✦ History
India is considered the birthplace of the diamond industry. The first mention of precious finds in this region dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. Crystals began to be transported to Europe in the 13th century, but the art of processing them was fully developed by the 15th century. The first diamond fashioned in a modern style was created by Louis de Bernell for the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold, in 1454. The 19th century saw the start of the Diamond Rush, triggered by the discovery of a significant diamond deposit in Kimberley, South Africa. Workers found a massive tube of frozen carbon in the rock formations. Other major diamond producers include Australia, Canada, and the Russian Federation. The quality and purity of indigenous diamonds are esteemed worldwide.
✦ Expert evaluation of diamonds:
To accurately assess all aspects of a diamond, experts conduct a comprehensive examination based on the 4C system. This grading system was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is the global standard for diamond grading. Here is a detailed breakdown of each characteristic:
✦ Carat (weight):
The weight of a diamond, known as carat, is the most crucial factor determining its value. As per international standards, 1 carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams.
- Extra Small Diamonds: Up to 0.15 carats.
- Small Diamonds: 0.15 to 0.40 carats.
- Medium Diamonds: 0.40 to 1.00 carats.
- Large Diamonds: 1 carat and above.
✦ Color:
Diamond color is graded on a scale from “D” (colorless) to “Z” (yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the more valuable it is. While some diamonds may appear colorless at first glance, very few are entirely transparent. Diamond color characteristics are categorized as follows:
- Collectible Colors (most transparent stones): D to F.
- Near-Colorless Diamonds: G to I.
- Faint Yellowish Tone: J to M.
- Yellow Diamonds: N to Z.
Fancy colored diamonds can exhibit various hues such as yellow, orange, pink, blue, and even red. These stones may be pure or have secondary shades.
✦ Clarity:
This characteristic assesses the presence of inclusions and defects within a diamond. The fewer inclusions and the cleaner the stone, the higher its value. Diamonds are graded based on the visibility of defects:
- Flawless or Internally Flawless Diamonds: FL - IF.
- Very very Slightly Included Diamonds:VVS1 - VVS2.
- Very Slightly Included Diamonds: VS1 - VS2.
- Slightly Included Diamonds: SI1 - SI2.
- Included Diamonds: I1 - I2 - I3.
✦ Cut:
The most popular diamond cut in jewelry is the round brilliant cut, featuring 57 facets that showcase the gem's brilliance and beauty. Other popular cuts include emerald, oval, marquise, pear, heart, princess, and baguette. Each cut has unique characteristics and qualities. Cutting parameters such as proportion, polish, and symmetry significantly influence the diamond's final appearance.
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Fair or Poor
✦ Diamonds in Jewelry:
The sparkle, durability, rarity, and beauty of cut diamonds enable jewelers to craft exquisite pieces of jewelry. Diamonds not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of jewelry but also complement other precious stones. When paired with emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, diamonds create a striking contrast. Vibrant blue, green, and red hues combined with the dazzling brilliance of diamonds elevate jewelry into exquisite masterpieces.
Recommended gemological laboratories for diamond grading: GIA, AGS, HRD.
