World of Raffi
Diamond Education
DIAMOND FUNDAMENTALS
The 4 C’s of Diamond Education
Colour
The diamond colour evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of colour. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond colour-grading system measures the degree of colourlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to masterstones stones of established colour value
Clarity
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value. The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.
Cut
Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamond's cut as shape (round, emerald, pear), but a diamond's cut grade is really about how well a diamond's facets interact with light.
Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.
Carat
Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams.
Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweller may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. For instance, the jeweller may refer to a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats as a ‘twenty-five pointer.
Diamond Certification
A certified diamond is one that has undergone a grading process by an independent gemological laboratory. Certificates from reputable organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS) provide an objective assessment of a diamond's quality. These certificates contain detailed information about the diamond's characteristics, including the four C's.
Diamond Proportions
The proportions of a diamond, including the table size, crown height, pavilion depth, and angles, play a crucial role in determining its overall brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects and refracts light in an ideal manner, maximizing its visual appeal.
Diamond Inclusions and Blemishes
Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes in a diamond. These characteristics can affect the diamond's transparency and overall visual appeal. Understanding the specific nature, location, and visibility of inclusions is important when evaluating a diamond's clarity.
Diamond Setting
The setting is the metal structure that holds the diamond in place. Different settings can impact the way a diamond appears, both in terms of its size and how light interacts with it. Popular settings include prong, bezel, pave, channel, and halo settings, among others.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as cultured or synthetic diamonds, are a fascinating alternative to natural diamonds that have gained significant popularity in recent years. These diamonds are created in a laboratory under controlled conditions that mimic the natural diamond formation process. This innovative technology allows scientists to replicate the same chemical and physical properties found in natural diamonds, resulting in high-quality gemstones that are visually identical to their mined counterparts.
The process of creating lab-grown diamonds begins with a small diamond seed or a thin slice of a natural diamond. These seeds are placed in a chamber that is subjected to extreme heat and pressure conditions. There are two primary methods used to create lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
In the HPHT method, a press exerts immense pressure and temperature on the diamond seed, simulating the conditions found deep within the Earth's mantle where natural diamonds form. A carbon source is introduced, and over time, the carbon atoms attach themselves to the diamond seed, gradually growing it into a larger diamond crystal.
In the CVD method, a diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas, such as methane. A combination of heat and energy is applied, causing the gas to break down and deposit carbon atoms onto the diamond seed. Layer by layer, the diamond grows, eventually forming a complete crystal.
Lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. They are made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, making them exceptionally hard and durable. They also exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation as natural diamonds, making them visually indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Lab-grown diamonds offer consumers an affordable alternative to natural diamonds and are available in a wide range of sizes, cuts, and colours, providing consumers with ample choices to suit their preferences.