What Is Diamond?

The diamond has been one of the most coveted gems in history. Every diamond is unique, with a mystery and beauty which is all its own. Since the very beginning, diamonds have been associated with romance and legend. The very word 'diamond' comes from the Greek 'adamas' meaning unconquerable, suggesting the eternity of love. The Greek also believed the fire in the diamond reflected the constant flame of love.

What is diamond? It is plain crystallized carbon, the same substance, as the soot left on the inside of a glass after the burning of a candle, or the substance used in lead pencils. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to the earth.

The diamond differs from these in its crystal form, which accounts for the desirable properties that have made it so highly prized - its hardness, which gives it unsurpassed wearability, its brilliance, and fire. Nonetheless, while diamond is the hardest natural substance known, it can be chipped or broken if hit hard from certain angles.

Though diamonds were first mined in India over 2,800 years ago, the modern industry began with discoveries in South Africa. in the late 19th century. Today the most important producer countries are as follows: Australia, Zaire, Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Namibia.

The beauty of a diamond depends on the way it reflects and refracts light. The way a diamond sparkles in the light is called its BRILLIANCE and FIRE. The polisher must facet the stone so that it reflects light directly to the eye, whilst also allowing it to bounce around freely inside and emerge from the top.

Most diamonds look colourless, but there are subtle shade differences and the closer a diamond is to having no colour the more valuable it becomes. The factors used to determine the quality and value of a diamond are referred to as the "four Cs." In terms of their effect on the value of a diamond - in order of importance - we would list them as follows:
1. Colour
2. Clarity
3. Cutting and proportions
4. Carat weight

International standards have been established for grading diamonds according to extremely subtle differences in colour. The main scales are those of the G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America), of I.D.C. (International Diamond Committee) and of C.I.B.J.O. (International Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones).