Education

I. Introduction to Diamonds
The Legacy and Mythology of Diamonds
The word “diamond” instantly evokes images of elegance, luxury, and eternal love. First discovered in India around 800 B.C., these mesmerizing gems have fascinated people for millennia.
In ancient times, diamonds were the privilege of royalty, symbolizing power and prestige. The Romans believed diamonds were fragments of fallen stars, while the Greeks considered them the tears of the gods. In Eastern cultures, diamonds were seen as talismans of good fortune and protection.
The tradition of diamond engagement rings began in the late 15th century when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gifted one to Mary of Burgundy. Since then, diamonds have become the ultimate symbol of love and commitment.
From the opulent courts of Europe to the mines of South Africa, diamonds have shaped history, fueling exploration, intrigue, and artistic inspiration.
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Table of Contents
II. Different Types of Diamonds
III. Understanding Diamond Anatomy
IV. Diamond Colour
V. Diamond Clarity
VI. Diamond Cut
VII. Diamond Carat Weight
VIII. Diamond Grading & the 4Cs
IX. Diamond Fluorescence
X. Diamond Durability
XI. Diamond Origins & Ethical Sourcing
XII. Diamond Simulants vs. Synthetics
XIII. Unique Diamond Shapes
XIV. Closing Remarks
XV. Glossary
XVI. Additional Resources
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II. The Science Behind Diamonds: Formation & Types
How Diamonds Are Formed
Beyond their romantic allure, diamonds are a geological marvel. Made entirely of carbon, they form under extreme heat and pressure about 100 miles beneath Earth’s surface. Over millions of years, volcanic activity propels them closer to the surface, where they are extracted from Kimberlite pipes.
This natural transformation of carbon into one of the hardest substances known to humankind is why diamonds symbolize strength, resilience, and enduring love.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Natural Diamonds: Mined from the earth, natural diamonds are unique geological wonders, shaped by time and nature. They are graded based on the Four Cs—Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight—and are highly valued for their rarity.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created using advanced technology that replicates natural diamond formation, lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts. They offer a more sustainable and budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.
Choosing Between the Two:
Your decision depends on factors such as rarity, sustainability, and price. Natural diamonds offer a sense of history and uniqueness, while lab-grown diamonds provide ethical sourcing and affordability.
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III. Understanding Diamond Anatomy
Key Parts of a Diamond
•    Crown: The upper part of the diamond, influencing its brilliance.
•    Table: The large, flat top facet where light enters the diamond.
•    Pavilion: The lower part, responsible for light reflection and sparkle.
•    Girdle: The edge separating the crown from the pavilion.
•    Culet: The small facet at the bottom that prevents chipping.
The Importance of Proportions
A well-cut diamond enhances light reflection, maximizing its brilliance. The key factors include:
•    Table percentage (width of the table relative to the diamond’s diameter)
•    Crown and pavilion angles (impacting light dispersion)
•    Depth percentage (affecting light performance)
A well-balanced combination of these elements ensures optimal sparkle.
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IV. Diamond Colour
The Colour Grading Scale
Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow/brown):
•    D-F: Completely colourless (highest value)
•    G-J: Near colourless (excellent value for budget-conscious buyers)
•    K-M: Slightly tinted (warmer hue, better suited for yellow gold settings)
Fancy Coloured Diamonds
Beyond traditional white diamonds, fancy coloured diamonds—such as blue, pink, and yellow—are prized for their rarity and vivid hues.
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V. Diamond Clarity
What Clarity Means
Clarity refers to the presence of internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes) imperfections. The GIA clarity scale includes:
•    Flawless (FL) – No visible imperfections under 10x magnification
•    Very Slightly Included (VS1-VS2) – Minor inclusions visible only under magnification
•    Slightly Included (SI1-SI2) – Small inclusions, often invisible to the naked eye
•    Included (I1-I3) – Visible inclusions that may impact brilliance
Choosing a clarity grade depends on your preferences and budget. Many VS and SI diamonds offer excellent value without visible flaws.
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VI. Diamond Cut
The Key to Brilliance
The cut determines how well a diamond interacts with light. A superior cut results in maximum brilliance and fire.
Popular diamond shapes include:
•    Round Brilliant (most popular, maximum sparkle)
•    Princess (square with sharp angles, modern elegance)
•    Cushion (soft, vintage appeal)
•    Emerald (rectangular with step-cut facets, sophisticated look)
•    Marquise (elongated, making fingers appear slimmer)
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VII. Carat Weight
Understanding Carat Weight
Carat weight affects a diamond’s size but isn’t the sole factor. Well-cut diamonds can appear larger than poorly cut ones of the same carat weight.
Price Considerations:
Bigger diamonds are rarer, leading to exponential price increases. For better value, consider diamonds just under whole-carat sizes (e.g., 0.95ct instead of 1.00ct).
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VIII. Diamond Grading & the 4Cs
Diamonds are evaluated based on the 4Cs:
1.    Carat (weight)
2.    Colour (absence of hue)
3.    Clarity (absence of imperfections)
4.    Cut (light performance and brilliance)
Always opt for GIA-certified diamonds for accurate grading.
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IX-XVI. More Insights
•    IX. Diamond Fluorescence: Some diamonds emit a blue glow under UV light. It can enhance or diminish their appearance.
•    X. Diamond Durability: Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest natural substance.
•    XI. Ethical Sourcing: Ensure diamonds are conflict-free with Kimberley Process certification.
•    XII. Diamond Simulants vs. Synthetics: Moissanite and cubic zirconia are alternatives but lack diamond’s durability.
•    XIII. Unique Shapes: Explore trilliant, Asscher, pear, and rose-cut diamonds.
•    XIV. Closing Remarks: Invest in certified diamonds for long-term value.
For further details, refer to our Glossary & Additional Resources section.

IX-XVI. More Insights
IX. Diamond Fluorescence
Some diamonds emit a visible glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, usually in a blue hue, though other colors such as yellow, green, and even red are possible. This fluorescence can enhance or diminish a diamond’s appearance depending on its strength and the diamond’s color grade. While strong fluorescence can make some lower-color diamonds appear whiter, in rare cases, it may give the stone a hazy or milky appearance. Understanding fluorescence is key when selecting a diamond that meets your visual preferences.
X. Diamond Durability
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This incredible hardness makes them highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear. However, diamonds are not indestructible; they can still chip or break if struck with enough force at the wrong angle. To maintain their durability, proper care, such as avoiding hard impacts and regular cleaning, is essential to preserving their brilliance over time.
XI. Ethical Sourcing
Ethical diamond sourcing is a growing priority in the industry. When purchasing a diamond, look for Kimberley Process certification, which ensures that the stone is conflict-free. Many jewellers also partner with organizations that emphasize responsible mining practices, fair wages, and sustainable sourcing to protect local communities and the environment. Lab-grown diamonds are another ethical alternative, offering the same brilliance as natural diamonds without the environmental impact of mining.
XII. Diamond Simulants vs. Synthetics
Many alternatives to natural diamonds exist, including moissanite and cubic zirconia, which mimic the appearance of diamonds but lack their durability and chemical composition. Diamond simulants (such as cubic zirconia) are visually similar but have different optical properties, while synthetic diamonds (lab-grown diamonds) are chemically identical to natural diamonds. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers make an informed choice based on budget, durability, and ethical considerations.
XIII. Unique Diamond Shapes
While round-cut diamonds remain the most popular, unique shapes such as trilliant, Asscher, pear, and rose-cut diamonds are gaining popularity for their distinct appeal. These alternative cuts offer a bold, artistic, and often vintage-inspired aesthetic. Choosing a unique shape allows you to personalize your jewellery, ensuring it reflects your individual style and taste.
XIV. Closing Remarks
Investing in a high-quality, certified diamond ensures long-term value, whether for an engagement ring or a statement piece. Always prioritize reputable certifications, proper care, and a cut that maximizes brilliance. A well-chosen diamond is not just a purchase; it’s a lifelong treasure.
For further details, refer to our Glossary & Additional Resources section.
Diamond Education
Your Guide to Diamonds: History, Features & Buying Insights
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on diamonds. Whether you're looking to understand their origins, how they’re graded, or the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds, this resource is designed to inform and empower your purchasing decisions.
While we encourage you to read the entire guide, the sections from IV to IX are particularly crucial as they cover factors that most significantly impact a diamond’s value. Unlike some jewellers who withhold this information, we believe in full transparency. That’s why we only provide certification from the world’s most respected diamond grading institutions.
For additional insights, check out our Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email, phone, or social media.
Your engagement ring is a lifelong choice—make it with confidence!
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