All About Diamonds

Author:   Lana Frank

Publisher:  Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS). All About Diamonds is being published with the support of the AIGS, founded in Bangkok, Thailand in 1978. AIGS is highly- respected international gemological education and research institution with expertise in gemstone identification, grading, laboratory services, and the study of gem materials and jewelry. Its connection to global professional gemstone community makes it a fitting partner for a book devoted to the history, craftsmanship, and enduring legacy of natural diamonds. ( https://www.aigsthailand.com/ )

The Truth About Diamonds: 

Why Consumers Need More Than Just a Buying Guide

After two decades in the diamond trade, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the industry from many different angles. During my career, I spent time in bookstores, searching for a single volume that could offer a comprehensive view of diamonds, not just a technical description of the stone, but the entire ecosystem that surrounds it. To my surprise, that book didn’t exist. There are plenty of guides on how to buy a diamond or academic histories, but nothing that connects all the dots to this point. That void is exactly why I wrote All About Diamonds.

My goal was to create a definitive overview that covers everything from mining and manufacturing to the intriguing lore that makes these stones so captivating. I wanted to write it in a friendly, accessible way, brought to life with many original imagery. Crucially, I also wanted to highlight the women of the trade, an essential, often overlooked force in our industry’s growth.

The recent confusion between natural and lab-grown diamonds arises largely from a lack of general knowledge. Most consumers simply don’t have the context to understand the difference. I believe there has never been a better time to provide that clarity. We don’t need propaganda, we need a captivating, honest narrative. In All About Diamonds, I pull back the curtain on this ecosystem. I wanted to fill the void between the academic gemologist and casual shopper. I have also included my Personal Stories that bring the industry to life. These stories serve purpouse: they prove that diamonds have always been at the center of human ambition and personal discovery. My perspective is that of a first-generation trade member. I didn`t inherit this industry, I earned my pace in it. 

If we can bring the general public into the fold, moving them from the dark and into a place of understanding, we will naturally rebuild the trust that the trade so desperately needs. Even chapters like “The World’s Most Audacious Diamond Heists” serve a purpose beyond entertainment, they remind the reader of the enduring, high-stakes desire for natural diamonds throughout history.

The natural diamond industry is a complex, vital sector that serves us on so many levels. The more the public understands that, the sooner we will see a recovery. Earning back public trust will take time, but All About Diamonds is a necessary stepping stone in the right direction. I wanted to show that natural diamonds are about much more than luxury. They are about human endeavor, history, and incredible artistry.

I want to tell the full story of natural diamonds on a global scale.      

And that is my way to contribute to the industry.

An intimate look of diamond artistry, trade politics, and the pursuit of excellence. This volume captures the full journey from the cutting bench to the global stage. The book All About Diamonds available in October 2026.

👇The book can be purchased at the AIGS website, and later on other platforms:

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