About Diamonds
Diamonds- a proud possession
Ever since Diamond jewelry came into fashion, people especially women have been simply fascinated by this dazzling gem. Diamond is considered a girls best friend. It is trendy, graceful, beautiful, durable but quite expensive. Hence it symbolizes wealth and status.
The term diamond is derived from the ancient Greek: word damas- meaning invincible. Initially this gem was not used for jewelry. In ancient India it was used as religious icons. Later it was utilized in engraving other gems such as sapphire cameos and drilling holes in hard stone beads The Romans wore them as talisman to ward off evil. Diamonds were not used in jewelry in Europe until the 13th century. This gemstone is the hardest natural material. It is non-abrasive and as the saying goes, only a diamond can cut another diamond. Hence it maintains its luster and polish for many years. This makes it most suitable and preferred gemstone for engagement and wedding rings.
It became popular in the 19th century when the technical methods of cutting and polishing improved. There was an increase in the demand and world economy boosted. Today it is the most prized and trendy possession. Every woman craves to own one. The shine, brilliance and luster are simply mesmerizing. In the USA diamond jewelry especially engagement, wedding and anniversary rings are most popular.
Diamonds are generally evaluated by the four Cs. These are the determining factors of a diamonds quality, durability and looks.
The Four Cs are: carat, clarity, color and cut.
1 Carat- This is the unit of weight of diamonds and other expensive gemstones. One carat equals to 200 mg of actual weight. Carat is written as ct and it is weight of a single diamond. The total weight of multiple diamonds used in jewelry is referred as ct TW or carat total weight. The weight of smaller diamonds is called points and not carats. In a carat there are 100 points. Hence one point is equal to 0.01 or one hundredth of a carat. It is quite interesting to note that carat weight influence the price of diamonds. Large diamonds are rare but in great demand. Their costs too are exorbitant. Hence one carat diamond solitaire ring can be more costly than one with several smaller diamonds but weighing one carat or more! Diamonds which weigh little less than one carat are less costly than one which is one carat. Hence customers often opt for diamonds which weigh less then one carat. While you may save lots of money, there is hardly any difference in the appearance.
2 Clarity- Clarity is the presence or absence of any flaws or blemishes inside or on the surface of a diamond. A perfect diamond with perfect clarity is not only rare but expensive. However most imperfections and flaws can be seen only with the aid of a jewelers magnifying loupe. Often the tiny imperfections do not affect the sparkle and luster of the diamonds.
Some of the imperfections found in a diamond include:
* Tiny spots of white, black, or other colors.
* Cracks, while some may not harm the gemstone others could lead to split.
* Flaws on the exterior of diamonds may have occurred while cutting and polishing the stone.
* It is important to consider the exact location of the blemishes as some flaws are quite noticeable when set in some specific places. Only a specialist or jeweler will be able to give sound advice.
Treatment for removing blemishes- Diamonds clarity can be enhanced by treatments. While some treatments are temporary, others are permanent.
The two trendiest methods of treatment are:
Diamonds Laser Treatment- In this laser is used to remove some varieties of blemishes.
This treatment is permanent.
Diamond Fracture Filling- All small cracks are filled with some colorless substance.
This method is not permanent..
Such treatments can enhance the appearance of the diamond. The luster is intact and the cost price is also not high. It is always wise to buy treated diamonds from a jeweler you can trust.
Color
Pure diamonds are transparent and colorless. Contrary to popular belief diamonds are not white or colorless. They come in a spectrum of colors. It could be of any color of the rainbow. These colored diamonds are called fancies. The much fancied colors are yellow and brown. Colored diamonds are formed when impurities are added to pure diamonds. When nitrogen is added, yellow diamonds are formed and when boron is added, blue diamonds are formed. The other possible colors are red, violet, real white, green and even black! Black diamonds are in actuality not black but rather dark in color. These colored diamonds are quite in fashion nevertheless, it is transparent, clear and white diamond which will always be the all time favorite.
4 Cut
In gemology cut does not mean to slice or shape diamonds. Of course diamonds have to be cut to shape it so as to set in jewelry. But cut in gemology refers to a diamonds proportions, its width, depth and uniformity of the facets. Evidently these are the very features which bring out the brilliance, luster and durability in a diamond.
A fine cut is necessary to bring out the real beauty and sparkle of a diamond.
How good cut is vital-
The size of a Diamonds width and depth largely influence the diamonds brilliance. This is the reflection of white light that we observe when we gaze at a diamond.
In Shallow cut diamond the light traveling is lost out of the bottom and there is no reflection. This makes the diamond look dull and lusterless.
In a diamond that is cut too deep the light is lost from the sides. This makes the diamond look dark.
In a well cut diamond light will be reflected back out the top of the gem. This will bring out the brilliance and shine.
Diamond Symmetry
This term includes the alignment of a diamonds facets, its flat and polished surfaces. The facets must be cut to get the maximum play of light. But if the facets are misaligned, light will not reflect and hence there will be less brilliance.
Diamond Polish
The exterior of the facets must be smooth and polished. This will allow light to pass through them easily. Diamonds are expensive but occasions such as engagement, wedding and anniversary are special occasions the memory of which one would love to cherish forever. What better way to express your love than to gift a diamond to your beloved After all are not diamonds forever
Some of the most fashionable diamonds demanded in USA are:
The Classic Cut- the diamonds are sold round and this is one of the most fashionable cut.
Marquise Cut Diamonds- the diamond has 56 facets.
Princess cut diamonds- is a dazzling style and the stone has spiky and uncut corners. It normally has 76 facets. This gives it great brilliance and brightness. The Princess Cut Diamond is the trendiest cut in the USA.
The Radiant Cut Diamonds have 62-70m facets.
These diamonds are generally used as the main center stones in rings and pendants.
Emerald cut diamond is rectangular in shape.
Pear shaped Diamond- has 58 facets. Such diamonds are used for engagement rings, necklaces and earrings.
Oval shaped diamond- a brilliant stone has 56 facets. It is popular as the center stone in engagement rings.
Heart shaped Diamond- this is the most romantic formed. It is ideal for items on Valentines Day.
Diamonds can be purchased from shops or even online. Choose one that suits your taste and budget. The prices can vary from a little less than $999, $1000-$5000 and up. The selection is yours.It is advisable to buy diamonds from a reliable and reputed jeweler. Do not be in haste to make your purchase. After all you are spending almost a fortune. Examine as many diamonds as possible. This will help in good selection.
Other Articles