Diamond FAQ's
- Where do diamonds originate from?
While most people only think of the final product they see in engagement rings or other diamond jewelry, they rarely give a second thought as to how that diamond came to be in that form with that specific shape and brilliance. Diamonds themselves, are composed of pure carbon atoms that exist deep within the ground, while being exposed to extremely high temperatures and pressure over a period of billions of years. As time goes on, the pressure exerted on the diamonds continues to build, eventually forcing the diamonds up towards the surface of the earth’s crust in a volcanic-like explosion. The diamonds themselves then begin to settle where they are ultimately found by the people searching for them. At times, the diamonds can and will be washed away from natural occurrences like erosion and/or rain eventually settling in a wide variety of locations. These diamonds then become known as primary deposits. Researchers are now discovering that some of the very first diamond deposits, rose to the earth’s surface approximately 2.5 billion years ago! Most believe, that even the most recent diamond discoveries are no less than fifty million years old!
- My wife told me she wants an “ideal cut” diamond, what does this mean?
When it comes to diamonds, there is a seemingly endless number of “cuts”, and as a result it can be difficult, if not downright impossible to know the difference between the numerous options you have when shopping for diamonds. Widely considered by many to be the most popular diamond cut, the “ideal cut” is centered around the concept originally introduced by the world famous gem cutter, Marcel Tolkowsky back in 1919. At the time, Tolkowsky’s original theory offered up only one particular combination of proportions for developing an ideal symmetry when it came to brilliance and dispersion. Luckily, the modern day American Gemological Society will acknowledge any and all diamonds which can be classified within a specific range of proportions and finish quality which results in the diamond being graded an “ideal cut”.
- What occurs in the diamond cutting process?
If you saw a diamond when it was first mined, you could certainly be excused for not knowing that what you were looking at was the purest original form of a diamond. This is because it will in all likelihood be nothing like the finished diamond product you are so used to seeing. Advancements in technology has created machinery with unbelievably precise cutting abilities, although because of the painstaking and detailed process that it takes to create the perfect diamond, much of the work crafting diamonds is still done by hand using strategies and techniques taught from generation to generation.
The initial step in crafting a diamond, known as cleaving or sawing and is primarily utilized to separate the break the original rough product, in more easily workable size diamonds which will at some point become a finalized product in the form of a beautiful diamond. The next step in the process, is known as bruiting the diamond, which essentially buffs and grinds away the unwanted edges, to ultimately create the final shape of the diamond. Then after this bruiting process is completed, the next step is known as faceting, which will be completed in two steps. While the blocking is occurring, the table, bezel, pavilion main and culet facets are cut, followed then by the star, upper and lower girdle facets which are then added. Finally, once the faceted diamond has been officially inspected, the diamond is then placed in hydrochloric and sulfuric acids to clean the diamond of leftover oils, dust and/or other contaminants.
- Can a diamond be considered a long-term investment?
Anytime you are about to shell out thousands of dollars, most people will want to make sure they are getting the most for their money, and hope that by spending all of this money, the investment will be worth it in the long-run and either maintain its value or possible increase in value over time. With that said, if you are considering purchasing a diamond, and wondering if that is a wise investment, the answer would be it truly depends on the situation like the diamond itself and how much was paid for it.
Historically speaking, the price of diamonds over the past two decades has been increasing annually, while the diamonds themselves appear to hold their value very well. Utilizing these historical averages, it can be safely assumed (but not guaranteed) that the value of a diamond you purchase is not likely to ever completely lose its value. With that said, it is impossible to say with complete certainty where the market will be a decade from now. It is generally speaking, not highly advisable to craft an investment strategy around buying diamonds.
- “Certified” versus “Non-Certified” Diamonds?
If you are in the market for a diamond, it is likely you have already encountered questions about the diamonds you have seen. One of the most common questions that people have when looking to purchase a diamond is, what is the difference between “certified” and “non-certified” diamonds? Well, the short answer is, there is actually no tangible difference between the two. Being “certified” doesn’t in any way, shape or form alter the diamond itself. The difference comes down to verification of the value of your diamond. Meaning, the “certified” diamond can and should come with a certificate which provides the diamond buyer with a peace of mind as well as legal assurances oh the specific and exact quality of the diamond you are about to buy.
Certified diamonds are accompanied with a grading report, provided to the purchaser by a respected and accredited gemology lab. This grading report offers the purchaser proof that the specifications as stated on the diamond you are looking to buy are accurate and approved by the industry experts. Certified diamonds offer you legitimization of your purchase, protection against being scammed as well as a finished product unrivaled in its brilliance and beauty.
At the other end of the spectrum, you will find “non-certified” diamonds which will not allow you to receive a verification or grading report, which as a result, you will need to rely on the honesty and integrity of the diamond seller. With this said, an uncertified diamond does not necessarily mean you are getting scammed or not getting your money’s worth. It can contain all of the same specifications that a certified diamond can, yet, if given a choice, it is always recommended when possible, that you purchase a certified diamond, to protect yourself and your purchase.
Diamond grading reports add a higher level of confidence to your purchase, because you can rely on the peace of mind that the diamond you are spending thousands of dollars on, has been independently verified to contain all of the value indication factors that the diamond is supposed to possess.
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