What is a Diamond: 10 Fascinating Facts

1. Pure Carbon Composition: Diamonds consist almost entirely of carbon (99.95%). They share this element with graphite (used in pencils), but the unique arrangement of their carbon atoms makes diamonds incredibly durable and distinct.

2. Hardest Natural Substance: Diamonds are the hardest material found in nature, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Only another diamond can scratch its surface.

3. Ancient Origins: Most diamonds were formed over a billion years ago, deep within the Earth's mantle, under extreme heat and pressure.

4. Global Sources: Major diamond-producing countries include Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Until the 18th century, India was the sole source of mined diamonds.

5. The " 4Cs": A diamond's value is determined by its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. These factors influence its appearance and desirability.

6. Cultural Significance: While diamonds are now iconic in engagement rings, ancient civilizations like the Greeks believed diamonds were divine tears, and medieval Europeans attributed them with healing powers.

7. Record-Breaking Diamond: The largest diamond ever found, the Cullinan diamond, weighed an astounding 3,106 carats. Discovered in South Africa in 1905, it was later cut into smaller pieces, many of which are part of the British Crown Jewels.

8. Sparkling Optical Properties: Diamonds are prized for their exceptional brilliance and fire, which result from their ability to reflect and refract light.

9. Synthetic Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural ones. They are more affordable and created within weeks, making them a sustainable alternative.

10. Conflict-Free Efforts: The term "blood diamond" refers to stones mined in conflict zones to fund violence. Initiatives like the Kimberley Process aim to ensure diamonds are ethically sourced.

The diamonds we see in the market differ greatly from their appearance when extracted from mines. The processing of diamonds involves several sequential steps, including:

Mining → Crushing → Grinding → Ore Separation → Concentrate Dewatering → Marking → Cleaving → Sawing → Cutting → Bruting → Polishing → Final Inspection.

Sawing is the cleavage process for diamonds, involving separating finished gemstone products. This is done using a diamond saw or laser.

The first step in cutting is planning, where the primary goal is to preserve as much of the diamond as possible while achieving the desired shape. The next step, maximizing value, focuses on increasing the worth of the diamond. Factors such as “weight retention,” “color retention,” and the shape of the finished diamond are key in this process.

Bruting involves rubbing two diamonds against each other in opposite directions, grinding them to create the typical round shape.

Polishing, also known as brillianting, includes blocking and faceting to bring out the diamond's brilliance.

A final inspection is crucial in processing diamonds before they are sold. This ensures the diamond’s authenticity and quality, certifying its reliability and value. For more insights, check our guide on diamond prices.

 These retailers are leaders in the industry, each excelling in key areas such as quality, customer service, and innovative technology, providing a trustworthy and convenient platform for buying diamonds online.

James Allen

James Allen has redefined the online diamond shopping experience with its innovative 360-degree interactive display technology. Founded in 2006, the company remains a leader in the online diamond retail industry by offering high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

360-Degree Imaging: Every diamond in their inventory comes with a high-resolution, interactive image, enabling customers to scrutinize clarity, color, and inclusions from every angle.

Certification: All diamonds are certified by leading labs, GIA or AGS, ensuring transparency and quality.

Price Match Guarantee: James Allen guarantees competitive pricing, offering to match competitors’ prices for diamonds with identical specifications, certifications, and grades.

Customer Service: Their 24/7 customer support team provides unbiased advice, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.

Blue Nile

As a pioneer in online diamond retail, Blue Nile has been in the industry since 1999 and remains a favorite among buyers in the UK and EU. Their unique business model and commitment to affordability make them stand out.

Direct Sourcing: Blue Nile sources diamonds directly from manufacturers, reducing operational costs and offering competitively priced diamonds.

Delivery Expertise: The company excels in servicing UK and EU customers, with faster delivery times and lower shipping costs, while eliminating extra VAT charges.

Certification: Every diamond is certified by GIA or AGS, guaranteeing quality and reliability.

Imaging Technology: While their video technology showcases diamond features effectively, it lacks the interactivity of James Allen’s 360-degree images.

Whiteflash

Known for precision and craftsmanship, Whiteflash specializes in super ideal cut diamonds, particularly their renowned “A Cut Above” collection. Their long-standing reputation and industry accolades from the Better Business Bureau attest to their excellence.

Super Ideal Cut Diamonds: Whiteflash’s diamonds are designed for maximum brilliance, making them a top choice for those seeking superior quality.

Certification: All diamonds are certified by GIA or AGS, ensuring fair pricing and exceptional quality.

Customization Options: The retailer offers a variety of designer engagement ring settings, including brands like Danhov, Verragio, Ritani, and Tacori.

Policies: Whiteflash provides a 1-year buyback guarantee at 70% of the original price, offering flexibility for short-term ownership.

Customer Service: Their knowledgeable and experienced staff guide customers through the selection process with unmatched expertise.

Round Diamonds: This is the most common diamond shape, although it is also one of the most expensive. It is a brilliant diamond, and when cut to ideal proportions, it exhibits so much brilliance that it is difficult to see color and inclusions.

Princess Diamond: This is a fancy diamond, mainly used for engagement rings. It is similar to the round cut in that it is very flexible, expensive, and can be used with any style or setting. It is square or rectangular in shape, with edges prone to chipping and inclusions.

Oval Diamond: Also a brilliant-cut diamond, the oval diamond can mask impurities. However, it is very susceptible to the bowtie effect. You should pay attention to the setting before buying an oval diamond.

Marquise Diamond: The two points of the marquise diamond are prone to chipping and inclusions, so the setting must contain two prongs to protect and cover these points. Symmetry is extremely important for this diamond.

Pear Diamond: A combination of round and marquise diamonds, the pear shape is a modified brilliant diamond with a variety of shapes based on the length-to-width (LW) ratio.

Cushion Diamond: Cushion diamonds have three patterns of pavilion facets. They show more fire than round diamonds, but they are not as brilliant.

Emerald Diamond: An emerald diamond is a step-cut diamond with great brilliance. It can come in rectangular and square shapes (which resemble Asscher diamonds).

Asscher Diamond: This diamond resembles the emerald diamond but has cropped corners, giving it an octagonal shape.

Radiant Diamond: A brilliant square-cut diamond that can come in two shapes: square or rectangular.

Heart Diamond: Symmetry is very important for heart diamonds. They are in the shape of a "love" heart, and the setting should have three prongs—one on each lobe and one at the point.