An Introduction to Diamonds:
First, a geology lesson: diamonds are 99.95% pure crystallised carbon and can be extremely old - one to three billion years old, in fact. They are the hardest naturally occurring substance known and are formed beneath the Earth's surface when crystals of diamond occur in volcano feed-pipes. When volcanoes erode down, they release diamonds from their feed-pipes into layers of gravel which are later mined. However, due to the relative rarity of this natural process, diamond mines are found in just a handful of sites around the world. In rough form, diamonds are shipped to the world's cutting centres to be shaped and polished before being set as jewellery. It is the hardness, brilliance and sparkle that emerges during this process that transforms them into a girl's best friend.
Now for a quick history lesson, as you may be curious to know where the fashion began. Legend dictates that in 1477, a love struck Austrian, Archduke Maximilian, came up with a gem of an idea: why not give Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring to celebrate their imminent engagement? He placed it on the third finger of her left hand - the finger believed by ancient Egyptians to have a vein that led straight to the heart!!
The Four C's::
When purchasing diamonds, it is important to understand how diamonds are graded so that you know exactly what you are paying for.
Diamond grading covers numerous aspects of each individual diamond's qualities, but there are four grades which are critical to understand: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. There are additional ratings and measurements noted on a diamond certificate, but they generally fall under the diamond's grade in one of the Four Cs. For example, measurements listed such as "depth" and "table" are part of the description of the diamond's cut.
You can learn more about how diamonds are graded by reading on:
Cut
Cut is probably the most important quality factor, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut, which is that brightness that seems to come from the very heart of a diamond. The angles and finish of any diamond are what determine its ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance.
Clarity
Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced.
Colour
Colourless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off-white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance.
Carat (weight)
A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. |  |
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