History and timeline of diamonds

The Greek word "Adamas" means unconquerable and indestructible. This is the origin of the word Diamond. It is one of the most indestructible natural formations known to man. From this word and from the depths of the earth is derived The Diamond.

The Diamond is the oldest item one can ever own. Diamonds are Pure Carbon. It is one of the earth’s most common elements. It is a simple material, found in graphite pencils and fireplace soot. Diamonds were formed, and crystallized eons ago under incredible heat and pressure deep in the earth. During the earths growing phase millions of years ago, great volcanic forces pushed the "blue earth" containing diamonds to the surface where they were scattered along rivers and into the oceans. In 1870, in South Africa a diamond was found in the earth far from a river source, and the practice of dry-digging for diamonds was born. These were the beginnings of modern mining. More information about The History of Diamonds.

Introduction to the 4Cs

The quality of a diamond is determined by the 4 Cs - cut, color, clarity, and carat. Then you can select your diamond based on the same criteria jewelers use to grade and evaluate them.

Diamond value tends to rise exponentially with carat weight, since larger diamonds are more rare than smaller diamonds. The cut of a diamond has an absolute affect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull and muddy. Diamonds totally free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are extremely rare and very highly valued this is discussed in the Clarity section of this tutorial. As for color, this is also something worth considering, the whiter the diamond, the more rarer the diamond therefore the diamond increases in value. Clarity is graded based on the number of inclusions found in a diamond. After reading through this guide, you too will be ready with confidence to choose the diamond that's right for you.

For more details on the 4 Cs, go to each section by selecting the links - Cut - Colour - Clarity - Carat

How to keep your diamond sparkling

Diamond is the hardest natural substance found on earth. It can cut any kind of rock or metal, but only another diamond can cut a diamond. In fact, a diamond must be heated to a temperature of 700 degrees Celsius before it will burn. Nevertheless, the oil deposited from the touch of a human finger can cause dirt to collect and make this nearly indestructible gemstone quickly lose its sparkling appeal.

So how can you keep your diamond looking its very best? Follow these Simple Rules for Diamond Care.