Natural Diamonds: Everything You Need to Know
Diamonds are one of the most popular and sought-after gemstones in the world. They are known for their brilliance, durability, and rarity. But how do you know how to pick the right one for your custom jewelry?
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What is a Diamond?
Diamonds—the very word conjures images of brilliance, elegance, and everlasting love. Their ability to refract light into a mesmerizing play of color makes them irresistible and loved by many. No two diamonds are alike.
Diamonds reign supreme as the hardest natural substance on Earth, making them a 10 on the Moh's scale of Hardness. Each one is formed under extreme heat and pressure, and their tight atom bonding makes them virtually scratch-resistant.
Wearing a diamond is akin to wearing a piece of history - a testament to the Earth's ancient process and a reminder that beauty transcends time.
Why Choose It for Your Custom Design?
Diamonds are beautiful and rare (and therefore valuable). Diamonds' unmatched sparkle and light make them captivating. They pair well with any metal or style (and just about any other gemstone). 58 times harder than any other natural material, diamonds last "forever," and they hold their value.
Diamonds are dripping in symbolism. They represent everlasting love, making them a top choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, and anniversary gifts. Historically, they are associated with royalty and represent affluence and status. The colorlessness of the stone often signifies purity. And as one of Earth's hardest materials, they can symbolize strength and resilience.
Diamonds are the birthstone of April and are the zodiac stone for Aries, Taurus, and Leo. They resonate with the crown chakra, symbolizing invincibility and clarity.
What to Consider When Purchasing
You will always hear about the importance of the 4 C's when selecting a diamond:
- Cut: Cut refers to the shape and proportions of a diamond, as well as the quality of its polish and symmetry. Cut is the most important factor in determining how well the stone sparkles and reflects light. A well-cut diamond will have more fire, brilliance, and scintillation (or flashes of light) than a poorly cut one. The most common diamond shapes are round, princess, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, and radiant.
- Color: Diamond color refers to the presence or absence of yellow or brown tints in the stone. Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is. However, some diamonds have natural "fancy" colors, such as pink, blue, green, or yellow, that are caused by different impurities or "defects" in the crystal structure. These diamonds are also rare and valuable and are graded on a different scale based on their hue, saturation, and tone.
- Clarity: Clarity refers to the amount and visibility of internal flaws (inclusions) or external blemishes in a diamond. Clarity is graded on a scale from FL (flawless) to I3 (included). The fewer and less noticeable the imperfections are, the rarer and more valuable the diamond is. However, most imperfections are microscopic and do not affect the beauty or durability of a diamond.
- Carat: Carat refers to the weight and size of a diamond. As you might expect, the larger the diamond, the rarer and more valuable it is. However, carat is not the only factor that determines the price of a diamond (or the most important). Two diamonds of the same carat weight can have different prices depending on their cut, color, and clarity.
- Certification: At Kris Averi, we always recommend diamonds with a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification. GIA provides an accurate assessment of a diamond including it's color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, and a GIA certificate ensures it's quality and authenticity. A GIA certification is typically required if you plan on insuring your jewelry.
Interesting Facts
- Diamonds are the oldest gemstones on Earth, with some dating back billions of years. They form deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and heat.
- Scientists believe that some white dwarf stars contain crystallized carbon, essentially giant diamonds floating in space. Scientists also speculate that planets like Neptune and Uranus may have diamond rain due to extreme pressures in their atmospheres.
- The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears from gods or splinters from falling stars. Cupid’s arrows were supposedly tipped with diamonds, linking these gems to romantic love.
- The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme ensures that diamonds are sourced ethically and not used to fund conflicts. This process is supported by the United Nations.
Our Recommendation for Diamonds in Custom Jewelry Designs
A rich, beautiful, and hardy symbol for everlasting love
- When light enters a diamond, it undergoes total internal reflection, creating that captivating sparkle. That shine has come to symbolize love, commitment, and eternity, and a diamond's timeless elegance makes it a classic choice for custom jewelry.
- As the most durable gemstone on Earth, a diamond's resilience ensures it can withstand daily wear and last a lifetime.
(Appropriately) pricey
Natural diamonds are considered investments because they hold their value over time. However, a quality diamond can command higher prices after selecting for the 4 C's: carat, clarity, cut, and color.
Call us old fashioned, but we love diamonds. If your budget can support them, diamonds are a wonderful choice for all jewelry because of their durability, brilliance, and timelessness.
However, have no fear if diamonds are outside your price range (or not your style). There are many other fantastic alternatives that will look great in your custom jewelry design.
- Non-traditional options like salt-and-pepper diamonds and black diamonds offer a unique, unconventional look while maintaining durability.
- Lab-created diamonds offer the same chemical composition as natural diamonds but at a more affordable price. They’re a sustainable and ethical choice.
- Moissanite closely resembles diamonds (some argue it’s even more visually beautiful), and it’s budget-friendly.
- White Sapphire is is not quite as sparkly as diamonds, but they offer a silvery light and remain a durable and elegant alternative.
- Colored gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, and aquamarine, offer a variety of colors and aesthetics, allowing for striking designs that speak to individuality. These gemstones add a pop of color and are oftentimes more affordable than a diamond.
The Kris Averi Promise
We welcome you just as you are, in your authenticity and unique expression of love.
We believe love knows no bounds, limitations, or exceptions. It is all inclusive, and so are we. Here at Kris Averi, we are committed to standing behind all love, always.
We look forward to helping you make your dreams come true.
