Diamonds is a work.
Diamonds (Rihanna song) . The song premiered on September 26 , 2012 , during the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and was digitally released the following day as the lead single from Unapologetic . The song 's music video was shot by director Anthony Mandler , a frequent collaborator of Rihanna 's , and depicts her in four environments that represent the elements of earth , air , water , and fire . The song has been covered by various recording artists , including Josef Salvat , who released his own cover of `` Diamonds '' as a single .