamonds, come in a range of shades. This range, according to the Natural Color Diamond Association, begins with the light-colored champagne diamonds, and ends with the ever-darker, rich brown cognac diamonds. Cinnamon, caramel, and chocolate diamonds fall within this scale.

Although age and rarity are conditions that do not easily change, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And different times judge beauty according to different standards.

Take for example the work of one of America’s greatest architects, Alfred B. Mullet. In 1874 alone, he presided over the construction of more than forty new buildings. His vision and creativity brought dignity and praise to the buildings that bear his mark. His last building, what is now called the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, sits to the west of the White House. This inspiring landmark is where the Vice President works and it also plays a major role as a host to Washington’s most important diplomatic events. It is a magnificent structure.

Mullet’s design took seventeen years to complete at a cost of $10 million. At the time of the building’s completion, however, it received a thunderous round of criticism. To say that no one liked it would be an understatement. Mark Twain once called it “the ugliest building in America.”

Diamonds have historically been judged by the four C’s: carat, clarity, cut, and color. Usually, the more colorless the diamond, the more valuable it is. Brown diamonds in particular used to be consigned to industrial purposes. Lately, though, these chocolate diamonds have become noted for of all things, their beauty. The rich and famous have been seen wearing stunning combinations of chocolate and white diamonds. Noted for their amazing ability to blend with popular earth tones and the unique trait of accentuating a variety of skin tones, chocolate diamonds have risen to the top of the beauty scale.

So whether it is an old office building or an industrial diamond, given time, true beauty ultimately shines through.

Value is also determined by meaning. A toy ring from a lost loved one has no market value, but its worth cannot be measured. One’s soul has more value than the wealth of the entire world. So when choosing a diamond, consider the occasion, the person, and the timelessness of the gift. Chocolate diamonds, like true love, last forever!