Introduction & Color:
The royal people born in April are blessed to have Diamond as their birthstone. The stone has adorned the crown of the royals and is one of the most expensive stones – hence there have been several wars to possess famous diamonds.
Diamonds are bought during several occasions like weddings, gifting loved ones, anniversary gifts etc. Diamonds, specifically solitaires are also used as investment vehicles due to their rarity and durability.
The word “Diamond” is derived from a Greek word “Adamas” which means “Unconquerable”. This brings us to realise that owning diamonds, or diamond jewelry gives us a sense of power and strength.
The most common colors of diamonds are shades of white, brown, yellow and can come in almost all colors like green, red, pink, purple, grey, blue, orange, black. The cause of colors in diamonds is due to structural defects or trace elements.
Formation and Chemical composition of Diamonds:
The atoms of carbon crystallise are under high temperature and pressure under the earth’s crust. It takes almost 1.1 to 3.3 billion years. Hence diamonds are very rare, especially due to an increase in their demand.
The chemical composition of diamonds is carbon.
☆History of Diamonds:
During the 4th century, the First Diamond was discovered at River Krishna in India. Here, the most historical diamonds were found, like the Kohinoor, Regent Diamond, Hope Diamond, Sancy Diamond, to name a few. These diamonds later were taken to Venice for the royals in European countries. The Blue Hope Diamond of India’s Golconda mines was possessed by King Louis XIV of France in 1668.
In the 1700’s, diamonds were found in Jequitinhonha river, Minas Gerais, Brazil during which the Indian supply was beginning to decline. In 1860, diamonds were discovered in a place called Kimberley in South Africa. A miner named Cecil Rhodes established DeBeers Consolidated Mines in 1888 and soon enough, DeBeers acquired almost 90% of the world’s share. In 1905, the largest rough diamond of 3,106 carats called Cullinan was discovered in Premier Mines of South Africa.
Where are the Diamonds mined?
Diamonds were first mined in India, then Brazil and followed by Africa, which is till date one of the major mining countries like Botswana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and South Africa. Another major mining source is in Russia. The Russian Diamond Mine has rough diamonds of the best quality. In 1983, the Australian diamond mines called Argyle Mines produced large quantities of rough diamonds. In 1990, Cannadian diamonds added to global rough diamonds.
☆Importance of Diamonds in astrology :
Zodiac Sign: Aries, Taurus, Leo.
Planet: Venus.
Healing Benefits of Diamonds: Diamond is used for crown chakras which is the 7th Chakra. Diamond symbolises long lasting love. It is for commitment and trust in a relationship. Diamond supports in building strength, energy, beauty, happiness, longevity, reduces fear, adds creativity, protection against poison and plague, removes toxins in blood , cures blood disease, builds stamina, helps in curing allergies, it treats vertigo and chronic disease. Wearing a diamond also enhances the vision.
Physical and Optical properties of Diamonds:
| Crystal System | Cubic |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Luster | Adamantine |
| Hardness | 10 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.52 |
| RI | 2.417 |
| Pleochroism | None |
☆Demand and scope:
There are several uses of diamond. If the diamond is gem quality, then they adorn the jewelry, and if the diamonds are industrial quality then they are used in cutting hard materials, airport runways, drilling and construction tools, etc.
☆Durability of Diamonds:
Hardness of diamonds under Mohs scale is 10. Hence diamond is the hardest stone in the gem kingdom.
☆Identification of Diamonds:
There are several simulants of diamonds like AD, CZ, Moissanite; with the most challenging being lab grown diamonds grown by CVD and HPHT. You need to have an in-depth knowledge to distinguish between them. To learn about identification techniques between the natural diamonds, simulants and lab grown diamonds – click here!
☆Treatments in Diamonds:
There are several treatments done on diamonds to add beauty and durability such as Irradiation, High Pressure and High Temperature, Annealing, Coating, Laser Treatment, Fracture Filling and so on.
☆Pricing:
The pricing or valuation of diamonds are based on 4 Cs Clarity, Color, Cut & Carat. However, the 4Cs are not enough to value diamonds. For the first time in the world, J. K. DIAMONDS INSTITUTE OF GEMS & JEWELRY has introduced the 7C’s & 7 S’ of diamond grading that affects diamond pricing. It can be loose diamonds in a mixed parcel or single solitaires. To attend a webinar on diamond pricing click on the below link.
