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Diamonds - The Make |
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A diamond is made up of tetrahedrally-bonded atoms of carbon, the same basic element comprising our bodies and our world but arranged differently. This arrangement makes it a standout and so different from its cousin - graphite, the lead in our pencil. Measuring a perfect 10.0 in the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, it is approximately 140 times harder than any other material and four times the next hardest natural mineral, corundum. Its supreme hardness can only be paralleled by itself. A diamond can only be scratched by another diamond. However, an allotrope of carbon called aggregated diamond nanorods, is reported to be harder than diamond. But this is a synthetic material, developed only in 2005. Constant use will not subject it to any wear and tear conditions. However, it can be breakable when you hit its vulnerable “spot”. This is because a diamond has “hard” and “soft” directions. When this exact soft direction is given sufficient force, it can cause the stone to crack, chip, split, or even shatter. Having withstood the test of time and forces of nature, it remains unscathed from exposure to fire and shock. Its melting point is 6900 degrees Fahrenheit. A diamond has high thermal conductivity, five times better than Silver, the next best heat conductor. This makes it useful in industries like semi-conductor manufacturing. Its sparkling beauty though is due to its high dispersion index. It exhibits high dispersion of visible light, meaning it can split light into its component colors, allowing it to give out prismatic action. Thus, its luster is brilliant or breathtakingly adamantine, or diamond-like. |
Diamond - Four Cs |
| In the alphabet of diamonds, only the four Cs matter. Clarity. Carat. Cut. Color. The four Cs refers to the factors or qualities of the diamond that serve as criteria for determining its value. The criteria was introduced by De Beers in 1939. Clarity pertains to how clear the diamond is ƒ{ crystal-clear like a pool of water or having a misty look. The grades begin with Flawless, followed by VVS-1 (or very, very small 1), then VVS-2 (very, very small 2), and so on. Grading requires using 10X magnification in a jeweler¡¦s loupe. The value is diminished as the flaw is revealed through the naked eye. The slightest and invisible flaw within a diamond can severely decrease its value. The price is also dictated by weight, measured in carat. One carat is equal to one fifth of a gram. The heavier the stone, the higher its value. All other C¡¦s equal, a half-carat can cost more than double the price of a quarter carat. This is because the heavier ones are so rare to find, like moving 250 tons of earth to stumble upon a single 1-carat diamond. Cut refers to how the diamond was literally cut ¡V its shape and refinement to achieve that polished, finished look. Diamond cutting is a highly skilled, challenging, and meticulous procedure. It involves the application high-class craftsmanship guided by the basics of proportion, symmetry, finish, polish, etc. ¡V a scientific process and an artwork combined. Diamonds come in various cut or shapes, the most common of which is the round brilliant diamond. Other shapes include oval, emerald, pear heart, marquis cuts, and so on. Lastly, color. Diamonds come in a variety of colors ¡V from white to shades of yellow, then to green, and even blue. Its spectrum or scale of color begins at ¡§D¡¨, the clear diamond that possesses the highest quality. The value is diminished as the color achieves the scale of E, F, G, and so on. Diamond color can also be tricky. When set against a yellow gold ring band, the color differences among of E, F, G, H and perhaps I diamonds can be hardly noticed. |
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3/10/2010 8:17:11 |