birthstone reference: diamonds for individuals born in the month of April
**Diamonds: A Fascinating History and Valuable Properties**
Diamonds, the hardest known natural substance on earth, have a rich history and captivating properties that make them highly sought-after. First discovered in India around 400 BC, these precious stones have been used as adornments, talismans, and symbols of wealth and power throughout history.
Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, making them extremely durable and resistant to wear. They are composed of pure carbon and are known for their exceptional thermal conductivity and transparency. Interestingly, a type of polycrystalline diamond, called carbonado, is notable for its lack of cleavage and slightly lower density compared to monocrystalline diamonds.
Historically, significant discoveries of diamonds have been made in various parts of the world. In Brazil, for instance, a unique form of diamond called carbonado was discovered in the late 1800s. Synthetic diamonds have also been produced since the mid-20th century, starting with the work of Percy Williams Bridgman and the General Electric Company in 1955.
The valuation of diamonds is primarily based on the Four Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. This system, developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is widely used today.
The cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted. It affects the diamond's brilliance, sparkle, and overall beauty. Well-cut diamonds reflect light better and often appear larger than their carat weight suggests. The cut is the most important factor in determining a diamond's value.
Colorless diamonds (grades D-F) are highly valued and fetch higher prices. Clarity evaluates how free a diamond is from inclusions and blemishes. Higher clarity grades are more valuable. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, not necessarily its size. Larger diamonds are generally more valuable, but the other Cs also play significant roles in determining overall value.
For those interested in pursuing a career in the diamond industry or enhancing their passion for diamonds, the Gem-A Diamond Diploma is a comprehensive course offering a deep understanding of diamonds. The Gem-A Diamond Grading and Identification course offers five days of intensive education and practical skills building.
Diamonds are the birthstone for people born in April, and they are valued for their properties of lustre, hardness, and transparency. The words "diamond" and "adamantine" are derived from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning 'unconquerable' or 'unbreakable'.
Diamonds form under extreme conditions in the earth's mantle, specifically at pressures of 60 kiloBars, temperatures of 1,0000C to 1,3000C, and at depths of 150km. Diamonds can be found that are 3.3 billion years old, making them some of the oldest known gemstones.
However, despite their durability, diamonds can chip or break, especially if they are heavily included. Caution should be taken when wearing them to ensure they maintain their beauty and value.
- For those seeking to deepen their understanding of diamonds, the Gem-A Diamond Diploma offers a comprehensive course.
- Diamond jewelry is often associated with luxury and fashion-and-beauty, making it a popular choice for adorning lifestyle.
- The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the Four Cs of diamond valuation – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.
- The hardness of diamonds makes them suitable for use in various industries, such as food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and sports equipment.
- Traveling to different locations can provide opportunities for shopping unique diamond pieces, adding to the joy of exploration.
- The weather can impact the shopping experience when purchasing diamonds, as extreme temperatures might affect their appearance.
