Diamond Fundamentals

Natural diamonds have captivated humanity for millennia with their unparalleled brilliance and durability.

These precious gems, formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, have adorned crowns, symbolized eternal love, and played crucial roles in technological advancements. Beyond their beauty, natural diamonds carry with them a rich history of human discovery, scientific marvel, and cultural significance. Today, they continue to be cherished not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the positive impact their journey from mine to market has on communities worldwide.

Formation, Properties & Characteristics

Natural diamonds are Earth’s own masterpieces, created under extreme pressure and temperature deep beneath the surface. These conditions, occurring 150 kilometers or more underground (the same distance as Philadelphia to Baltimore or Los Angeles to San Diego), transform carbon atoms into the crystalline structure we know as diamond. This process typically takes place over 1 to 3.3 billion years (predating dinosaurs by a significant margin), making each natural diamond a true testament to the planet’s geological history.

Forged in the heart of the Earth over billions of years, natural diamonds emerge as nature’s masterpieces, their unparalleled brilliance and strength telling a story that no other gemstone can match:

  1. Unbreakable Spirit: As the hardest substance known to nature, diamonds stand as eternal symbols of resilience. Their unyielding strength, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, allows them to withstand the tests of time and elements, much like enduring love itself.
  2. Nature’s Conductor: With an unrivaled ability to channel heat, diamonds are impervious to flame and pulsate with the energy of the Earth.
  3. Star Power: Across the universe, even dying stars find their eternal form in diamond cores. These celestial beings, cool white dwarfs, carry the legacy of starlight in their diamond hearts, connecting us to the vast expanse of the cosmos.
  4. Optical Brilliance: A diamond’s high refractive index creates a mesmerizing display of light, its facets capturing and reflecting the world’s beauty in a dazzling spectacle.
  5. Timeless Purity: Resistant to most earthly chemicals, diamonds maintain their pristine beauty through the ages. This unwavering purity echoes the enduring nature of true love and commitment.

These extraordinary qualities not only contribute to the diamond’s unmatched beauty and durability but also imbue them with a value that transcends time. Like the rarest and most precious moments in life, natural diamonds stand as eternal testaments to nature’s artistry and the enduring power of love.

When evaluating a diamond’s quality and value, jewelers and gemologists use the globally recognized “4 Cs” system:

  1. Cut: Determines how well the diamond interacts with light, affecting its brilliance and fire.
  2. Color: Measures the presence or absence of color in white diamonds.
  3. Clarity: Assesses the small imperfections or inclusions within the diamond. Inclusions are minerals from the Earth’s mantle which were trapped in the diamond when it was formed and are like time capsules that record Earth’s history.
  4. Carat Weight: Refers to the diamond’s weight, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams.

Understanding these characteristics helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing a diamond that best fits their preferences and budget.

Natural vs Lab-Grown

While natural and lab-grown diamonds share similar physical and chemical properties, their origins and creation processes differ significantly:

  • Natural diamonds: Formed over billions of years through geological processes.
  • Lab-grown diamonds: Created in controlled laboratory settings over a few weeks or months and produced in factories.

Natural diamonds are prized for their rarity, uniqueness, and the positive impact their industry has on communities worldwide.

Gemologists use specialized equipment and techniques to distinguish natural from lab-grown diamonds:

  1. Spectroscopy
  2. X-ray Imaging
  3. Microscopic Examination

These methods ensure transparency and accuracy in diamond identification.

 

When choosing between natural and lab-grown diamonds, consider:

  • Longevity & Enduring Value: The value of natural diamonds, often a gifted symbol of longevity in relationships and family heirlooms, withstands the test of time.
  • Rarity: Each natural diamond is unique, formed by nature over billions of years.
  • Emotional & Ethical Value: Natural diamonds support communities and economies in diamond-producing regions.
 

Responsible Diamond Purchasing

Questions to Ask When Buying a Diamond:
  • Can you provide information on this diamond’s origin?
  • What certifications does this diamond have?
  • How does your company ensure ethical sourcing?
  • Can you explain the diamond’s journey from mine to market?
How to Verify Ethical Sourcing:
  • Look for certifications from reputable organizations like GIA or retailers who are certified members of AGS, Jewelers of America or Responsible Jewellery Council.
  • Ask about the jeweler’s policies on conflict-free diamonds and ethical sourcing.
  • Research the brand’s commitment to sustainability and community development.