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Diamond
– April's Gemstone of Sparkling Glamour
Author: Sarah Stephens
Diamond is a
precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most
modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is a clear stone
revered for its ability to reflect light, and is widely recognized as
the April Birthstone and the center stone used in most American
engagement rings. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations,
diamonds hold a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological
history that add nostalgic value to their already strong aesthetic
worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love
with your diamond jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Diamonds are
prized for their beauty and durability. A form of carbon, the Diamond
is the world’s hardest known natural material. In fact, the word
"Diamond" comes from the ancient Greek adamas, which means
invincible. Because of their durability, Diamonds have been used in
tools for since antiquity. Diamonds were first used as religions
icons in India nearly 2,500 years ago. Since then, they've become
highly coveted gemstones.
Diamonds are
often described and valued by their gemological characteristics: The
Four C's (carat, color, cut and clarity). Although Diamonds are used
in many types of fine jewelry, they are traditionally associated with
engagement and wedding rings. Most people think diamonds are white or
colorless. In fact, yellow and brown Diamonds are the most common.
Any Diamond with a hue other than brown or yellow is considered a
colored Diamond. Colorless Diamonds are pure or nearly pure. The
color scale for colorless diamonds goes from D (colorless) to Z
(light yellow).
Diamonds look
best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx,
dark amethyst or cool blue
sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal
colored blends with aquamarine, pearls and carnelian. To see a
selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring raw diamonds, click
here. Diamond is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that
works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to
enhance the luster of blue or green eyes.
Almost half of
all Diamonds come
from mines in central and southern Africa. The other half comes from
mines in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Today, the
jewelry industry is buzzing about high-quality or lab-created
diamonds. These synthetic diamonds possess the same molecular
structure as natural diamonds. With public concerns about the mining
industry, these man-made beauties offer a compelling alternative to
the real thing.
Mohs' Hardness
score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant,
like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Diamonds are
often proved real by the fact that they can scratch glass. Because
they are such scratch resistant stones, diamonds are extremelty
suitable as a component of oft-worn jewelry. Diamonds should be
regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap
and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals
when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements
can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more
about all semi-precious and precious gemstones, including amethyst,
apatite, aquamarine, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony,
citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond,
emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot,
prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite,
tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart. |
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