Gemstone of the Month - DIAMOND!

Diamond, with its captivating internal fire, is a gemstone that continues to entrance the world. April-born individuals have the privilege of associating this glittering gem as their birthstone, emblematic of clear-mindedness and fortitude. The diamond's strength is so formidable that it draws its name from the Greek term "adamas," translating to "unconquerable" or "indestructible." The allure of diamonds extends well beyond their status as the April birthstone, with the origins of these precious stones being as intriguing as the legends that envelop them.

True to its unique nature, the diamond stands alone in the mineral kingdom, thanks to its distinct chemical composition and crystal structure. Embodying simplicity at its finest, this is the only gem composed entirely of a single element predominantly made up of carbon, accounting for approximately 99.95%. The remaining 0.05% may consist of one or more trace elements, atoms not integral to the diamond's fundamental chemistry. Interestingly, these trace elements can sway its colour, adding to its allure. 

A Diamond's creation is a testament to nature's profound capabilities, formed under high temperature and pressure conditions that exist only within a specific depth range, about 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Diamonds are brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity.

Its crystal structure is isometric, a testament to the symmetry of nature, where carbon atoms bond in the same way in all directions. Interestingly, graphite, another carbon-based mineral, has a vastly different formation process and crystal structure. This difference in formation leads to graphite being soft enough to write with, contrasting starkly with the hardness of diamonds, which can only be scratched by another diamond. Such is the fascinating diversity in nature's design.

Diamond is the hardest known material on Earth, 58 times harder than anything else in nature, and registering 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Most Diamonds are more than one billion years old.

Diamonds are classified using the 4C’s which was created by the GIA. Clarity, colour, cut and carat weight. 

·         Clarity is an assessment of the number, size and position of inclusions and blemishes within the stone. Flawless, Internally Flawless, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3.

·         Colour is a measure of the stones colour which can range from colourless (DEF) to light (STUVWXYZ) and everything in between.

·         Cut, the cut of a Diamond is an extremely important factor and could be the difference between a Diamond that presents as bright and scintillating or dull and grey. The brilliant cut has been developed over many years to ensure a Diamonds true value is presented.

·         Carat Weight, Diamonds are sold by the carat weight of the stone. One metric carat is 0.2 of a gram.

Diamonds can also come in a variety of colours outside the standard colour chart. Yellow and brown are the most common colours, with blue, green, orange and red the rarest.

The largest ever rough Diamond was discovered in 1905 and is called the Cullinan Diamond and weighed an incredible 3,106 carats! Once cut, it now adorns some of the world’s most valuable items such as the British Crown jewels.

The most expensive Diamond is the Koh-i-Noor. Originally weighing 793 carats, it has now been cut and weighs a still very impressive 105.6 carats.

A Diamond’s value is hard to comprehend. The larger the carat weight the rarer the stone and the greater the price, but it is not an even scale. A 2 carat Diamond is worth exponentially more than twice a 1 carat stone, plus all the other “C’s” which are taken into account in valuing a true wonder of nature.

Like most gemstones, Diamonds can be simulated or synthesized. The man-made material Cubic Zirconia is probably the most commonly known imitant of Diamond. Synthetic Moissanite is another Diamond imitant which has become more popular since the late 1990’s.

A synthetic Diamond is identical physically, optically and chemically to a natural stone, just being man-made in the lab. They are substantially less expensive than a mined stone but will not retain any value. An important factor to understand before you purchase.