Diamond is the hardest natural mineral. Its chemical composition is a crystalline modification of carbon, which, when exposed to high-pressure carbon, is transformed into the beautiful diamond. Not only are diamonds the hardest, most precious and rarest gemstones found on Earth, but their energy is immense, pure and clean.
Hardness on the Mohs scale: 10
Refractive index: 2,417
Chemical formula: Carbon, C
What is the shape of a diamond?
The shape of a diamond refers to the physical form of the diamond and is often one of the first attributes that couples consider when buying a diamond. While round diamonds are the most popular choice, many couples are also attracted to the distinctive look of rough or 'fancy shape' diamonds. Fancy shapes include oval, cushion, princess, pear, emerald, marquise, asscher, radiant and heart-shaped diamonds.
What is the colour of diamonds?
Diamonds are often thought to be completely transparent. However, diamonds contain trace elements and can have subtle colours. Although colour is one of the four C's that jewellers use to evaluate diamonds, colour is more about rarity and quality. Completely colourless diamonds are the rarest, and are therefore the most valuable.
Because diamonds come from the earth, they are usually yellow, brown or grey in colour due to impurities in the ground. These diamonds are judged by hue, tone and saturation, and the diamond colour scale covers these factors.
The diamond shade includes the actual colour of the stone - for example white, yellow, pink, brown or blue. The tone of a gemstone is the degree of colour from light to dark. Finally, saturation is the depth and intensity of the colour. Colourless diamonds have no saturation. Instead, they have fire and sparkle.
Diamond evaluation criteria
There are four criteria that determine the value of a diamond. This standard is used by the diamond industry worldwide. "4C" classification is as follows:
1. Edgebanding(English. Cut)
2. Cleanliness(English. Clarity)
3. Colour(English. Color)
4. Carats (English. Carat)
