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The history of diamonds
The inherent beauty possessed
by every diamond ring is rivalled
only by the larger-than-life stories behind the discovery of diamonds. Various
legends surround the discovery of diamonds, including one which involves a
valley in central Asia full of diamonds but guarded by snakes and birds of prey.
There are even tales about the poisonous nature of diamonds, but these are
generally attributed to mine owners who spread the myths to discourage the
workers from swallowing the diamonds straight from the mine.
While these myths are clearly
untrue, there is no doubt that diamond rings and other diamond-laden jewelries
possess beauty, and many believe that they also possess mystical power. The
ancient Greeks used them as talismans and as cures for a variety of
ailments.
A diamond ring may be
expensive, but it has become popular because of its sturdiness, making it ideal
even for daily wear. The scratch-resistant feature of a diamond ring is one of
the reasons why it has become a popular wedding ring. In exchange for a diamond
ring investment, you get a scratch-resistant stone with a grade of 10 in Mohs
scale of hardness. Not all diamonds are equal though: only the purest and
flawless diamonds get the highest hardness score, which makes them impossible to
scratch, except by other diamonds.
In the 15th
century, diamond rings and other diamond jewelries were only worn by kings. The
increase in the supply of diamonds in the 19th century increased the
demand for diamond rings. They became more popular with the discovery of more
diamond mines, the growth of the economy worldwide, and the improvement in
cutting and polishing techniques.
Types of diamonds
There are various types of
diamonds but among the best diamonds you can use to create magnificent diamond
rings include:
Pink Diamonds
White diamonds, which are
sourced from Argyle, used to be considered most beautiful diamond in the world;
then the pink diamond was discovered. Don’t expect to see pink diamond rings
from your trusted local jeweler just yet. It is the most valuable and one of the
rarest types of diamonds from the Argyle mine. Less than a 10th of
one percent of the diamonds sourced from the mine are pink. A 3.14-carat pink diamond ring from Argyle was once sold
in an auction at Christie’s in New York for $1,510,000. The pink diamond rings
from Argyle possess an intense pink color compared to the pale pink diamonds
from Africa, Brazil and India. Argyle is known as the largest producer of
diamonds in the world.
Blue diamonds
Only a few jewelers have been
lucky enough to see authentic blue diamond rings because they are extremely
rare. Authentic blue diamonds also come from the Argyle mine, albeit in a
limited number. The closest you can get to the real thing is at Washington
D.C.’s Smithsonian National History Museum, which houses the “Le blue de France”
or the Hope Diamond, a deep blue 45.52-carat diamond. Be wary about this
diamond though if you believe in myths because it is reportedly cursed. This has
not, however, stopped people from checking out the blue diamond, making it one
of the world’s most-visited works of art, next only to the Mona Lisa. There are
however many fancy blue diamond rings in the market.
Black diamonds
Some people still think black
diamonds are a myth because there are not a whole lot of them being sold on the
market. Many times, a transaction involving a black diamond is done in a
“hush-hush manner” so that no ordinary mortal can prove that this type of
diamond really exists. Black diamonds exist as a result of volcanic eruptions.
These diamonds, which were formed one million years ago, are still younger than
the clear diamonds which were formed over 4.25 billion years ago. Rarely will
you find black diamond rings because
of the challenge involved in cutting the pitted diamond surface.
Native-Americans believed that these diamonds were cursed. Italians, on the
other hand, believe these diamonds can make a troubled marriage well
again.
Nexus diamonds
With the price of diamond
rings incessantly on the rise, scientists resolved to find a way to create
diamonds in a laboratory. Laboratory-created diamonds are known as Nexus
diamonds. These are diamond stimulants that match the features of real diamonds,
right down to their hardness, ability to cut glass, brilliance, radiance and
ability to refract. Those who cannot afford real diamonds opt for Nexus diamond
rings for their engagement or wedding rings.
All diamond rings may sparkle and shine, but no two
diamonds are the same because they undergo different cutting and polishing
process. The sparkle of every diamond in fact depends on its facet, the surface
on the diamond that traps light and causes it to sparkle. While experts are
expected to know how to determine the best diamonds by heart, it wouldn’t hurt
if you learn a thing or two about these precious stones as you may be wearing
them on your fingers pretty soon.
Introduction to Loose Diamonds
The
king among gemstones, the word diamond comes from the Greek word
"adamas" which means 'unconquerable' with it's brilliant
sparkle and stunning beauty diamond is unconquerable ever. Some of
the features of diamond include rareness, optical brilliance and hardness.
Most
online stores sells certified loose diamonds that meet strict
quality standards. Providing a quality gemstone with impeccable
quality should be the policy of all online stores as diamond related
rings are the most popular and most sold. Look for a online stores
who ensure your total satisfaction and provide a 30 day exchange
policy with all loose diamonds.
Most
online stores will help you to find your perfect diamond that will
provide a lifetime of enjoyment and symbolism of your love and
commitment. To appreciate a diamond you have to understand the 4 C's
known as Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.
World
Famous Diamonds
The
most famous diamonds
in the world carry with them rich histories of the fortune and
calamity of the lives which they have touched throughout time. Some
world renowned diamonds have made the journey through the hands of
royalty over centuries while others have only been unearthed in
recent decades. Here we examine a few of the most coveted diamonds
that have ever been discovered.
Be
a Smart Diamond Buyer
Who
would ever thought that clarity grading a diamond
is much easier than anyone could ever imagine. Two things which we
should be concerned of are:
Category
1: Diamonds
with inclusion1 and blemishes2 which is visible to our naked eye.
Diamond
Certification: Shoppers Buying Guide
A
certification is a diamond industry term for a diamond grading
report, which documents the diamond’s credentials. The
certification describes the physical characteristics of a diamond
and is usually prepared by an independent grading laboratory.
Diamond's
Cut
Of
the 4 C's, diamond
cut
of the diamond is the most important factor determining its sparkle,
brilliance and beauty of a diamond. The diamonds cut refers to how
well proportioned the diamond has been transformed into its shape.
The shape of a diamond can be round, oval, pear, heart, marquise,
emerald or princess. A 'cut grade' of diamonds, refers to its
proportions, symmetry and polish. Buy from online stores who will not
sell diamonds with a cut grade considered less than very good.
The
cut of the diamond is intended to best reflect the light that shines
into it and the cut characterizes the sparkle and fire we see in a
beautifully cut diamond. GIA grading reports show percentage depth
and percentage table ratios as compared to the width of the diamond.
For to be considered as a good table cut, it should be 53-64% and a
good depth cut is 58-64%. If the cut of the diamond is outside of
this range then the cut is considered to be too deep or too shallow.
If the diamond is cut too shallow or too heavy, the light entering
into the diamond's crown is released through the bottom pavilion
resulting in a dull appearance. A perfectly cut diamond returns the
light that enters through the crown giving it a brilliant stunning sparkle.
Diamond
Cut: Shoppers Buying Guide
The
cut of a diamond is the physical measurement and relative proportion
of a polished diamond and is the most important characteristic in
producing a diamond’s beauty. A single number does not define
cut. Instead, it is a myriad of measurements, relative percentages,
angles, finish, and performance of light within the diamond.
Diamond's
Color
Diamond
color
will range in color from clear colorless to yellow. The most
expensive diamonds will have very little color. The natural color in
a diamond act as a filter for the light degrading the spectrum of
light emitted, making it less sparkle and brilliant.
GIA's
professional color scale is used for the grade of color and is a
letter scale from D for colorless diamonds to Z for diamonds that
display a yellowish or brownish color. Most online stores will sell
diamonds with a color rating of J or better to maintain a high level
of quality. It is recommended to buy a diamond engagement ring with a
color rating of D, E or F which are expensive as well. Most Online
customers purchase diamonds with a color grade of G, H or I because
of the undetectable color seems like clear diamonds and the value
with the grades.
Diamond Color: Shoppers Buying Guide
Diamonds can be found in every color of the rainbow from clear, colorless (white) to black as coal. Some colors like blue, red, and green are extremely rare and very valuable. Brown is the most common color of diamond with about 80% of diamonds used for industrial purposes like drill bits and saw blades. For most diamond shoppers, their goal is to find a diamond as white (colorless) as their budget will allow.
Diamond's
Clarity
Natural
flaws or imperfections will be in diamonds as they are found in the
earth and it varies with diamonds, there are flawless supreme
brilliant diamonds, and they will be expensive. These flaws in a
diamond are commonly called as inclusions and are mainly caused by
carbon deposits or pressure related small feather cracks while the
diamond is formed. Diamond
clarity
of a diamond is indicated by a grading system and it represents the
number, type and size of flaws or inclusion which are present in the diamond.
Clarity
	 Description
FL
	 Flawless - No external or internal imperfections visible,
using a 10X microscope.
IF
	 Internally Flawless - No visible internal imperfections,
but chances of having a minor surface blemishes visible when using a
10x microscope.
VVS1-VVS2
	Very, very slightly included - Inclusions are extremely
difficult for a skilled observer to locate using a 10x microscope.
VS1-VS2
	 Very slightly included - Very small inclusions that are
very difficult for a skilled observer to locate using a 10x microscope.
SI1-SI2
	 Slightly included - have small inclusions that can be
easily located using a 10x microscope.
I1-I3
	Imperfect - Medium to large inclusions which are readily
apparent to a skilled observer with the unaided eye.
Clarity
grade of Flawless or Internally Flawless diamonds are very rare and
always expensive. Fewer the inclusions the more valuable and
expensive it becomes. We recommend choosing a diamond, in which the
inclusions are not visible without magnification.
Carat
of a Diamond (Weight)
The
most common criteria related with pricing of a diamond is its
weight. By diamond
carat
weight represents the weight of the diamond. Carat is a unit of
measurement and 1 carat= 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. A 1.25 carat
diamond = 250 milligrams.Diamond's
Fluorescence
Fluorescence
is the natural feature of a diamond to give off light when exposed
to ultraviolet light. Most diamonds give off light when exposed to
ultraviolet light and some do not. In normal daytime lighting
conditions, the effect is not discernable to the eye. Look for a GIA
laboratory certificate if the diamond has fluorescence.
Understanding
Diamond Color
What
is diamond color?
Does diamond have natural color? Most people think of the classic,
clear, colorless, transparent diamond, actually is the most rarest
and valuable of all the diamonds and they are expensive. The colors
of naturally existing diamonds actually range from colorless to a
brownish color. So, diamonds have color, it is their natural color
and the valuation on the diamond depends on the color as well.
How
Cost of Diamond is Determined
Before
going for shopping for a diamond, educate yourself about the 4 C's
of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat. For most consumers there
is a fifth "C" that is as most important of all them: the diamond
cost.
Guide
to Synthetic and Imitation Diamonds
American
and Swedish researchers produced successfully synthetic
and imitation diamonds in the 1950's
almost simultaneously. Synthetic and imitation diamonds have become
an increasingly popular alternative to real diamonds. Even though
they will not be as valuable, or even increase in value as real
diamonds do, the production of synthetic and imitation diamonds has
been increasing by a fast pace and current statistics shows around 80
tons of these gems are synthesized every year for industrial firms.
What
are Treated Diamonds?
A
treated diamond is a diamond that has been altered to make its
appearance more appealing, alluring, and stunning. There are
basically two types of treated diamonds, synthetic and natural.
With
treated diamonds it has improved color, improved clarity, and in
some cas4es even be completely coated to improve their overall
appearance. Buying treated
diamonds is an option that some
couples consider because it may be more economical for them to afford
a diamond engagement ring.
Color
Treated Diamonds
Colored
diamonds allows you to have a beautiful diamond engagement ring
without sacrificing color. There are many gorgeous, colored
diamonds to choose from, and if you
do choose a colored stone, you don't have to give up quality and
elegance to do so.
Diamonds
are found in their natural colors when they are mined, others become
colored by gemologists and jewelers. Companies have begun
color-treating diamonds of lower grades like a less desirable yellow
or brownish tinted diamond into a beautiful, brightly colored diamond
and well affordable to the average consumer.
Introduction
to Diamond Flaws and Inclusions
Diamonds
that are perfect and ideal are rare and very expensive; diamond
flaws and inclusions are present in
virtually all of the diamonds that you will see in your local jewelry
store. Diamond flaws and inclusions are often not noticeable to the
average person and you need not worry about the small inclusions that
occur in most diamonds.
Evaluating
a Diamond for its Quality
Diamond
is a stunningly beautiful precious stone and before evaluating diamond
quality, you must educate yourself
with the 4 C's, which are four important characteristics of diamonds,
which defines the gem stone and its overall value and worth. The 4
C's for defining a diamond are cut, clarity, color, and carats.
Difference
between Appraisals and Jewelry Lab Certificates
Jewelry
lab certificates and appraisals for
valuable jewelry are two documents and they are not one and the same,
they serve different purposes and contain different sets of
information that is helpful to customers and jewelry owners.
Appraisals
and Jewelry lab certificates go hand in hand in the sense, a Jewelry
lab certificate is a document that describes information about a
diamond that has not been part of any jewelry and the appraisal
provides information on the market value of a piece of jewelry, based
on international trends and prices and whether it is already set in a
ring, earrings, or necklace. Once a stone is mounted on jewelry it
has a different value when compared to its loose form.
Introduction
to Diamond Shapes
Diamonds
are a stunning piece of brilliance and it looks fabulous with
jewelry and if you have thought that diamond
shapes were all the same, you will be
surprised at the different shapes in which diamonds is available.
Most online stores and jewelers offers most common gemstone shapes, including:
Diamond
Facts
Recorded
in the history, first diamonds were mined in India, more than 2800
years ago. All the diamonds that are existing today are all extremely
old to be precise most are 900 million years old or more, with the
oldest known being 3.2 billion years old. No two diamonds are exactly
the same, like every individual that buys them.
Advantages
of Diamond Certificates
Independent
organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
provides a diamond grading report based on their grading scales, and
this report part of the diamond certificates gives valuable
information about the 4 C's of diamonds that were taken into
consideration when the diamond was priced. We recommend that it's
best that you use an outside agency for diamond
certificates, instead of the jeweler
who is selling the diamond. As there are chances that the
certificates may be slightly biased and you could be paying more than
the actual value of the diamond.
Guide
to Diamond History
History
of diamond with the source of
information, as diamond history is mixed in rich myths and folklore
as it is in physical facts and records. While looking through the
history of many cultures around the world, one stone that has
fascinated people with the romance and beauty is the diamonds.
Guide
to Famous Diamonds
There
are many diamonds around the world that have been written about or
talked about in various stories and official and historical
documents. Famous
diamonds have always been part of the
world or our history and have been found in various parts of the
world. Famous diamonds are often are well known as the people who
owned them, because all unique and beautiful diamonds have a history
that made them famous.
Introduction
to the Diamond Industry
Diamonds
are plain carbon crystals, cousin to graphite and soot, diamonds
are the hardest known substance. This property makes diamonds
invaluable for a variety of applications, from drilling rock to being
a part of jewelry. Diamonds possess an extraordinary optical property
that it has a brilliant sparkle.
Guide
to Colored Diamonds
Most
people looks for clear colorless diamonds,
but colored diamonds allow you to have a beautiful diamond
engagement ring without sacrificing color. There are many gorgeous,
colors to choose from, and if you do choose a colored stone, you
don't have to give up quality and elegance to do so. Sure, clarity,
cut, and carat are important but the right color can add value to a
diamond, in the sense of intrigue and allure. |
