Diamonds:
o
A diamond's value
is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat.
o
The clarity and
color of a diamond usually are graded.
o
Scales are not
uniform: a clarity grade of "slightly included" may represent a different
grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in
the scale.
o
Make sure you know
how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarity of the
diamond you're considering.
o
A diamond can be
described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface or internal
imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond
grader.
o
Diamond weight
usually is stated in carats, with its weight described in decimal or
fractional parts of a carat.
o
If the weight is
given in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the last
decimal place. For example, ".30 carat" could represent a diamond that
weighs between .295 - .304 carat.
o
Some diamonds may
be treated to improve their appearance in similar ways as other gemstones.
o
Imitation diamonds,
such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less
expensive.
o
Certain
laboratory-created gemstones, such as moissanite, also resemble diamonds and
may not be adequately detected by the instruments originally used to
identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has the current testing
equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-created stones.
Diamond Facts:
- Diamonds throughout history have
been the symbol of love and romance. Like true love, a diamond’s brilliance
strength will not diminish with time.
- The word diamond originates from
the Greek "adamas," meaning indomitable, as diamonds were believed to offer
protection and power in the face of danger.
- The earliest written account of
diamonds dates back to around 500 BC and the first recorded use of a diamond
in an engagement ring was in 1477 with the engagement of the future Holy
Roman Emperor Maximillian to Mary of Burgundy.
- In the 19th century, with newly
discovered mines and developments in diamond cutting and polishing, the
solitaire engagement ring was introduced.
- The Tiffany mounting, presented
in 1886, made the most of the diamonds brilliance by raising it up from the
band. The design allowed greater amounts of light to enter the gem, allowing
it to exhibit its utmost brilliance.
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These are all
very nice specimens for a mineral collector or very unique gift!
According to De Beers, many
mines in the world average about 0.4-0.5 ct per stone. However,
the number of stones larger than 1 ct (0.2 g) produced at mines
is very small (approximately 400 000 stones per year) and, in
carat terms, represents only about 0.5% of the total carats
produced in the world.
Most mined rough diamonds are
small and, to put this into perspective, a 10-ct rough
octahedron crystal, which is considered to be a large stone, has
a side that measures only about 10.5 mm, while a 1-ct stone has
a side that is close to 5 mm and a 0.5-ct stone has a side that
measures 4 mm.
All photos are of the actual stones &
enlarged to show detials
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3.07ct
Rough DIAMOND
$65
This specimen
is 8.1 mm x 7.1 mm. |
2.72ct
Rough DIAMOND
$50
This specimen
is 10.0 mm x 9.0 mm.
|
|
1.78
ct Rough DIAMOND
$36
This specimen
is 7.8 mm x 6.4 mm. |
2.54ct
Rough DIAMOND
$42
This specimen
is 7.6 mm x 6.3 mm. |
