Do diamonds need to breathe?

Contrary to a popular belief, diamonds do not actually need to breathe. The common misconception is that because diamond rings generally have holes, that the diamonds must breathe oxygen, or that it somehow helps determine if the stone is real.

This misconception is perpetuated by many jewelers who speak of diamonds breathing as if they need oxygen. In reality, the holes in a diamond ring do serve an important purpose, but rather than allowing oxygen into the diamond, they allow air and light to reach the stone, which in turn helps to give the gem its radiance and sparkle. However, not all diamond rings have these holes or require them.