A diamond construction may include a diamond body comprising a plurality of bonded-together diamond crystals forming a matrix phase, and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed between the bonded-together diamond crystals, the diamond body comprising: a first diamond region extending a depth from a surface of the diamond body being substantially free of a catalyst material used to form the diamond body, wherein the first diamond region comprises the matrix phase and in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial spaces, the first diamond region comprises a metal carbide and an inert metal, wherein the metal carbide is formed as a result of reaction between the diamond crystals in the matrix phase and a carbide-forming metal; and a second diamond region adjacent the first diamond region comprising the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal in the interstitial regions.