There is no doubt that diamonds are one of the most well-known and coveted gemstones. These exquisite gems have fascinated people for centuries with their unique properties and stories that stretch far back in time.
Diamond jewelry is more than just jewelry. They are symbolic, romantic, and the epitome of exclusivity. If you share our fascination with diamonds and want to delve deeper, read on as we guide you through everything you need to know about these brilliant gemstones.
Diamonds are often used in engagement rings. You can find everything you need to know about engagement rings here.
Diamond Cut
WHAT ARE DIAMONDS MADE OF?
Diamonds are formed when carbon is subjected to extreme pressure and high temperatures over millions of years. This formation takes place deep within the Earth, typically at a depth of 150-200 kilometers, where there is a lack of oxygen. After formation, diamonds are transported to the Earth’s crust through kimberlite pipes. Diamonds are natural gemstones.
Diamonds are known as the hardest mineral in the world and are rarely scratched. In fact, it requires the use of other diamonds or, more precisely, diamond dust to cut a diamond. It is precisely this material that is used to cut diamonds.
DIAMOND EVALUATION
Evaluating the quality of diamonds is a complex process that requires expertise and a thorough analysis. A certified diamond evaluation is usually carried out by an independent and recognized gemologist. This expert uses specialized equipment and extensive knowledge of diamonds to determine the quality and value of a diamond. This evaluation takes into account several crucial factors, often referred to as “the Four Cs”: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. These four elements form the basis for assessing and evaluating the quality and value of a diamond. The result is a comprehensive evaluation report that provides buyers and sellers with a reliable basis for their decisions.
DETERMINE DIAMOND QUALITY USING THE FOUR Cs
The quality and value of diamonds are determined using the Four Cs. When grading diamonds, one looks at Carat (weight), Color, Clarity, and Cut.
At BOLOU, you will meet GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified specialists, which is a quality stamp for the advice you receive. In addition, they work exclusively with reputable diamond suppliers and always source their diamonds in accordance with international conventions.
CARAT – THE WEIGHT OF THE DIAMOND
Carat is a unit of weight for diamonds, and 1 carat is equivalent to 0.20 grams. The origin of this unit of weight dates back to a time when scales were used to determine the weight of objects. This means that 1 carat weighs the same as 1 seed from the fruit of a carob tree.
The price of a diamond increases with its weight, but this increase is not linear. This is because large diamond crystals are much rarer than small ones, which is reflected in the price.
CLARITY – DIAMOND CLARITY
Clarity is used to determine the purity of a diamond. High-value diamonds are typically characterized by exceptional clarity, where their composition is free of impurities, resulting in a brilliant flow of light. Impurities can also limit the possibilities for cutting.
Diamond clarity is measured on a scale of 12 steps, from flawless to included. At BOLOU, they typically use a minimum of VS1 quality as a starting point.
DIAMOND COLOR
The color of the diamond also plays a role in determining its value.
Although diamonds are typically associated with being transparent, most diamonds are actually slightly brownish or yellowish. Transparent diamonds are the most valuable but can also be found in many special colors known as Fancy Diamonds.
The assessment of a diamond’s color is of great importance, and, therefore, a rating system is naturally used to assess the color of diamonds. In both European and American contexts, a numerical system is used for this purpose.
In the graphic below, you can see an overview of the system. “D-E” is the most valuable color, while “M-Z” is the less valuable.
Natural blue diamonds are the rarest, with only 0.01% of the world’s diamonds said to be blue. The blue color is due to the presence of boron, and they occur in layers of the earth four times deeper than regular diamonds.
Natural red diamonds are also rare, with only 20-30 pieces said to exist in the entire world. Therefore, they are also the most expensive. For example, a 1.56-carat red diamond with the nickname Argyle Phoenix was sold at auction for over 2 million dollars.
Overview of the Value System for Diamonds
Natural blue diamonds are the rarest, with only 0.01% of the world’s diamonds said to be blue. The blue color is due to the presence of boron, and they occur in layers of the earth four times deeper than regular diamonds.
Natural red diamonds are also rare, with only 20-30 pieces said to exist in the entire world. Therefore, they are also the most expensive. For example, a 1.56-carat red diamond with the nickname Argyle Phoenix was sold at auction for over 2 million dollars.
CUT – HOW DIAMONDS ARE CUT
The cut of a diamond is crucial to its appearance. Even a diamond with high clarity and beautiful color will appear dull if the cut is poorly done. A professional cut brings out the best in an exquisite diamond.
BOLOU has specialized in the classic brilliant cut for decades, which is a well-known cutting technique. State-of-the-art tools and professional goldsmiths are capable of designing and creating any imaginable diamond jewelry, which, through uncompromising quality and unique design, will undoubtedly stand out from the crowd.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRILLIANTS AND DIAMONDS?
The difference between brilliants and diamonds lies in their terminology and use. A brilliant is a term specifically used to describe a diamond cut in a particular brilliant-cut technique. The brilliant cut is known for enhancing the diamond’s light reflection and creating impressive brilliance. On the other hand, diamonds are a broader category that includes gemstones formed from carbon and can have various cuts and characteristics beyond brilliants.
HOW MUCH DO DIAMONDS COST?
The price of diamonds varies significantly and depends on several factors, including the Four Cs — carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. These factors help determine the quality and, therefore, the price of a diamond.
When considering purchasing a diamond, we recommend ensuring a GIA certificate as a quality stamp, especially if the diamond is larger than 0.30 carats. The GIA certificate is a guarantee that the diamond is of the specified quality and will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
The price of diamonds can also be affected by other factors, such as the diamond’s shape, the quality of the cut, and any special characteristics like color or rarity. Additionally, market supply and demand can also impact the price of a diamond.
It is important to remember that the price of a diamond is not just a matter of size or carat weight. While larger diamonds generally have a higher price, a smaller diamond with unique color, clarity, and cut can be equally valuable or even more sought after.
