Diamonds

Diamond Cuts and Shapes
When diamonds became popular as ornaments in jewelry different techniques and styles of diamond cuts and shapes were gradually developed. The names and descriptions of the most famous and popular cuts are described in this section including Brilliant Cuts, Asscher cuts, Ideal Cuts, Emerald cuts, Rose Cuts, Princess Cuts, Marquise Cuts, Pear Cuts, Cushion cuts, Oval cuts, Radiant and Trilliant (Trillion Cuts).

The 4 C's to Diamonds
The 4 C's to Diamonds are the Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight all of which have a significant impact on the cost of diamonds because these factors are all used to value the price of a diamond. The 4 C's to Diamonds are the Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight are defined in detail in separate sections.

Diamond Clarity
The Clarity of Diamonds relate to exactly how clear the diamond is. The clarity of diamonds describes the presence, or absence, of Inclusions (flaws) within the diamond and any blemishes on its surface.

Diamond Clarity Chart
Diamonds are graded on a Diamond Clarity Chart ranging from high quality, rare and expensive flawless to imperfect and cheap diamonds. This chart provides facts and information about the grading system for diamonds.

Diamonds - Carat Weight
The Carat Weight of Diamonds is the standard unit of measure that defines the weight of diamonds.  The size of a diamond relate to the dimensions or measurement in terms of length, width and height.

Fluorescence of Diamonds
The Fluorescence of Diamonds is not usually desirable in white diamonds due to the hazy, oily or cloudy effect it has. Extremely fluorescent diamonds can usually be purchased for 30% less than diamonds that possess no, or slight, fluorescence.

Diamond Inclusions
Diamond Inclusions flaws or imperfections in diamonds consisting of defects within the crystalline surface of a diamond which are called inclusions. An abrasion or scratch on the surface of a diamond are called blemishes.

Cutting Diamonds
The art of cutting, shaping, polishing and creating diamonds and jewelry from stones. Diamonds are examined minutely for flaws and imperfections, enabling the cutter to decide in which way the diamond will give the best possible results in the cutting.

Diamond Quality
To assess the quality of diamonds it is important to find out as much as you can about the so-called 4 C 's before purchasing a piece of diamond jewelry, such as rings, wedding rings, engagement rings, earrings, eternity rings, necklace, pendant, bracelet all set in silver sterling and gold.

Diamond Ratings
Diamond clarity ratings include a rating scale, rating system, quality ratings, scales and charts and diamond color ratings. Diamond Ratings help buyers to assess the quality of diamonds.

Diamond Facets
The quality of a diamond is dependent upon the cut of the facets which reflect the brilliance, fire, sparkle and luster of a diamond. Diamond facets are the smooth surface areas of a diamond which have been cut, polished and positioned at different angles which allow light to enter and reflect back from the stone.

Diamond Formation
Diamonds reach the surface of the earth via volcanic pipes, or channels or via placer, alluvial deposits. They are formed when extreme heat and extreme pressure cause carbon atoms to crystallize forming diamonds approximately ninety miles under the earth's surface.

Diamond Source
The source of Natural diamonds are found in environments of Kimberlite Rock and Placer or Alluvial Deposits.

• The Kohinoor - The Kohinoor is one of the World's most famous diamonds also called the Koh-i-Noor. The Kohinoor became part of the Crown Jewels of England at the time that Queen Victoria was proclaimed empress of India and is still kept in the Tower of London. Read about the curse of the Kohinoor

• Hope - The famous Hope was first known as the "French Blue" or the "Tavernier Blue" and is currently housed in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the USA.

• The Regent - The Regent was owned by French Kings until the bloody French revolution and then owned by the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

• The Uncle Sam - The Uncle Sam was found in the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas near Murfreesboro and before cutting weighed 40.23 carats

• The Kahn Canary - The Kahn Canary was discovered the diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park and worn by Hillary Clinton

• The Sancy - The Sancy was named after Nicolas de Harlay, Seigneur de Sancy (1546-1629) a French soldier and diplomat

• Florentine - The Florentine came into the possession of the powerful Medici family and was housed in the Medici treasury in Florence. ( Inhabitants of Florence were called Florentines).

• The Allnatt - The Allnatt diamond was purchased in the 1950's by Major A E Allnatt after whom it was named

• The Tiffany - The Tiffany was named after its first known owner, Charles Lewis Tiffany, the famous Fifth Avenue Jeweler

• Cullinan - The Cullinan I aka the Star of Africa was cut into a pear shape and weighing 530.20 carats is set in the Royal Sceptre of the English Crown Jewels

Where are diamonds found?
Where are diamonds found? Natural diamond sources have been discovered in approximately 35 different countries around the World across several continents. Read all about them in this section

Diamond Quotes
Diamond Quotes Qoutes, sayings and quotations by other famous people - some funny, some inspirational and some quotes that just make you stop and think!

Blood Diamonds and the Blood Diamond Movie
Blood Diamonds, also known as Conflict Diamonds, are used in the illegal trading of diamonds to finance conflict, civil wars and human rights abuses in Africa. This trade is highlighted in the Blood Diamond movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Diamond Mines
The Worlds most Famous Diamond Mines including facts, information, descriptions and a list of the Worlds Diamond Mines including in depth facts and information about:

• Canadian Diamonds - Timeline & History of Canadian Diamonds and Canadian Diamond Mines

• Arkansas Diamond Mine - History Timeline of the Arkansas Diamond Mine

• Crater of Diamonds State Park - History Timeline of the Crater of Diamonds State Park

• Argyle Diamond Mine - The Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia is the world’s largest diamond mining operation by volume, although not by value due to the quantities of less popular brown diamonds that it produces.

• Ekati Diamond Mine - The Ekati Diamond Mine is the Canada's first operational diamond mining operation and produces 3 million carats of rough diamonds every year

• Diavik Diamond Mine - The Diavik Mine projects an average of between 7 - 8 million carats per year during the life of the diamond mine

• Mirna Diamond Mine - Site of the world's largest man-made hole in Russia

• African Diamond Mines - Names and list of the African diamond mines

Colors of Diamonds
The traditional color associated with Diamonds is white, or colorless. But Diamonds are also found in many other colors. Sections are provided with depth facts and information about all the different shades and hues in the colors of diamonds:

• White Color Diamonds

• Black Color Diamonds

• Blue Color Diamonds

• Pink Color Diamonds

• Yellow Color Diamonds

• Brown Color Diamonds

• Orange Color Diamonds

• Champagne Color Diamonds

• Cognac Color Diamonds

• Fancy Colored Diamonds

What is a Diamond? Definition of Diamonds
What is the definition of a Diamond: The word is derived from the Greek "adamas" meaning "hardest metal" which reflects the property of this precious stone. This jewel excels in brilliancy and beautiful play of prismatic colors, and is remarkable for its extreme hardness. It is a member of the Diamond (Carbon) family and the hardest known substance. Found in nature it is called a rough diamond. It is then cut, for use in jewelry, into various forms with many reflecting facets, by which its brilliancy is much increased.

History of Diamonds
The history, myths, legends and folklore surrounding the magical properties of diamonds have been handed down through the ages and from different civilisations.