Natural Diamonds

Your diamond is exceptional and distinctive. No two diamonds are alike. Yet all diamonds have certain features in common that allow experts to compare and evaluate them.The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek “adamas” meaning unbreakable, untamed and unconquerable. Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones ever since they were discovered. In our modern age the word “diamond” continues to evoke images of elegance, style and glamour. Diamond sparkles and dazzles. Diamond symbolizes purity and strength. And the story of your diamond is uniquely yours.

Volcanic delivery

Your diamond was forged between one and three billion years ago deep beneath the earth’s surface. A powerful process called subduction, where ancient land masses moved against each another, produced enough pressure, friction and heat that fragments of carbon crystallized and grew into our planet’s supply of natural diamonds.
Diamonds have been discovered on nearly every continent. The most abundant gem-quality deposits are mined in Africa, Russia, Austalia and Canada.

Rough to polish

1. Planning

This rough octahedron crystal is studied and its growth directions and inclusions are mapped. This rough octahedron crystal is studied and its growth directions and inclusions are mapped.

2. Marking

Once the plan is determined, the crystal is marked for primary sawing. Once the plan is determined, the crystal is marked for primary sawing. Once the plan is determined, the crystal is marked for primary sawing.

3. Sawing

A carbon-fiber blade coated with diamond-grit makes the first cut. It will take several hours to saw this crystal into two pieces; each of which will become a polished diamond.

4. Bruting

The two pieces spin in opposite directions, grinding against each other to smooth the edges and create a round outline.

5. Polishing

The two pieces spin in opposite directions, grinding against each other to smooth the edges and create a round outline.

6. Inspection

Once finished, the diamond is thoroughly boiled in acid and examined to ensure that it meets the producer’s expectations and quality standards.

Diamond Grading

Following the diamond-cutting process and prior to being sold loose or mounted into jewelry, diamonds are typically submitted to gemological institutions such as IGI for quality assessment. Four main factors are considered when judging a diamond’s quality and value. They are the diamond’s 4C’s: Carat weight, Color, Clarity and Cut. IGI screens every diamond using state-of-the-art technologies to determine naturally mined, laboratory grown or simulant origin. Experienced graduate gemologists conduct further assessment in controlled conditions, detailing relevant gemological characteristics according to the strictest international system

Photo by Collin Maynard

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