Monthly Film Bulletin said "The deeply involved plot is strewn with red herrings to such an extent that the film becomes more baffling than entertaining, and never rises above commonplace 'B'’ picture level. The Diamond was originally shot in 3-D, but the version shown is flat."[5]
Kine Weekly said "The picture, originally made in 3-D, very nearly talks itself to a standstill during the early stages, but allows no grass to grow under its feet as it approaches its vivid pyrotechnic climax. Flames lick the good and the bad lads, and few will resist cheering when the rescue party puts in an appearance and the villain is consumed in the inferno. The leading characters display admirable composure in the most testing circumstances, and the stout portrayals of Dennis O’Keefe, Philip Friend and Margaret Sheridan as Joe, McClaren and Marlene, do much to mellow the rough stuff. Authentic Scotland Yard detail, too, acts as a cushion. In a word, “The Diamond ” should cut some ice with the crowd, if not the intelligentsia."[6]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Intricately developed thriller, though only the end is exciting. Originally made for 3D, but shown 'flat'."[7]
Leslie Halliwell said: "Leaden cops-and-robbers which went out on the bottom of the bill instead of being shown in three dimensions."[8]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "A rare UK venture into 3D, this crime programme filler was shot in a process called Spacemaster. ... Mostly shown in its flat format, the film was jointly directed by its star and Montgomery Tully, who was something of a dab hand at atmosphere-free mysteries."[9]