Gems4less

Considerations or criterion in grading the clarity of a diamond are the type, size as well as the location of inclusions. For example, inclusions on or near the surface may well weaken the diamond structurally, and hence tend to reduce or lessen its value.

On other hand, it may be quite possible to hide specific inclusions behind the setting of a diamond. This depends on where the inclusion is, thus minimising any negative practical impact arising out of it. It’s important to keep in mind the fact that a clarity rating is sometimes attained artificially. For example, ‘laser drilling’ involves using a laser for burning a hole to a coloured inclusion – followed by acid washing to wash off the colouring agent.

The clarity grade is the one after the treatment. It’s mostly considered permanent. Grades are issued for laser drilled diamonds. It is expected of vendors to disclose the usage of laser drilling.

Clarity may sometimes be enhanced by filling the fracture much akin to a car windshield crack treatment. Such diamonds are often termed ‘fracture filled diamonds’. This filling is also supposed to be disclosed. Reputable filling firms make use of filling agents that show a flash of colour, usually pink or orange, when observed closely. There’s a significant price discount for fracture-filled diamonds.

A diamond is forever…you must be aware of this old adage! What better choice can you make than the gift of diamonds to make your beloved happy! Diamond jewellery epitomises love and bonding.

Diamonds continue to take pride of place in the bridal collection. They also retain their unique status as the perfect gift symbolising love and affection. According to an anecdote, cupid’s arrows were tipped with exquisite diamonds, which happened to be the secret of their inimitable magic.

Generally the most popular all cuts – the round diamond – looks brilliant in its full glow. Perfectly proportioned, round brilliant diamonds designed by experienced craftspeople, these diamonds look stunning on anyone, the hallmark of exquisite beauty.

Round diamonds happen to make up a large majority of diamonds in engagement rings. They are equally popular in pendants and as stud earrings. A round-shaped diamond consists of 57 or 58 facets. The brilliant cut, which follows the more natural, rough diamond crystal shape, is very popular for cutting – owing to the beauty and shine it retains and returns.

The word ‘diamond’ originates from the Greek ‘adamao’ which means ‘I tame’ or ‘I subdue’. The adjective ‘adamas’ was used to depict the hardest substance known, and gradually became synonymous with diamond.

Knowledge of diamonds is said to have been acquired first in India, where it was first mined. The word most generally employed for diamond in ancient Sanskrit language was transliterated as ‘vajra’ (thunderbolt).

Early descriptions related to diamond dated back almost to the 4th century BC, when it was already treated as a valued material. The earliest known reference to the precious stone is a Sanskrit manuscript dated from around 320-296 BCE.

Small numbers of diamonds started appearing in European regalia and jewellery in around the 13th century – set as accent points among precious pearls in wrought gold. Louis IX of France established in the 13th Century a law reserving them for the king. This showed their rarity even in those times, indicating the value attached to them.

Within a span of 100 years, diamonds appeared in royal jewellery of both men & women, largely among the greater European aristocracy.

Diamonds became larger, more prominent by the 16th century, largely in response to the development of ‘diamond faceting’ that enhanced their brilliance and fire. Diamonds came to dominate small jewels in the next century and later, large ones by the 18th century. As more diamonds arrived in Europe, demand for them went up. The earliest diamond cutting industry is believed to have been started in Venice, starting sometime around 1330. Diamond cutting, it is believed, may have arrived in the city of Paris by the late 14th century when the diamond trade route expanded to Bruges and Paris (and later to Antwerp). The diamond became even more popular and prolific in the 18th century. The diamonds were then worn principally by females. Substantial quantities of diamonds came from South America. They were then reserved for evening because parading them during the daytime was thought to be a vulgar practice. A major milestone that almost changed the role and positioning of diamonds was the discovery of diamond deposits of unprecedented richness in the 1870s in South Africa. The discovery changed it from a rare gem to one potentially available to those who could afford it. Dazzling diamonds still retain their charm and aura to this day.