The value of a diamond is determined by the Four Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight. Diamond Cut When cut properly, a diamond will reflect light from one facet to another. The width and depth have the greatest effect on how light travels within the diamond, and how it exits in the form of brilliance. If the stone is cut too shallow, light is lost from the sides, causing the diamond to lose brilliance. If a diamond is cut too deep, light escapes out the bottom, causing the diamond to appear dark and dull. Diamonds may be cut in a variety of shapes. Each of these shapes has its own unique brilliance, can accentuate and enhance various physical features, and should be used to reflect personal style and personality.
Diamond Color Diamond Clarity
Our diamonds have been evaluated and graded by GIA graduate gemologists using the standards established by GIA (The Gemological Institute of America). Through these guidelines, we no longer provide clarity grades for SINGLE cut diamonds. Diamond Carat More About Diamonds Diamonds have the longest endurance of any substance known on Earth. They are forever and their beauty is unaffected by age. Carbon dating has established that diamonds, on the average, are 3.4 billion years of age. They consist of pure carbon and there is no chemical difference between them and carbon powder (the lead pencil center). Obviously, however, the physical difference between carbon powder and a diamond is fascinating. Diamonds are created from a basketball-sized piece of pure carbon that becomes white-hot. It is squeezed to the size of a small pearl, turning from black to clear in the process and becoming the hardest material known to humans, ranking a 10.0 on the Mohs Scale. Because they are so hard, diamonds can only be ground and polished by using diamond dust that has been ground from other diamonds. Diamonds are found in a rainbow of colors, including colorless, gray, black, red, pink, green, blue, yellow and brown. The value of a fancy-colored stone depends largely on the rarity of its color (reds and greens are rarer than yellows and browns), the saturation of the color (from faint to vivid), and the purity of the color (whether it is bright and clear or clouded by other underlying colors). Top-grade fancy diamonds are extremely rare and command tremendous prices. Probably the most famous colored diamond is the Hope, which features a deep-blue color and weighs an amazing 45.52ct. It can be seen at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. The color results from the presence of another element when the diamond is formed. Blue diamonds result from the presence of minute quantities of boron and yellow diamonds contained nitrogen at the formation stage. Brown diamonds appear colored due to the absorption of light within the diamond structure known as the lattice. Colored diamonds are rarer than white diamonds because proportionally only a few thousand tons are mined per year compared to the millions of white diamonds. Even after colored diamonds are mined, only a few pieces of the "rough" are successfully cut into relatively small gems weighing only a few points. Found all over the world, diamonds most commonly come from Canada, South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, Tanzania, Zaire, Ghana, Borneo, Venezuela, Russia, Botswana, Angola, Namibia and Guyana. America has a couple small producing diamonds mines, but it only produces industrial grades with non-gem grade material. These black and brown industrial-grade diamonds are widely used as cutting and grinding tools in various industries, such as oil drilling and stone carving. Diamonds are among the most prized substances on Earth. They have come to symbolize the ultimate gift of love and romance and, in the United States, are traditionally used in engagement and wedding rings. This tradition may have started from the superstition that a diamond transfers good luck and true love to the recipient. The tradition of the diamond solitaire engagement ring may have started in 1477, when the Archduke of Austria gave a large solitaire diamond to Mary of Burgundy for her hand in marriage. Amidst this tradition of romance, the diamond is also the birthstone for April and is given as 10th, 30th, 60th and 75th anniversary gifts. Diamonds have been the pride of empires throughout time. Ancient Hindu followers believed diamonds were created by thunderbolts striking the ground. Ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were teardrops of the gods and splinters of stars that had fallen to Earth. The stones were believed to possess magical qualities and have powers far beyond the understanding of common man. Even the name stems from “adamas,” the Greek word for “unconquerable” and “indestructible.” Diamonds were worn because they were thought to give people strength, invincibility, courage and magical powers over dark sorceress and magicians. In the ancient India, a diamond set in a platinum ring was worn for victory in battles. Sometimes called “gems of the sun” in reference to their brilliance, legend has it that Europeans first discovered African diamonds in a shaman’s leather pouch. Kings led battles and wore heavy leather breastplates studded with diamonds so that enemy warriors would stay clear. Once they survived through the wars by the “magic” of diamonds, they were considered blessed by the gods and given lives of good fortune. Much of this lore still lives today in the saying, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” The diamond has even been described as an ancient symbol of the perfected man whose divine spirit shines forth. Just as the rough diamond is dull and lifeless when first removed from the Earth, so does the “earthly” human spiritual nature reveal little of its inherent luminosity. In the hands of the skillful lapidary, a diamond is transformed into a sparkling gem that radiates a rainbow of fire. This is much like the Divine Lapidary, who grinds and polishes the spirit of a human until he or she reflects the glory of the Creator from every direction. The diamond is considered the most magical of all gems. When worn, it is believed to promote spirituality, even ecstasy, and is often utilized in meditation. The diamond is believed to promote self-confidence and is the stone of love. Owing to its sparkling and flashing nature, it has long been regarded as a stone of protection and peace. It can be worn today for courage and strength, and represents fearlessness and invincibility. Since only diamonds can scratch other diamonds, it is important to wrap and store your diamond jewelry pieces separately so they do not touch one another. It is always best to have cleaning done by a professional. To clean jewelry at home, soak diamonds in warm, sudsy water made with any mild liquid detergent. Brush with a soft toothbrush and rinse and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Other effective cleaning methods include soaking diamonds in household ammonia, brand-name liquid jewelry cleaners, or even a glass of vodka.
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