The Diamond Guide and More
Diamonds - "The emperor of precious gemstones"
What are the 4 C's ? What colors do diamonds come in ? What is diamond clarity and do I need to know ?
You'll find the answers here along with some history of diamonds and history of diamond engagement rings.
It's Not About The Jewelry,It's About The Fire In Your Eyes
Navigating The 4 C's of Diamond Buying
Pictured here are rough diamondsThe exceptional beauty and the growing value of a Diamond make it the most desired stone.
By its sparkling luminosity and purity it is
the symbol of happiness, success, splendor and perfection.
The 4 C's can help you to determine the best diamond that fits your budget.
THE FOUR C'S
In 1939 De Beers introduced the criteria for Diamonds determining the gem quality by a combination of four distinct factors. These are called the 4C's. Cut, Color, Carat and Clarity. Each diamond is unique, with its own individual beauty.
CARAT WEIGHT
Diamonds and other gemstones are weighed using metric carats. A carat is divided into 100 points which means that a diamond of 50 points weighs 0.50 carats. The majority of diamonds used in fine jewelry weigh one carat or less.
COLOR
Diamonds are valued by how near they are to colorlessness - the less color, the higher the value. Most diamonds found in jewelry stores run from colorless to near-colorless with slight hints of yellow or brown. The fancy-color diamonds lie outside of this range.
The color scale begins with the letter D, ( colorless ), and continues, with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z.
Colorless diamonds are extremely rare and very valuable.
CLARITY
Most diamonds contain unique " fingerprints " called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). Diamonds without these clarity characteristics are rare - and rarity translates to higher cost when purchasing diamonds. Diamonds are given a clarity grade that ranges from Flawless to Included (I3).
CUT
While diamonds come in many different shapes, including round brilliants, hearts, pears , and marquises, cut has to do with proportion and the arrangement of facets. The sheer beauty of a diamond depends on cut more than anything else, using light to create brilliance, sparkle, and flashes of fire.
Diamond Shape Cuts
> Anatomy of A Diamond
Diamond Color Chart
A Symphony of Colors in Famous Fancy Diamonds
These diamonds are among the most rare and valuable in the world.
Many of the rarest diamonds occur by rare accidents of nature in shades of pink, blue, green, amber, or even red. These diamonds are referred to as "Fancy" diamonds and are evaluated by a different set of color standards. Fancy diamonds are the most expensive due to their extreme rarity. Some may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for diamonds of one carat or less!
The Moussaieff Red 5.11 carats
Deep red is among the rarest of diamond colors. Cut and polished from a 13.9-carat crystal discovered in the 1990s by a Brazilian farmer, this is the largest red diamond known.
The Allnatt 101.29 carats from the DeBeers mine South Africa.
Strongly colored diamonds weighing more than 100 carats are extremely rare, making this vivid yellow diamond truly exceptional.
The Steinmetz Pink 59.60 carats South Africa
This diamond is internally flawless and is the largest vivid pink diamond known.
The Ocean Dream 5.51 carats Central Africa
Most diamonds of this hue have been artificially colored in the laboratory. But this stunning diamond is natural. The diamond's strong color and large size are very unusual.
The Pumpkin Diamond 5.54 carats South Africa
This diamond is a rare strong orange color. Most diamonds in this color range are noticeably brown. It was purchased by Harry Winston, Inc., in 1998, and was worn in a ring by Halle Berry when she won the Oscar for Monster's Ball.
The Heart of Eternity 27.64 carats South Africa
This large, fancy vivid blue diamond,as with the Hope Diamond, the blue color comes from boron atoms trapped in the crystal structure.
This is The Ultimate Book About Colored Diamonds
Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds: An Illustrated Study of the Aurora Collection
Amazon Price: $240.00 (as of 07/26/2008)
About the Author
Stephen Hofer began his career in the earth sciences in 1976 as a geophysicist at the University of Connecticut. He studied gemology at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the gemmological Association of Great Britain (GAGB), graduating with distinction.
In 1979 he accepted a position with the GIA Research Department, and since then he has devoted his career to the study of colored diamonds. In 1985 he became president of Colored Diamond Laboratory Services (CDLS), and currently operates a consulting service to the diamond industry.
He has lectured extensively on the subject of colour in diamonds, was one of sixty featured speakers at the 1981 International Gemological Symposium, has published numerous technical papers, and authored a quarterly column on coloured diamonds for New York Diamonds magazine. Mr. Hofer is an accomplished diamond cutter and a graduate of the American Institute of Diamond Cutting (AIDC).
As Marilyn Said Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend
The Legendary Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is the world's largest deep blue diamond and it is more than one billion years old.The parent stone of the Hope Diamond was discovered prior to 1668 in the Golconda region of southern India. In 1668, French gem merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier sold the 115-metric-carat diamond to King Louis XIV of France, who had it re-cut to the 69-carat French Blue Diamond. It was stolen during the French Revolution.
Twenty years and two days later, after the statute of limitations expired, a 45.52-carat blue diamond was quietly put up for sale in London, and eventually Henry Phillip Hope purchased it.
The diamond was passed down through the Hope family, until it was sold in 1901.
It changed hands several times and was eventually sold to Pierre Cartier in 1909. Cartier sold the diamond to Evalyn Walsh McLean of Washington, D.C., in 1911. McLean owned the diamond until her death in 1947. In 1949 Harry Winston, Inc. of New York City purchased McLean's entire jewelry collection from her estate.
For the next 10 years, the Hope Diamond was shown at many exhibits and charitable events worldwide by Harry Winston, Inc. On Nov. 10, 1958, the company donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution.
Statistics
The weight of the Hope Diamond for many years was reported to be 44.5 carats but in 1974 it was removed from its setting and found to weigh actually 45.52 carats. It is classified as a type IIb diamond, which are semi-conductive and usually phosphoric. The Hope Diamond phosphoresces a strong red color that lasts for several minutes after exposure to short wave ultra-violet light and the diamond's blue coloration is attributed to trace amounts of boron in the stone.
The pendant surrounding the Hope Diamond has 16 white diamonds - both pear-shapes and cushion cuts - and the necklace chain contains 45 white diamonds.
Start The Groundwork on Buying A Diamond Ring
Diamond Ring Buying Guide: How to Evaluate, Identify and Select Diamonds & Diamond Jewelry (6th Edition)
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/26/2008)
This book truly makes things clear.
It very easily lays out questions you want to ask and things to look for in a diamond. Most importantly it helps you decide what is important to you (and her!).
The photos are extremely helpful because they provide you with full color close ups and defections of inclusions.
What's a knot, feather, facet? What do they look like? Are they bad?
Shimmering Ornaments of Adornment
These and more diamond jewelry can be seen at Evie Jewelry Fine Jewelry
Here at Evie Jewelry you will find fine jewelry at substantial savings. We are a specialty jewelry store offering you fine jewelry in 14kt and 10kt gold and 925 sterling silver rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings set with sparkling diamonds and vibrant gemstones in a medley of colors. We are sure to have jewelry that compliments your individuality !
Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring
This breathtaking ring will really cause fire in her eyes. A dazzling genuine brilliant cut diamond is showcased by captivating sapphire baquettes. And then more diamonds accent the ring. The perfect way to set yourself apart from the crowd.
Diamond MOM Ring
Genuine diamonds spell out MOM in this solid gold ring. A memorable gift that will be treasured for a lifetime
Pink Topaz and Diamond Earrings
You will sparkle at every turn with these gorgeous topaz and diamond gemstone earrings !
These radiant earrings with a full 7.015 cwt of natural topaz gemstones, feature sparkling pear shape pink topaz accented by a bezel set diamond for a little more dazzle.
A Short Chronicle of Diamonds and Engagement Rings
Diamonds are made from pure carbon and are the hardest natural substance known to man.
Diamonds were formed eons ago under incredible heat and pressure deep in the earth. Great volcanic upheavals millions of years ago forced the "blue earth" containing diamonds to the surface where they were scattered along rivers and into the oceans.
The first river-bed (alluvial) diamonds were probably discovered in India, in around 800 B.C.
Only about one-fifth of all mined diamonds could be considered of gem quality.
From 40 to 250 tons of gravel and sand must be processed today to recover one rough diamond from the world's thinning diamond deposits. Experts estimate that all known supplies of diamonds will be depleted within 30 to 40 years.
75 - 80% of all diamonds mined are used for industrial applications such as drilling, grinding, or sawing. The remainder are used for jewelry or investment. Less than 2% are of such high quality that they may be considered investment quality.
Today, 90 percent of diamond jewelry is made from diamonds mined in African countries with the rest mined in Australia, South America, Canada and Russia.
Diamond Engagement Ring History
The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable, in reference to the eternity of love.
In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, thus, starting the tradition of diamond engagement rings.
The reason a woman wears it on the third finger of her left hand dates back to the Egyptian belief that the vein of love ran directly from the heart to the top of that finger.
The NOT Diamonds
Synthetic and Diamond Simulants
Synthetic or Lab diamonds are grown in a laboratory and have essentially the same chemical composition and structure as natural diamonds.
In the last 30 years, gem quality synthetic diamonds have been grown in Japan, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
Synthetic diamonds are generally produced using either High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
SIMULANTS
Unlike a synthetic diamond, which has the same chemical composition and crystal structure as a natural diamond, simulants imitate the gem's appearance. Simulants can either be created in a factory or occur naturally.
Some of the oldest diamond imitators were made of glass, garnet and glass doublets, rhinestones, and synthetic sapphire. But probably the most familiar simulant is the cubic zirconia. Known by the household name "CZ," it is nearly as brilliant, shimmering, and durable as a diamond.
In 1997, a stone called synthetic moissanite entered the market, closely resembling a diamond. It shared many of the same optical and physical characteristics but what really invoked controversy was that it fooled the thermal testers used to detect previous diamond simulants.
No matter how convincing it may seem, any diamond simulant will have optical or physical characteristics that can be identified by a trained gemologist. In the case of synthetic moissanite, double refraction is a dead giveaway. When you look through a large facet, you'll see a doubling of facet junctions on the opposite side of the stone.
Beautiful Jewelry Box with Keylock for Your Treasures
Mele Java Jewelry Box- 5 Drawers With Keylock
Amazon Price: $109.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Product Description
This magnificent jewelry box features a lift lid with mirror & a divided top compartment including ring roll section & smaller compartments for storage of earrings and more. Jewelry chest also includes 5 divided drawers for other treasured valuable jewelry pieces. Side doors swing out & each provide 3 elegant brushed pewtertone necklace hooks for hanging your chains. Interior is handlined in a lovely sueded ivory fabric to protect your jewelry from scratches. Lastly, this beautiful coffee colored java jewelry box includes a key lock for safekeeping of your treasured jewelry pieces. Size is 11"W x 7"D x 14 3/4"H
Amazon Price: $129.99 (as of 04/25/2008)
A Splendid Box to Store Your Baubles
Jewelry Box - Rosewood- Tarnish Free (Rosewood) (6"H x 14 1/4"L x 8 1/4"D)
Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Product Description
You will be amazed at how much storage space this jewelry box has! Escalating trays allow you to view all your jewelry at once. The compartments hold 72 pairs of earrings, 70 rings, and over 60 other pieces including necklaces and watches. A special bottom drawer stores additional jewelry or items of sentimental value. Luxurious wood and wood veneer with elegant high gloss lacquered finish. Mirrored lid, compact design. The soft anti-tarnish lining prevents your silver jewelry from tarnishing for up to 25 years with proper use, while also helping to keep your gold and gemstone jewelry shiny and clean. Available in a Rosewood or Oak finish - please see drop down menu for details. You'll give your beautiful jewelry an equally beautiful place to rest with this Jewelry Safekeeper. Assembly level/degree of difficulty: No Assembly Required
An Elegant Yet Simple Jewelry Box That Would Make A Great Gift
Godinger Silver-Plated Jewelry Box with Rose
Amazon Price: $40.00 (as of 07/26/2008)
Product Features
* Famous Godinger quality and value.
* This beautiful jewelry box is lined in velvet to protect mom's finest pieces.
* The rose jewelry box is made of high quality silver plate, and never needs polishing.
This inexpensive little box fis great for jewelry that you wear on a regular basis. If You are looking for a nice gift -- for yourself or someone else -- please consider this!
Links to Jewelry and Related Information
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Products to Clean, Care For and Store Your Jewelry
Debbie Meyer's E-Z Jewelry CleanerTM System
Product Features
* Professional Results at Home..... In your Dishwasher!
* Safe, Secure, Patented Container
* Jeweler Tested and Recommended!
* Fits Perfectly on Home Dishwasher Top Rack
* No Chemicals, No Soaking, No Scrubbing, No Smell!
Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 07/26/2008)
Baggallini Jewelry Pouch.Bagg - Rip Stop Nylon
Product Description
Tired of your necklaces getting tangled together and your earring missing its mate? Try this drawstring jewelry pouch. In addition to the large center pouch there are eight inside pockets to organize all of your valuable jewelry.
Great for traveling !
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Polishing Cloth (11" x 14")
Product Description
These UltraSoft full-sized professional polishing cloths clean, polish and protect, all in one! With a dual cloth system: the 100% cotton flannel inner cloth instantly lifts dirt and tarnish while applying a special anti-tarnish barrier; the soft flannel outer cloth buffs fine jewelry and silver to a gleaming luster. With all the money that you'll save by not paying to have your jewelry cleaned - you can buy more jewelry! It's a win-win! Assembly level/degree of difficulty: No Assembly Required
Amazon Price: $7.74 (as of 07/26/2008)
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MiaBellezza
Diamonds are a girl's best friend! Posted June 23, 2008 |
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titanium_knights
Very nice informative lens - I prefer the pink diamond myself :) Posted May 28, 2008 |
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Billco
No boubts you are an expert on this sunject... 5 Stars! Posted May 07, 2008 |
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petfriendlytravelsupplies
Very Nice Lens.... Posted May 06, 2008 |
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Tiddledeewinks
What a nice lens on learning more about diamonds. I like a heart-shaped one myself. Posted May 01, 2008 |
