At a point in nearly every man’s life, there comes a time when his heart knows it’s time for buying a diamond engagement ring for the woman he loves. A symbol of feelings deeper than words can convey, a diamond engagement ring speaks of a man’s need to honor and delight one very special person.
Nature’s Perfect Gemstones
Quality in diamonds is as meaningful as it is in every other aspect of life. How can you recognize a high-quality diamond? It’s the one with more sparkle, more fiery brilliance, more depth — more of what characterizes your relationship.
While there are many diamonds of quality, rare diamonds are even more valuable. Below you’ll find information on the 4Cs, buying guidelines, and why a diamond engagement ring is the most heartfelt gift a man can buy for a woman.
THE 4Cs: Elements that Reveal a Diamond’s Rarity
The 4Cs are the four distinct characteristics that combine to determine a diamond’s value. Since no two diamonds are exactly alike, you’ll want to examine each of the 4Cs in order to find a stone that offers the best combination of qualities — which is the same way experts arrive at a diamond’s rarity and value. Only then will you feel comfortable buying a diamond engagement ring.
CARAT: A Diamond’s Weight
A diamond’s size is measured in carat weight, and each carat is equal to 100 points. For example, a 75-point diamond can also be defined as a .75 or a 3/4 carat stone.
The size you choose is a matter of personal taste and of course budget. It’s important to know that large diamonds are more rare in nature than small ones, and a bigger diamond shows off a fine stone’s dazzling cut and color to its best advantage.
Diamonds of the same size may vary widely in value, depending on their qualities of color, clarity, and cut. If you place one size diamond next to another, the one that has better color and is more pure and sparkling will be worth more.
CLARITY: The Purity of a Diamond
- FL (flawless)
- IF (internally flawless)
- VVS1 VVS2(very, very small inclusions)
- VS1 VS2 (very small inclusions)
- SI1 SI2SI3(small inclusions)
- I1 I2 I3 (visible inclusions)
Virtually all diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet most are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler’s 10x-magnifying loupe, natural phenomena — called inclusions — may appear to look like tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers. They’re nature’s fingerprint.
The number, color, type, size, and position of inclusions as well as surface blemishes affect a diamond’s clarity. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through a diamond. So the greater a stone’s clarity, the more brilliant, valuable, and rare it is.
Diamonds categorized as flawless reveal no inclusions or imperfections under a loupe. However, truly flawless stones, which can only be identified with a gemologist’s powerful microscope, are the most unique of all.
COLOR: A Diamond’s Whiteness
- D E F = Colorless
- G H I J = Near Colorless
- K L M = Faint Yellow
- N O P Q R = Very Light Yellow
- S T U V W X Y Z = Light Yellow
Colorless diamonds — the ideal — are treasured for their rarity. The closer to colorless a diamond is, the more vividly it can reflect light and glorious flashes of the rainbow spectrum.
While most diamonds appear colorless, many actually have subtle yellow or brown tones that can be detected by a trained eye. Color grades range from totally colorless to light yellow. A single color upgrade will increase the value of a diamond significantly.
“Fancy” diamonds — in well-defined colors than include red, pink, blue, green, and canary yellow — are highly prized and as rare as truly colorless stones.
CUT: A Diamond’s Brilliance
A properly cut diamond, regardless of its shape, scintillates with fire and light-offering maximum appeal, durability, and value.
While nature determines a diamond’s color, clarity, and carat weight, the hand of a craftsman is necessary to release its sparkle and beauty.
A master cutter devotes hundreds of hours to carving a stone that makes optimal use of light. When a diamond is cut to proper proportions, light will bounce from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone.
Diamonds which are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, an improperly cut diamond will be less brilliant and beautiful — and certainly less rare.
SHAPE: A Diamond’s Silhouette
Diamonds are available in a number of beautiful shapes, and the one you choose is purely a matter of personal taste.
After studying the dimensions of a rough stone, a cutter applies his art and imagination to produce a distinctive shape. These include Brilliant Round (the most popular choice), Oval, Pear, Emerald, Marquise, Square Princess, and Heart shapes.
Before scientists discovered where fancy diamonds got their brilliant colors, there were many theories. One diamond cutter, Briefel, stated that diamonds got their color from the sky. If the sky was blue when they were formed than they retained that color. If it was night time when the diamond was formed than the diamond received no color at all. This theory would mean that pink diamonds got their color from a pink sky probably during a beautiful sunset.
The theory above is a romantic one, but unfortunately it is not an accurate one. Fancy diamonds, including pink diamonds, do not get their color according to light they are reflecting at the time. Instead fancy diamonds get their color through trace amounts of other elements. These are technically impurities in the diamond. However, pink diamonds are actually rarer than pure diamonds and are usually found in much smaller sizes.
Pink diamonds are a type II diamond meaning that, unlike type I diamonds that get their color from nitrogen atoms, pink diamonds contain very few nitrogen atoms. Instead, their color seems to come from their structural impurities. These impurities seem to be similar to the impurities found in brown diamonds. In fact, some diamonds are found that contain both pink and brown colors.
Grading pink diamonds is a little different than grading pure diamonds. When grading fancy diamonds you must also take their color into consideration. This is done by considering factors such as the hue, tone, and saturation of the color. The Gemological Institute of America or GIA, is the institute that has set forth these standards for grading fancy diamonds including pink diamonds.
Pink diamonds used to be very rare. Although they are still rare and tend to be found in smaller sizes than pure diamonds, they are becoming more popular. This is because of the Argyle mine in Australia. This mine has been producing a good deal of pink diamonds. In fact, the Argyle mine produces around 90% of the pink diamonds being mined. The Rio Tinto Group is the mining company that owns the Argyle mine. This company also owns diamond mines in Canada and Zimbabwe.
We have already noted that pink diamonds are fairly rare. However, pink diamonds that are huge in size are even rarer. The Steinmetz Pink is a famous diamond that is 59.6 carats. This is even larger than the famous Hope Diamond which is only 45.52 carats. The color is rated a Fancy Vivid Pink by the GIA. It is not known who originally owned the Steinmetz Pink diamond or where the diamond came from. However, it is the largest known pink diamond and took the Steinmetz group almost two years to cut. Their slow pace was a precaution to keep anything from happening to the precious gem during the process.
Pink Diamonds may not be pure diamonds, but it is clear that they have much more character. Although the color may not come from the reflection of a setting sun, the color can invoke the same feelings that come from gazing upon such a beauty.
Diamonds mean different things to different people. For the most part, diamonds are often associated with love or affection. Thus, it is common for persons in a relationship to exchange a piece of diamond jewelry as a symbol of their love. This is evident by the exchange of diamond rings during a wedding ceremony, or giving diamond jewelry as anniversary gifts. Of course, persons not in a relationship also wear diamonds. The price of diamond jewelry varies. There are diamond jewelry pieces that cost around $100. Unfortunately, the stone is typically small. Persons wanting a bigger diamond, but cannot afford the larger price tag, may consider purchasing a man made diamond.
Man made diamonds have been around for many years. Commonly referred to as synthetic or artificial diamonds, man made diamonds include cubic zirconium, moissanite, and so forth. There are different grades of artificial diamonds. In fact, some are replicated so closely, that onlookers will be unable to detect a faux. Manufacturers of artificial diamonds take great pride in replicating the composite and clarity of a real diamond. For this matter, the stone will have the same luster and color.
The same way real diamonds have different grades; there are also different qualities of man made diamonds. Some low quality synthetic diamonds are sold in department stores and smaller retail stores. While inexpensive and opportune for accessorizing an outfit, faux diamonds of this sort are easily identified. On the other hand, some people choose to purchase high quality replicas. Quality faux stones are more durable. Moreover, their brightness and color is comparable to a real stone. Genuine diamonds are hard, which contributes to their durability. On average, a real diamond rates 10 on the hardness scale. A low quality faux diamond may rate a 5 on the hardness scale. Yet, a quality man made diamond has a rating of 8 or 9, making them a better choice. Naturally, if buying quality man made diamond, you can expect to pay more. Nonetheless, the price is considerably less than what you would pay for a real diamond.
Before 1953, man made diamonds were unheard of. It wasn’t until a group of Swedish engineers and designers produced a machine that was capable of creating diamonds. When General Electric was successful with creating the first man made diamond in 1954, this giant step was withheld from the public. Once information of man made diamonds became known, this prompted other engineers to join the cause. Before long, the process of creating laboratory diamonds had spread across the globe.
Producing a faux diamond includes one of two methods. One approach involves using high pressure and high temperature. To create a man made diamond there must be a pressure of five GPA. Moreover, the temperature must be around 1500 degree Celsius. A second method for producing a faux diamond involves using chemical vapors. This method introduced in 1980 uses carbon plasma. By combining carbon plasma and a mixture of other gases, this creates the appropriate environment for developing a diamond
Diamonds are considered by many to be the world’s most precious of all natural stones. Whether they are used in an engagement or wedding rings, or simply as an addition to a stunning piece of jewelry, the diamond is a symbol of beauty and power. They are also found in the crowns of kinds and queens. Diamonds are found in various mines all over the world, however some of these mines are much better known for their location and the diamonds that have been found and continue to be found there. In Canada, the Akati Diamond Mine is the country’s very first diamond mining operation. It was officially opened in 1998 and is operated by the BHP Bilton group, one of the world’s largest natural resources companies. Since its opening, the mine has produced hundreds of thousands of carats. The Argyle Diamond Mine is the world’s largest diamond mining operation by volume, although not necessarily by value. Located in Australia, this mine covers 110 acres, and reaches down underground about 1,900 feet at its deepest part. The mine produces millions of carats of diamonds each year, although their quality and overall value is considered to be fairly low in the marketplace. The country of Africa is perhaps the most well known for its diamond production. The Williamson Diamond Mine is one of the most famous in the world and is located in Tanzania. One of the most famous stones to come out of the Williamson Diamond Mine was a huge 54 carat pink stone that was later given to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip as a wedding gift in 1947. Many claim the stone was already perfect when it was found.
America is known for some famous diamond mines as well. The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only public diamond mine in the entire world. Here, visitors from all over can come and search for their own valuable stones. The site is 37 acres of plowed field which is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe. Anyone who comes to visit the Crater of Diamonds is encourage bringing their mining gear, doing some serious diamond searching, and has a fun adventure. In 1956, a visitor found a large 15.3 carat diamond, making the location a very popular tourist attraction. Perhaps the most famous diamond mine of all is the De Beers mine, owned and operated by the world famous De Beers Company. This company practically has a monopoly on the entire diamond mining industry, simply because of their centuries of outstanding quality and cuts. De Beers was founded in 1888 in the United States, but has since taken over the diamond mining industry for much of Africa, where diamonds are prevalent. De Beers coined the very famous phrase “A Diamond is forever,” making it one of the most widely recognized advertising campaigns in the diamond business. The mines are now a worldwide operation, and the company has license to sell its diamonds in retail stores all over the globe.
A Smile Worth a Million Bucks
It used to be that a shiny smile came from good hygiene. You brushed your teeth regularly, flossed and visited the dentist for cleanings and teeth whitening … all for the sake of a bright and shiny smile. Well guess what? You can have a smile worth a million bucks, thanks to diamond teeth.
Yep, you heard right – diamond teeth. Having a little bling with your smile is the newest fad. It is all about vanity, setting you apart from the rest of the crowd. That is why you see a lot of rap artists indulging themselves in this tooth jewelry. The diamond teeth craze is also reaching beyond the entertainment industry and into the homes of “regular” folks too.
There are several ways you can obtain diamond teeth and all of them entail non-invasive techniques to achieve that bright smile. This means no large needles giving you mouth-numbing shots and no noisy drilling or the smell of freshly drilled teeth. The first method involves having a mold made of your teeth. Usually, a mold kit can be mailed straight to your home with detailed instructions. The mold will serve as a guide so that caps can be made to slide right over your existing teeth. Since these caps cannot be solid diamonds, you can choose a base of sterling silver, white gold or even yellow gold. How bright you want your smile will depend on which metal you choose.
With the caps, you have the advantage of your diamond teeth hiding any imperfections in your smile. Crooked teeth and gaps can be camouflaged easily. The same applies for any discolored teeth. They can be hidden too. Best of all, you have the option of purchasing these diamond teeth caps in a removable form or making the addition to your bright smile more permanent through a visit to the dentist or other licensed dental professional. In the removable form, they would almost be like an accessory that you can interchange as you would any regular jewelry like earrings or necklaces.
Another option for your diamond teeth can be likened to an appliqué. Little diamonds can be directly adhered to your teeth using a special bonding process similar to what orthodontists use when installing the brackets for braces. Your teeth are cleaned and a special glue and sealant are used on these jewels for the teeth. These diamond teeth can last for several years if good hygiene is practices and they are not typically harmful to the tooth enamel.
Please keep in mind that this appliqué option can and should only be applied by a dentist, orthodontist or other licensed professional in the dental industry. This is the only way to be assured that your tooth enamel, the surface of the teeth, stays protected.
A variety of items can adorn your body. There are barrettes and combs for the hair, piercing on various body parts like the ears, nose, lip and belly button and there are tattoos for the skin. Why not diamond teeth for a sparkling mouth?
Diamonds are one of the most expensive commodities in the world. They are known for their brilliance and fire and sell for over $11,000,000 per pound. The value of the diamond is increased when the diamond is polished to a brilliant shine. Methods and tips for diamond polishing are passed down from generation to generation and diamond-polishing businesses are inherited from the family. Diamonds have the highest polish of any element and are valuable for jewelry. Mining will produce one single carat diamond out of 250 tons of ore. Only one diamond in a thousand will be more than one carat and diamonds are never repeated in nature.
Diamonds are composed of almost pure carbon, the most simple of all nature’s elements. Heat and pressure over a million years causes the carbon to crystallize and form transparent gemstones.
Tips for diamond polishing include the grades of the polish on the faceted cut. Grades range from good to poor, and the value of the diamond is in part to the light refracted out of the diamond. The polish of the diamond changes the light and decreases or increases the value of the stone. Polishing differences are not always visible to the naked eye. It must be assessed with a microscope to see the difference in the polishes. Polishing removes tiny quantities of stone and defects and small stones can be polished with felt, leather, cork, cloth, and even wood.
Polishing is used to smooth the gem into a mirror-like finish that will help the light be refracted from the diamond and heighten its brilliance and sparkle. Diamond polishers use metal oxides such as ferric oxide, chromium oxide, tin and cerium oxide, and jeweler’s rouge, which is ferric oxide to smooth the gems.
Diamond polishers are careful to point out that defects in polishing can cause grain lines. Another tip for beautiful diamond polishing is to be aware of all variations in the grain and hardness of the stone they are working on. Grain lines can be seen with reflected light and can easily be seen with the naked eye. Polish that is rated as fair or poor can make a noticeable difference in the quality of the diamond.
A device called a “lap” is used to polish the surface of the diamond. The diamond is securely fastened into a metallic holder, the dop, and rests on the bench with diamond laying on the surface. Microscopic diamond dust particles are used to wear away the diamond to a flat surface. The lap is kept moistened with oil and rotates at a speed of 2000 rotations per minute. A diamond-polishing tip from the polisher is to keep the lap well oiled and apply diamond dust often.
Polishing gives the diamond the shine and sparkle that makes the diamond valuable. The polish is the finishing touch to create the perfect diamond possible. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but the polish is what makes the diamond valuable. If a diamond is not polished it may make the diamond look like it needs cleaning.
The Hope Diamond is one of the world’s most infamous diamonds. The Hope Diamond has went through many changes throughout its history. It has changed ownership many times including many famous owners of royal blood. It has also changed appearance as various jewelers created different settings for the Hope Diamond.
The Hope Diamond is unique in part because it is has a blue color to it. The blue color is created by tiny amounts of the element boron. The diamond is believed to come from mines of Golconda, India and was originally called Tavernier Blue after Jean Baptiste Tavernier. At this time the diamond was 112 3/16 carats and roughly cut into a triangle shape. However, the diamond is now a 45.52 carat pendant on a necklace.
During the life of the Hope Diamond it has seen many hands. The first known owner is Jean Baptiste Tavernier. However, it has also been owned by the likes of King Louis XIV of France. It has not been proved or disproved, but some suspect it was also owned by King George IV of the United Kingdom.
One of the most important owners of the Hope Diamond was, of course, Henry Philip Hope who gave the diamond its name. The diamond remained with the Hope family from 1824 to 1901. Lord Francis, the grandson, was only allowed to sell the diamond after obtaining the courts permission to do so.
After the Hopes were forced to sell the Hope Diamond it was again doomed to travel the globe from owner to owner. It passed through the hands of Adolf Weil, Simon Frankel, Salmon Habib, and Paul Cartier. It than landed a socialite named Evalyn Walsh McLean who wore it on many occasions until her death in 1947. It than went to her grandchildren but was once again sold to pay debts. Harry Winston was the next to acquire the Hope Diamond and showed off the piece for many years before he donated it to the Smithsonian.
The Hope Diamond reached the Smithsonian on November 10, 1958. Since that time the diamond has only left on four occasions. These occasions included a visit the Louvre in Paris in 1962, a trip to the South African Rand Easter Show in 1965, and twice in 1984 and 1996 the Hope Diamond visited Harry Winston once just for cleaning.
Despite being adored by many, the Hope Diamond is said to be cursed. Believers of the curse state that Tavernier stole the diamond from the Hindu Idol of the goddess Sita. It was said to be one of her eyes. However, there is no evidence of this and a second diamond eye has never been found.
Tragedies that have befallen Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette have been attributed to the curse of the Hope Diamond. During the history of the Hope Diamond legend people have also added their own fictitious owners that each had incredible misfortunes of their own. Though these tails just add to the charm of the Hope Diamond, they are largely exaggerated. Many owners, including Harry Winston, have had successful and long lives.
Diamond jewelry in the form of diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond pendants, diamond necklaces, diamond tiaras and diamond bracelets are some of the most sought after gemstone creations. Some practical knowledge can help people purchase a genuine piece of diamond jewelry at a fair price. Many people consider Diamond jewelry to be the ultimate adornment for a woman. Diamond jewelry is a classic ornament and according to most people, it can never go out of style. While buying diamond jewelry it is significant to keep some essential factors in mind, such as the cut and carat of the diamond, diamond shape, and diamond colors. Diamonds can come in more shapes than any other gem. Diamond jewelry with stunning center pieces are available in round, emerald cut, heart, marquise, oval, princess, radiant, and trillion shaped. Diamonds as accents are frequently found in small round shapes and baguettes. Popular earrings are generally round or princess cut, some might even come in fancier shapes. Though diamond is considered to be one of strongest matter on earth, a hard blow can cause the diamond to chip off. If proper care is taken the diamond jewelry can last a lifetime. To clean diamond jewelry, it is better to use water and a little bit of ammonia with a soft brush while being careful of the metal setting. Perfumes, lotions, sweat, and contact with cleaning liquids can make the surface of the stones dull. It is important to store diamond jewelry in separate velvet bags, so that they do not get scratches. It is also wise to keep the diamond jewelry in its original velvet box. This will ensure a long lasting wear. If you would like to learn more visit our jewelry 101 education section.
The International Gemological Institute is located in
The American Gemological Society (also referred to as AGS Laboratories) serves a wide variety of clients including jewelry wholesalers, diamond cutters, jewelers, and various manufacturers. It was founded in 1934 by a group of jewelers as well as Robert M. Shipley who founded the Gemological Institute of America. The Society headquarters is located is