moreaboutdiamonds

Learn more about Diamonds

Shopping for diamonds, gem stones and jewelry can sometimes be a mind-boggling and confusing experience. What makes a "good" diamond or a "good" ruby? What determines the price difference between one diamond and the next, or between this sapphire and the other?

We believe an informed customer is a happy one, and so, here, we have included a few articles that we hope will provide you with some basic understanding and clarifications as to how gemstones and diamonds are assessed and evaluated by the jewelry industry, and the factors that are taken into consideration when the price of a gemstone, diamond or jewelry is determined. Learn about the different shapes of diamonds and gems, and their meanings. Learn how to choose a diamond or gemstone suited to your needs.

Find out about the precious metals gold and platinum, and the myriad of jewelry designs and settings. Always been curious about the history, significance and meaning of the diamond engagement ring? Read this and other interesting articles by clicking on the titles below. Let your discovery of the world of diamonds, gemstones and fine jewelry begin

Why Diamonds Are So Valuable ?

Anything extremely rare is also precious. Diamonds, formed billions of years ago are rare in that only a few survived the hazardous journey from the depths of the earth to reach the earth's surface. Indeed, you may be surprised to learn that even though diamond production has increased in recent years, it is estimated that as little as 500 tons have ever been mined in recorded history to date. Of diamonds mined today, approximately 50% are judged to be of gem quality. Even fewer are large enough to be polished into diamonds that are much bigger than the head of a match.

To recover the relatively small amount of both gem quality and industrial diamonds is not easy, even with the increasing sophistication of today's technology. Approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed from the average Kimberlite Pipe in order to produce a one carat polished diamond of gem quality. Wherever possible, the considerable quantity of waste material produced is disposed of in such a way as to minimize the impact on the local environment.

The Diamond's Rarity and Natural Beauty

Remember, each "C" is important in contributing to a diamond's quality, but it is the combination of all of them that determines its value. For example, a colorless diamond is at the top of the Diamond Quality Pyramid in color, but if it lacks clarity, is small, or is not well-cut, it will be of lower value. The finest diamonds possess the rarest quality in each of the 4Cs, and are the most valuable.

Ancient Greeks thought diamonds were tears of the gods and the Romans believed diamonds were actual splinters from falling stars.

Another legend has it that there was an inaccessible valley in Central Asia carpeted with diamonds, "patrolled by birds of prey in the air and guarded by snakes of murderous gaze on the ground". Today, diamonds hold a deep fascination as the world's ultimate symbol of love. The diamond's rarity and natural beauty are the qualities that have made the diamond such a special and magical gift.

The Discovery of Diamonds

Diamonds were discovered around two thousand years ago, but their origin has been said to date as far back as 100 million years. Adding to the mystery and aura of what make diamonds so sought after, approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed in order to produce a single one-carat polished, gem quality diamond.

History and Magic

Women are not only drawn to diamond jewelry because of its natural beauty; they are also inspired by the history and magic associated with diamonds. Like women, diamonds are unique and special by nature. Because of this specialness, diamond jewelry offers a way to articulate our innermost feelings and emotions regarding another person.

Diamond Care

Diamonds do need care to keep them at their brilliant best. A clean diamond not only reflects light better, but actually looks bigger than one that's been "dulled" by skin oils, soap, cosmetics and cooking grease. Diamonds have an affinity for grease and should be cleaned once every month to keep their fire at its brightest.

The detergent bath - Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any mild liquid detergent. Brush pieces gently with a tooth brush while they are in the suds. Transfer to a wire strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lintfree cloth.

The cold water soak - Make a half and half solution of cold water and household ammonia in a cup. Soak the diamond for 30 minutes. Lift out and tap gently around the back and front of the mounting with a small brush. Swish the solution once more, and drain on paper. No rinse is needed.

Things Not To Do With Your Diamond

- Don't let your diamond come in contact wwith chlorine bleach when you're doing housework. It won't hurt the diamond, but it can pit or discolor the mounting.

- Don't wear your diamond when you're doing rough work or doing the dishes. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow along its grain.

- Don't jumble your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case, because diamonds can scratch each other and also scratch other jewelry.

- Take your diamonds to your jeweler for a "Check-up" at least once a year. He will check your ring for loose settings and signs of wear. He'll usually give them a professional "shine-up" too.

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Last updates OCT/15/08 2:45 PM EST

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