DIAMONDS |
NATURAL DIAMONDSA diamond is a gemstone composed of crystallised carbon. Diamonds form under immense heat and pressure hundreds of kilometres beneath the Earth's crust, over millions to billions of years. As part of this process, molten rock cools and expands forming 'pipes' which reach the Earth's surface bringing diamonds with them in a material called Kimberlite. These precious gemstones are mined from various locations around the world, each with its unique geological history contributing to the diamond's characteristics. Natural diamonds are incredibly hard and are identified using only the single word "diamond". | LABORATORY-GROWN DIAMONDSLaboratory-grown diamonds are created in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that mimic the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed. These diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Laboratory-grown diamonds are produced through two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both techniques result in quality gemstones that are identical to natural diamonds in terms of hardness, brilliance, and fire. Read more about laboratory-grown diamonds here. |
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THE FOUR C's
When purchasing a diamond, whether natural or laboratory-grown, its quality is assessed on the industry standard of the four Cs: Carat weight, Cut, Colour, and Clarity. These are the measures by which diamonds graders assess the variations in these stunning stones, as each diamond boasts its own unique characteristics. This evaluation helps determine its value and ensures you select a stone that meets your preferences and budget.
CutCut (proportions, symmetry, and polish) is a measure of how a diamond’s facets interact with light. Together, these measures rate the cut facets from Excellent to Poor, regardless of shape. It requires meticulous artistry and craftsmanship to achieve the ideal proportions, symmetry, and polish that allow for a diamond's stunning light reflection. Achieving the best cut for a diamond reflects in the stone’s final beauty and value. Jewellers often use the term 'cut' to describe the shape of a diamond, as well as the quality of workmanship.
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ColourThe less colour, the higher the grade. Even the slightest hint can make a dramatic difference in value. Diamonds are graded for colour on a scale from "D" or colourless, to "Z" or dark yellow. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond is completely transparent with no hue or colour. The colour of the diamond may be affected by chemical impurities and structural defects in the crystal lattice. A "D" colour diamond is considered colourless–and the standard for a "white" diamond. Deeper tones, up to H, are often considered "near colourless". Generally, the hue and intensity of a diamonds colouration can enhance or detract from its value. Diamonds with deep yellow, pink or other significant colour have become especially prized and are extremely rare. These diamonds also use a different grading scale. |  |
ClarityDiamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are internal characteristics and blemishes are external characteristics. Clarity grades assess the number, size, type, position and visibility of inclusions and blemishes, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. These imperfections may be crystals of a foreign material, another diamond crystal, or structural imperfections (tiny cracks that can appear whitish or cloudy). Diamonds are graded from flawless (FL grade) to grades of VVS, VS, SI and included (I or P grade). Inclusions are naturally occurring and a flawless diamond is rare. Inclusions are often to as a diamond's finger print; they are all unique. |
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CaratThe carat weight measures the mass or size of a diamond. One carat is defined as exactly 200 milligrams, or one-fifth of a gram. Carats are further divided into points, with 100 points per carat. A half-carat diamond may be referred to as a 50-point diamond. The value of a diamond increases exponentially in relation to carat weight, since diamonds of larger sizes in gem qualities are rare. Image not to scale |  |
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MEMORIAL DIAMONDS - real or scam?
Losing a love one is devastating and the grief can be overwhelming. This can be a time when people choose to incorporate the remains of their loved one into something sentimental they can wear and cherish forever. This is where memorial or cremation diamonds come into it. The idea sounds simple: using a loved one's ashes, immense heat is applied, added with pressure and you now have a diamond made from their remains, but this process is not possible.
Diamonds are comprised of carbon, and once a body is cremated there is no carbon left in the ashes. Hence, there is no way a diamond can be created from human ashes. What you are getting from companies offering this process is a laboratory-grown diamond, without the trace of your loved one. Not only that, you are probably paying more than you should for a laboratory-grown diamond.
If you want to incorporate your loved one's ashes into something special you can wear and keep close, consider a pendant that can hold ashes or resin products in which the ashes can be mixed in.
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Caring for Diamonds
- Don't wear during heavy work, they can chip and scratch
- Don't mix with your other precious jewels, as diamonds can scratch your other jewellery
- Let them sparkle, so keep them clean - clean regularly using a mild detergent. Dip jewellery into the solution and use a soft brush to dislodge dust or dirt from under the setting. Remember to put the plug in the sink!
- Keep diamond jewellery away from chlorine, bleach or other chemicals that can pit or discolour the metal settings. Pitting can cause the settings to break away and risk the diamonds falling out
- See your professional jeweller once a year to check your diamond jewellery settings and bring them back to sparkling
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