Interesting Facts About Diamonds

· What are Diamonds?
· Are diamonds really rare?
· How are diamonds priced?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What are diamonds? Back to questions

A: Diamonds are extremely pressurized and heated carbon crystals, believed to have been transported in diamond pipes of "blue ground" called kimberlite, from deep within the Earth when the Earth was formed billions of years ago.  Diamonds are the hardest known substance on earth. It is estimated to be almost 150 times harder than corundum (ruby and sapphires), the world's second hardest material.   Diamonds come in all colors of the rainbow; some of which are much more rare and valuable than others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Are diamonds really rare? Back to questions

A: Because of the many recently discovered locations throughout the world, including the most recent areas in Canada, there seems to be a very plentiful supply of diamonds. Contrary to what most believe diamonds are no longer rare.  However authentic diamonds of a high grade (i.e., Cut, clarity, color, carat) are less available.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: How are diamonds priced? Back to questions

A: Diamonds are priced by grading them using a descriptive formula called "The 4 C's": Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight.

Cut is the shape of the stone as well as the proper alignment of facets and the proportions of the table, pavilion, star cuts and girdle.

Clarity is the transparency of the stone, as well as the degree that the stone is absence of imperfections.

Color is the actual hue of the diamond.  Although diamonds come in all colors of the rainbow the rare colors are blue, red, green, violet, purplish-red, pink, yellow, etc.  The white stones are valued by the degree of colorless tints that the particular stone possesses.  The more white and transparent the stone, the better.

Carat weight is the actual metric weight of the stone.  5 carats is equal to 1 gram.