All About Diamonds

When one mentions the word diamonds, you are immediately struck with a multitude of concepts and images, particularly that of a flashy brilliant gem of the highest quality. The diamond is the hardest known naturally occurring mineral, a transparent form of pure carbon where the carbon atoms are arranged in an isometric-hexoctahedral crystal lattice.

For almost all people in the jewelry-making business, the diamond is the king of gems, a symbol of purity, strength, wealth, and durability, something that is of the highest quality.

This is why a diamond always stands for excellence.

Because of its hard surface, high dispersion of light and even its use in thermal conductivity, diamonds are not only used most profitably in jewelry making, but also in industrial and technological applications.

Because it is the hardest surface known on the earth, only a diamond can test a diamond. Other natural minerals or gems will not be able to scratch its surface or compare to its hardness.

By hardness, it means its resistance to scratching.The word diamond is derived from the ancient Greek word adamas, meaning invincible, untamed or to overpower.

Even the ancient world knew of the superb quality of the diamond, as they have been treasured as gemstones since the ancient times, and have even been used as engraving tools and religious icons.

But it is only in the 19th century that diamonds have been popular as it is today, due to increased mineral supply and growth in the world economy, as well technological advances in its cutting and polishing techniques.

In the modern world, diamonds have become a household name. This is mainly because of their use in creative advertising campaigns. Because of the exposure of diamonds in mass media, it seems that it s the ultimate status symbol to own diamond jewelry. Diamonds have even been ingrained in tradition such as marriage.

Every girl dreams of her diamond engagement ring and every guy learns about the four Cs of diamonds, namely carat, clarity, color and cut, when buying that perfect ring. It might be contrary that a diamond being precious can be part of a wedding or engagement ring that is worn every day. But that is the beauty of a diamond.

Its appearance as a brilliant gem is equal to its resistance to wear and tear, making it an everlasting symbol that is worn and showcased every day.

Diamonds are typically colorless or yellow, but have also been known to be grayish or brown. Less often, they can be colored blue, green, black, pink, violet, red, orange and translucent white. Most of these are sourced from central and southern Africa, and other mines have been discovered in Canada, Russia, Australia, India and Brazil.

Natural diamonds are found in volcanoes, mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes, which originate deep within the Earth and are brought up to the surface and formed by high pressure and temperatures.

Diamonds are both beautiful and useful, making it a hard-working precious gem.

Paul Easton is the Marketing Director for Polished Diamonds. For High Quality Diamond Rings at 1/2 retail shop available at: Polished Diamonds.co.nz - The Diamond Ring Specialist in New Zealand

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