Diamond Gemstone
Why are diamonds so special? There is a difference of opinion among people about this question. Whether you think it’s the formation, the rarity or the association with beauty and love, all of these reasons are right.
Diamond is a gemstone made of a single element known as carbon. Diamond is basically made of 99.95 % carbon, the remaining 0.05% can contain one or more trace elements. These trace elements can influence the color and shape of the diamond.
Diamonds are formed under a specific depth underneath the Earth’s surface, under conditions caused by high temperature and high pressure. Like a diamond, graphite is also made only of carbon, but its formation differs from that of a diamond. So, as a result, graphite is extremely soft, though diamond is so hard that it can only be scratched by another diamond!
The magical combination of structure, composition, and formation offers diamond unique qualities that make it stand alone. For Ancient Greeks and Romans, diamonds were the tears of Gods or the fragments from falling stars.
Determining Diamond Value
Is diamond valuable? The value of a diamond is determined by a combination of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These guidelines will help you choose diamond stones for your collection.
- Diamond Color
It can be a little difficult to understand the relationship between diamonds and color. Diamonds are thought to be colorless (truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare). The diamonds commonly used in jewelry are almost colorless, with tints of yellow (most often) or brown. Colorless varieties set the standard for grading and pricing other diamonds.
The GIA color scale, also known as the “D-to-Z scale,” is a widely used system to identify diamond color. This scale doesn’t implicate actual color or hues. Instead, each letter represents a color range, that is a combination of tone (darkness and lightness) and saturation (intensity of color).
Two diamonds with similar weight, clarity, and cut can differ in value based on their color alone. The slightest hint of color can dramatically bring a difference to the value of a diamond.
- Diamond Clarity
Few things in nature are perfect and so it is with diamonds. Diamond possesses internal features, known as inclusions, and surface imperfections, called blemishes. Both features together, are called clarity characteristics. When determining the value of a diamond, the clarity is the absence of blemishes and inclusions.
The concept of rarity has a direct influence on clarity. In the GIA clarity grade chart, flawless is the top grade. Flawless diamonds doesn’t show any visible inclusions or blemishes even if viewed under 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare, commanding top prices. On the contrary, it is easy to see inclusions by the unaided eye in diamonds on the lower side of the scale. The diamonds found in most jewelry falls in between these two poles. These gemstones also possess inclusions that are only visible through 10x magnification.
- Diamond Cut
A cut does not define only the shape, but it affects many characteristics of a diamond’s appearance. Today, the cut is as important as other features in determining a diamond’s value. A perfectly-cut diamond displays brilliant play of light, resulting in a magnificent show of a diamond’s three attributes; brightness (the internal and external reflection of white light), scintillation (the flickers of color and dark area visible when the light, diamond and viewer move) and fire (flickers of color that appear in a finished specimen).
Round brilliants are remarkably popular. But thanks to modern cutting techniques the best has been brought out in diamonds. Today, with the increasing demand for something new, it is easy to find diamonds in many fancy shapes and cuts such as the emerald cut, baguette, or pear.
- Diamond Carat
The bigger the diamond is, higher the value it commands. As the size of a diamond increases the carat weight also rises, resulting in higher prices. Today, most diamonds used in jewelry weigh under one carat. One carat is equal to 200mg.
Diamonds are weighed to at least a thousandth (0.001) of a carat. So, larger diamonds are extremely rarer than smaller ones. Not only do they cost more, they also cost more per carat.
- Diamond Varieties
Diamond is commonly known for its colorless brilliance. But, the introduction of colored diamonds has brought a lot of excitement among diamond lovers. These colored specimens are also known as fancy diamonds.
Blue Diamond: Known for its teal to true blue hues, blue diamond makes a sophisticated choice against the contemporary diamonds.
Champagne Diamond: Champagne diamonds display golden champagne color with brownish tints.
Red Diamond: A color of passion and romance, red diamonds showcase beautiful shades of red from medium to dark.
Pink Diamond: With soft pastel hues, pink diamonds are among the hardest to find of fancy colored diamonds.
Purple Diamond: A beautiful take on the classic diamond, purple diamonds compare to the beauty of amethyst or purple sapphire.
Diamond Treatment
Diamond can go through a variety of treatments.
HPHT: This high-pressure high-temperature enhancement is used to improve color and clarity. This treatment is done frequently and is stable with proper care.
Irradiation: Being a commonly used enhancement method, this treatment is done using a linear accelerator or electron bombardment to improve or add a new color. This improvement produces a stable enhancement.
Laser Drilling: This enhancement is commonly used to improve the clarity of the diamonds. It is stable with normal care.
Foil backing: This treatment is used very rarely. It is done to improve the appearance or color of the diamond.
Fracture Filling: Commonly used, this enhancement is used to improve clarity by filling surface reaching fractures in the stone.
Ultrasonic or steam cleaners are not good for the diamonds that undergo laser drilling, foil backing or fracture filling treatment.
Caring for Diamond
A well-known advertising slogan expertly defines a diamond’s timeless appeal, icy beauty, and durability. Ranking ten on the Mohs scale of hardness makes diamond extremely resistant to scratching. Its great toughness provides it safety against chipping, breaking or cracking.
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe for the cleaning of most diamonds, except for those diamonds with fissure filling treatment, foil backing, or laser drilling. Formed under conditions of high temperature and high pressure, excessive heat does not produce any harm to the gem.
While diamonds last forever, it is essential to clean diamond jewelry regularly. A simple cleaning procedure keeps diamond jewelry looking great longer. Use lukewarm water with dish soap and a soft brush to remove dirt. Rinse with fresh, cool water. A dry cloth can soak the moisture and save the sheen of the gemstone.
Diamond is the only stone that can scratch another diamond. So, do not store two pieces of diamond jewelry together. Similarly, avoid storing other gemstone jewelry with diamond as a diamond can cause serious damage. A jewelry box with compartments or soft cloth pouches are excellent homes for this jewelry.
Who Can Wear Diamond?
A symbol of love and eternity, diamond is the most popular choice when it comes to engagement rings and bridal jewelry. Although an excellent choice for the variety of ring designs and earrings, diamond makes an exceptional selection for any jewelry style such as pendants, necklaces or bracelets.
From royals to celebrities, diamond jewelry always has a high fashion position in the form of solitaire rings, tiaras, and bracelets. This radiating gemstone is a perfect companion to all the colors in your wardrobe. Be it a green, orange, red or black, diamond jewelry is enough to add the perfect dose of glamour to the look.
Diamond jewelry is the traditional gift for the 10th wedding anniversary.
How Does Diamond Compare to Other White Stones?
It is difficult to find a comparison to diamond. Diamonds are loved for their brilliance, colorless charm and fire. There are few colorless varieties such as white topaz and Cambodian zircon that have their own unique appeal, but the fire shown by diamonds is distinct.
Moissanite, white topaz, cubic zirconia, white sapphire, and goshenite are few gemstones that can be considered as alternatives for the classic diamond solitaire ring.
Where Does Diamond Come From?
The main diamond producing countries are South Africa, Russia, Botswana, and Australia. Along with them, diamonds are also found in Siberia, India, Canada, China, Brazil, and the United States. Shop LC sources its supply from around the world. Shop adheres to all international and local laws when trading diamonds or other gemstones. In addition, Shop LC follows established industry protocols such as the Kimberley Process when buying or selling diamond to do our part in removing conflict stones from the market.
Diamond Properties
What Does Diamond Mean?
A symbol of love and a part of eternity, diamond is mentioned in various beliefs and myths. In Rome, it was believed that a soldier wearing a diamond on the left arm would be offered courage and protection.
In the ancient Hindu culture, diamonds were said to contain the power of lightning. There are also beliefs that diamond possesses metaphysical properties that boost mental health and act as a remedy for poison.
Disclaimer: The information presented is for information purposes only and should not replace the advice of a trained medical professional.
Is Diamond a Birthstone?
According to the modern US birthstone list, diamond is the modern birthstone of April. While diamond is known for its captivating brilliance, its colored counterparts makes for a contemporary birthstone choice.
Diamond Facts
- Diamond ranks ten on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- Diamond color ranges from almost colorless with the tints of yellow or brown.
- Shop LC sources diamond from all around the world.
- Diamonds may undergo additional treatment to improve color or clarity.
- Colored diamonds are also known as fancy diamonds.