Do You Know About The Diamond Gemstones Four C's?

All the different quality of Diamonds that are present in Diamond Jewellery, whether it be Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Eternity Rings, Diamond Earrings or whatever else, are graded by taking into account their colour, clarity, cut and weight in carats, known universally as the Four C's.

The grading system that is most often used and respected is that of the GIA (Gemological Institute Of America). This systems is used not just for diamonds, but all families of gemstones.

1. Diamond Colour

The amount of colour produced is directly linked to the amount of light that is refracted when it passes through the stone and produces "fire". This spectrum of "fire" is greater when there is less colour in the gemstone, making the stone more valuable.

D. Absolutely colourless.

E. Diamonds are colourless. Very small traces of colour found.

F. Colourless. Very Slight colour detected.

G-H. Near-colourless. Colour noticeable when compared to diamonds of better grades.

I-J. Near-colourless. Some colour is slightly detectable.

K-M. Noticeable colour. Very faint to faint yellow-brown tints of colour found.

N-Z. More noticeable colour. Faint to more tinted yellow-brown tint.

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2. Clarity Of Diamond


Diamonds have natural inclusion bodies that are unique in number and situ in every example of the gemstone. This is the way in which the GIA grade the clarity, and the less the number of inclusions present, basically the greater the clarity, and therefore the more valuable the stone.


IF. Internally flawless and have no surface blemishes when viewed under 10x magnification.


VVS. Very, very, slightly included, and similar if any surface blemishes, that are difficult to see when viewed under 10x magnification.


VS. The diamonds are very slightly included. Have surface blemishes that are difficult to see under 10x magnification viewing.


SI. Inclusions and external blemishes are easy to locate under 10x magnification.


I. Medium or large internal bodies or external blemishes that are easily seen with the naked eye.


3. Cut Of A Diamond


The sparkle or brilliance that is allowed to be generated from within a stone, is down to the quality of the faceted example. The cut does not refer to the shape, such as round brilliant or princess, but indeed the facets.


The type and quality of this faceting, allows the light to be "bounced" around a produce lots of sparkle out through the top to the viewer.


If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light will therefore escape through the opposite side of the pavilion (lower section of stone), but if it is too shallow, then light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.


4. Carats


Whatever the shape of the diamond that is produced, when it is cut shallower than usual, but with the same top dimensions, it will weigh less than expected. Alternatively if cut deeper than expected, but with the normal top proportions, it will weigh more than expected. To get the best out of both worlds, sometimes the top can be cut wider to give the impression of size and gain the "experience" of extra weight, but the depth will be cut shallower to keep down the costs.


Conclusion


If you are after a specific diamond but the price is beyond your budget, then it can be still achievable (or maybe nearly), if you look at compromising on one of the four C's to achieve your goal.


Whatever the size and/or quality of stones you may have, then just please make sure you wear them as much as possible and show them off. They are definitely not meant to be kept hidden away from all to see.

J S Stewart © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.


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Do You Want To Know All About The Diamond Gems History?

Introduction To DiamondsThe word "diamond", as in Diamond Jewellery, such as Diamond Rings, Diamond Earrings and Diamond Pendants, means "unbreakable" or (adamas) in Ancient Greek, and is from where the term originates. Diamonds have been known to definitely exist in India 3000 years ago, but probably for up to 6000 years, where they where first found along the banks of the Rivers Penner, Krishna and Godavari.

In 1772 it was scientifically proved that diamonds are composed totally of carbon.

Ever since this time, diamonds have been linked to various mysterious and medicinal beliefs, for engraving tools, and in jewellery. Until the 18th Century India was the only location where diamonds where mined, but during the early 19th century they were found in Africa.

When they were found in South Africa in the 19th Century, this induced a great explosion in their demand for jewellery, both due to the better techniques that were being employed for cutting and polishing, and also due to the greater prosperity that people were enjoying in general.

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The way in which white light enters and is then split into different colours is the main characteristics of a diamond, and in the 20th Century the main grading system for diamonds was brought in to use known as the GIA or Gemological Institute of America, taking into account these properties.

Before a diamond is cut and polished, it can be determined by its structure from where in the world it originates. After it has been prepared, it is virtually impossible to say from where it came.

A "paragon" is said to be a large and flawless example of a diamond.

Diamonds are the hardest minerals found, with a Moh's scale reading of 10.

Early Diamond History

The first recorded history of diamonds in India suggested they were used for jewellery and as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and provide protection in battle.

Diamonds In The Dark Ages

As was the case with many gemstones, the diamond was also used in medicine. A diamond was thought to heal wounds and cure illnesses, and if ingested, sickness.

Diamonds And The Middle Ages

Nations started to treat the diamond as a precious gemstone and understand its true worth. The previous legends and beliefs were starting to fade as they become precious and supply and demand increased.

Some giant examples in this period gave rise to even greater popularity, and their demand increased massively from this.

As they became scarcer in India, mines were first found in Borneo and Brazil, before being first found in South Africa, where along the banks of the Orange River occurred the Worlds greatest diamond rush!

Diamonds In Recent Times

Diamonds were first discovered in Australia around the mid-nineteenth century, but it was not until the 1970's that Australia's full potential as a source of diamonds was realised.

Nowadays the biggest mines and producers come from such Countries as Botswana, Russia, Canada, South Africa, Australia and from many other African Nations.
J S Stewart 2011 © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Before buying your Diamond Rings, or other Diamond Jewellery, including Diamond Earrings & Diamond Pendants, then why ot visit to www.GlobeJewellery.co.uk