Diamond Stone

Diamond is the most popular precious stone of all times. In fact, it is the hardest natural substance known to man. The term diamond has been derived from the ancient Greek word "ad�mas" that means unbreakable, proper, or one that cannot be altered. A diamond stone is one of the best-known and most sought-after gemstones. Diamonds have been used since ages as a decorative stone for making jewelry. Apart from diamond jewelry, this most precious stone has industrial applications too such as in making cutting and grinding tools, as abrasives for polishing many materials including other gemstones etc.

Diamond Stone Formation

As stated earlier, diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man that is formed by eons of high pressure and temperature extremes inside the earth. Natural diamond formation needs highly specific conditions such as exposure of carbon-bearing materials to high pressure, ranging approximately between 45 and 60 kilobars (4.5 and 6 GPa), but at a comparatively low temperature range of about 900�1300 �C. These conditions that are essential for diamond stone formation can be found at only two places on Earth- in the lithospheric mantle below relatively stable continental plates, and at the site of a meteorite strike.

Diamond Stone History

Diamond stone history dates back to the period that can be termed as antiquity since when it has been treasured as gemstones. Diamonds from Indian deposits were known in ancient times. Diamonds have been used in engraving tools in early human history. In the West, the limited use of diamonds began in the late Middle Ages. The immense popularity of diamonds has been witnessed since 19th century due to many reasons like increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques for diamond stones, growth in the world economy, as well as various advertising campaigns by diamond stone suppliers, manufacturers and diamond jewelry companies. For example, the use of diamond stone in engagement ring can be attributed to the marketing campaigns of the diamond company De Beers in 1938. Since then diamond rings have almost become synonyms to engagement rings. In the 20th century, gemologists have developed methods of grading diamonds as well as other gemstones on the basis of such characteristics as carat, cut, color, and clarity.

Diamond Stone Properties

The main gemological characteristic of diamonds is the dispersion of white light into spectral colors. In gemology, diamonds are graded on the basis of four characteristics that determine their value as a gemstone. These four characteristics are known as four Cs - carat, cut, color, and clarity. The most valuable diamonds that are rated high on all the four criteria is known as s paragon which is a flawless diamond.

Diamond Stone Value

Apart from the four Cs- carat, cut, color, and clarity- that determine the quality of diamonds, there are certain other features on the basis of which the diamond stone value is ascertained. These include physical characteristics like presence of fluorescence and the diamond's source. The value of any diamond stone is also dependent upon the gemological institute that evaluates the diamond. Cleanliness too affects a diamond's beauty, is considered while determining the value of gemstone.

Diamond Carat

Diamond suppliers sell the most precious gemstone by its carat. Carat is a unit of weight equal to 1/5th of a gram or 1/142nd of an ounce. Small diamond stones cost less per carat as compared to large diamonds having equal quality because very small stones are common while the large diamond stones are rare.

Diamond Color

The colorless diamonds have the highest value than the colored diamond gemstones. Other types of diamonds categorized on the basis of colors- often called fancy diamonds- are also getting popular and acquiring great value among diamond buyers and sellers. These fancy diamonds include pink diamonds, white diamonds, champagne diamonds, pink champagne diamonds, yellow diamonds as well as blue and green diamonds!

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond gem represents the manner in which a diamond stone has been shaped and polished to transform it into the most precious gemstone from rough stones. The quality of workmanship while cutting diamond has great impact on its quality. Diamond cut is different from diamond shapes which is often thought to be similar to cut. The cut of a diamond not only influences its geometric appearance but also the stone's luster and fire. Ideal diamond stones are perfectly polished to be highly reflective and emit a maximum amount of fire. In such perfect diamond cuts, the faceted faces are equal in size and identical in shape and the edges of each faceted face meets perfectly with each of its neighbors.

Diamond Clarity

Diamond is also valued for its clarity. An ideal diamond stone is free from internal flaws and inclusions (particles of foreign material within the stone). If the diamond clarity is not there then the appearance of the stone is affected because these impurities interfere with the passage of light through the stone. If these impurities are present in larger numbers or sizes, they can also reduce the strength of the diamond stone.

Diamond Healing Properties

Although diamonds are mostly used for jewelry due to their sheer beauty, there are certain spiritual and healing properties of diamonds stones. This gemstone is associated with love and romance and therefore widely used for wedding jewelry as diamonds foster unity, trust, and fidelity. Diamonds have many healing properties from astrological point of view.

• Diamonds aid creativity
• They manifest good fortune
• These gemstones also enhance psychic ability
• As diamonds have alignment with the white light, they promote harmony and balance.