The geochemical characterization of bulk diamonds and associated inclusions as a tool for
determining provenance carries significant inherent limitations. Isotopic and trace element
signatures are imparted within the mantle during diamond growth; hence, discriminating
crystals from a particular region on the Earth's surface on this basis is difficult at best, and
impossible (using current technologies) in many cases. In contrast, rare diamond
characteristics may provide a partial solution for recognizing stones from a limited number of …