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Diamonds
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 The
Diamond is the birthstone of April and the anniversary gemstone for the
10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamonds were discovered in India in
500 B.C., and the name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas"
which means unconquerable - suggesting the eternity of love. Since
ancient Greece, diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love, and
the ancients believed they were hardened dew drops, splinters from the
stars or crystallized lightning.
A diamond is the hardest
substance known to humankind, and is made of a crystallized carbon that
has unique powers of light reflection. Since diamonds are composed of a
single element, they are the purest of all gemstones.
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Baltimore,
Abingdon, MD, Maryland
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The Structure of a Diamond
Proportion refers to the
angles and relative measurements of a polished diamond. More than any
other feature, proportions determine a diamond's optical properties.
Studies have shown that table size, crown angle, and pavilion depth have
a dramatic effect on a diamond's appearance.
symmetry is a grading term
for the exactness of shape and placement of facets. Variations in
symmetry include off-center culets and tables, poor facet alignment,
misshapen facets, out-of-round girdles, and wavy girdles.
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Reflection |
Refraction |
Dispersion |
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A) When a ray of light touches the surface
of a diamond, part of the light is reflected
back, this is external reflection.
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B) The rest of the ray penetrates the stone
and is then reflected toward the center of
the diamond. This is known as refraction.
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C) The ray of light is reflected to the
surface, where it is seen as the colors of
the spectrum. This is known as dispersion.
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The
Value of A Diamond - The Four C's
Cut
 Clarity
Color
Carat
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Cut (Shape)
The Cut is the factor that
determines the brilliance of a diamond. A classic round brilliant cut
diamond has 58 facets : 33 on the top, 24 on the bottom, and the culet
(1 point at the bottom). Each of the diamond's facets must be placed in
exact geometric relation to one another when the stone is being cut.
Quality diamonds must be properly cut and not "spread", which means that
the proper proportions are compromised to make the diamond weigh more.
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| Clarity
The Clarity of
a diamond is based on the number, location,
size, and type of inclusions found in the
stone. An inclusion is an imperfection or
trace mineral in the stone that is visible
under the magnification of a jeweler's
loupe. The fewer inclusions the diamond has;
the clearer, more brilliant and more
expensive the diamond will be. A "Flawless"
diamond is one that has no inclusions and is
extremely rare and valuable.
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Color
Colorless and
near-colorless diamonds are the most
valuable. Though most diamonds may appear
colorless to the naked eye, the majority of
diamonds contain slight traces of yellow or
light brown when viewed under a jeweler's
loupe. Depending on the stone's size, a
single increase in color grade can boost the
value of a diamond by thousands of dollars
per carat. A traditional engagement diamond
is usually colorless or near-colorless.
In nature,
diamonds can also occur in shades of red,
pink, blue, green and deep yellow - These
are called "Fancy diamonds". In the United
States and around the world colorless
diamonds are graded on an alphabetical
scale, introduced by the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA). "Colorless" or
"rare white" diamonds are of color grades D,
E and F. Diamonds of color grade D are very
rare, and extremely valuable.
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Carat
The weight of a
diamond is measured in carats. But, the
carat weight alone is almost meaningless
unless you also consider the cut, clarity
and color of the diamond. A large diamond is
not very valuable if it lacks brilliance,
purity and high-grade color. However, since
larger stones are rarer than smaller ones,
diamond value rises exponentially with carat
weight. Therefore, a diamond weighing 3.0
carats, will always be worth more than three
1.0 carat stones of the same quality. No two
diamonds are exactly alike, and you must
weigh all of the factors - color, cut,
clarity and carat weight - when making your
buying decision. Our jewelry consultants
will gladly give you expert advice to help
you find that perfect diamond.
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