Facts About Blue Diamonds

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Diamonds are composed of carbon atoms that have been subject to extreme pressure and heat. If the diamond contains no impurities then the color will be crystal clear. Nature rarely creates anything that does not have any impurities in it. Most diamonds will contain some amounts of nitrogen atoms. If a few of the millions of carbon atoms have been replaced by nitrogen atoms, then structure of the diamond will not be significantly altered but the clarity will be changed.When sunlight, which contains all colors, passes thought a diamond some of the light waves will be reflected by the nitrogen. The amount of color displayed is dependent on the amount of nitrogen involved. When we see color it is because the object we are looking at reflected a specific wavelength of the light spectrum. A good example of this is a pair of blue jeans. The jeans absorb all of the light except the blue light, which is reflected by the jeans. In the case of a blue colored diamond some of the nitrogen has been replaced by Boron. Boron will reflect the blue wavelength of the light spectrum. The higher the concentration of boron the more color will be showed. At a level of one or a few boron atoms for every million-carbon atom, an attractive blue color results. Natural diamonds of this color are rare and highly priced, such as the Hope diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed a color chart for grading diamonds.GIA Color Chart.D, E, F = ColorlessK, L, M = Faint ColorN, O, P, Q, R = Very Faint ColorS through Z = Light ColorColored diamonds are very rare and very expensive. The Blue diamond is one of the rarest, and in my option the most desirable of the colored diamonds. The Hope diamond, which can be viewed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., is the most famous blue diamond in the world, and at 45.52 carats the largest.The Hope Diamond is more than a billion years old and it is the worlds' largest deep blue diamond. It was first found in Golconda, India in the early 1600s and has had a very checkered past ever since. It has crossed oceans and continents many times, has been owned by Kings and Commoners, has been stolen and recovered, sold and resold, cut and re-cut.Famous Blue Diamonds are valuable investments and include such stones as The Queen of Holland, The Blue Empress, and The Regent Diamond. There are very few blue diamonds and the owners rarely sell these because of their value. The blue stones that are famous come in a wide range of hues. There are at least six different shades of blue in the diamonds that have become famous. The shade of the diamond is usually a matter of preference for those looking for special colors in the diamonds that they buy.The famous blue diamonds come in different shapes including pear shaped and octagon shaped. The cut of these valuable gems is especially important for large, colored stones and the cut must enhance the natural beauty of these wonderful gems. Sometimes the largest stones that are found with a blue color are studied extensively before any cutting is begun.

Facts Regarding Diamonds

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Millions of years ago the ancient oceans had microorganisms that lived and died in the oceans. When the microorganisms died there bodies fell to the ocean floor. After the bodies decomposed, what was left was almost pure carbon. The crust of the earth surface is in constant motion. Movement is due to tectonic plates and the continental drift. When one of the tectonic plates was pushed under another the bodies of the microorganism, now carbon, is also buried under tons of rock. The carbon is subject to extreme pressures by the rock pressing down upon it and by extreme heat, which is usually between 1100, and 1400 degrees Celsius. If the carbon being acted upon is pure then the diamond will be colorless which is normal for diamonds. If nitrogen or sulfur is also included in the carbon then some color may be added to the diamond.This process preserves the unique crystal structure that makes diamonds the hardest natural material known. The arrangement of the atoms causes the diamonds to have tighter atoms than any other substance in the world. When volcanoes erupted, every once in a while, the microorganisms, which are now diamonds, are forced to the service. Conventional diamonds are mined from explosive volcanic rocks (kimberlites) that transport them from depths in excess of 100 kilometers by volcanic action. Man Made.Scientists from Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory managed to produce gems that are harder than any other crystals. These man made diamonds were produced using a gas mixture. The crystals that were produced were so hard that the instruments and paraphernalia used to make them broke. The great part about these man made diamonds is they were created in less than a day.Put pure carbon under enough heat and pressure, about 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and 50,000 atmospheres and it will crystallize into the hardest material known. That is a very simplistic view and also very hard to do. Modern methods use a very complicated process that requires the crystals to be grown using a special high growth-rate chemical vapor deposition. Then the crystals were exposed to very high pressure and temperatures make them harder. There is then a production of a chemical reaction that yields what is called carbon rain. The carbon rain atoms arrange themselves in the same structure as the container or seed used to catch the carbon rain. As they arrange themselves into a tight composition, they turn into man-made diamonds.Most of the man made diamonds are yellow in color. This is due to the chemicals used in the creation process. Man-made diamonds are very difficult to distinguish from natural ones. A trained jeweler could tell the difference if he could detect the different growth patterns and the lack of inclusions. Inclusions are the tiny bits of material that are usually embedded in a natural diamond and are considered a flaw. Insist on a certification before purchasing a diamond for investment purposes. It will tell you the stone's carat weight, its color and clarity, and its flaws. If the seller is unwilling to supply a certification with the diamond then he may not be telling the truth and you should find someone who will.

The Jacob Diamond

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One summer afternoon in 1891, Alexander Jacob, a gem dealer from Baghdad, entered the palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad, Prince Ali Pasha.
He carried with him a 182 carat cushion-cut diamond, at that time called the Victoria Diamond. How it got into Jacob's possession is not too clear a story.
The Nizam was one of the wealthiest men in the world, and one of the few buyers for such a precious gemstone.
When Jacob unwrapped the diamond and placed it on a small table in front of the Nizam, the prince barely reacted. He picked up the diamond, trying it for size. He placed in on his hand, to see how it would look mounted as a ring; it was much too big. Likewise as a button. A 182 carat stone is about the size of an egg, an impractical to wear other than as a necklace; not something the prince envisaged.
The prince put the stone down on the table, deep in thought. His manservant whispered something in his ear; the prince picked up a letter, and placed it under the diamond. He smiled approvingly; the diamond would work perfectly as a paperweight!
All did not end well, however. Later, a dispute arose as to the price agreed; in fact, price had not been mentioned, the prince had left it to his manservant to sort out the details. Jacob was not satisfied; he appealed to the British Viceroy, technically the highest power in the land. (At that time, India was ruled by England. The prince ruled by permission of Queen Victoria).
The Viceroy asked that the prince appear at the Viceroy's Residence to give his account of the tale; this was a great insult. It was a very diplomatic way of forcing the prince to appear. The prince was disgusted, and considered that the stone had brought him bad luck.
The prince returned to the palace, took the diamond and put it into the toe of a pair of slippers, where it was to remain for a generation, until his son discovered it one day, many years later.
Jacob won the case, but his reputation was ruined, and nobody in India would deal with him again.
The diamond is currently the property of the Government of India.

The Mysterious Black Diamonds

In a paper published online on December 20, 2006, in the journal Astrophysical Journal Letters, scientists Jozsef Garai and Stephen Haggerty of Florida International University, along with Case Western Reserve University researchers Sandeep Rekhi and Mark Chance, claim an extraterrestrial origin for the unique black diamonds, also called carbonado diamonds.
Infrared synchrotron radiation at Brookhaven National Laboratory was used to discover the diamonds' source.
"Trace elements critical to an 'ET' origin are nitrogen and hydrogen," said Haggerty. The presence of hydrogen in the carbonado diamonds indicates an origin in a hydrogen-rich interstellar space, he and colleagues believe.
The term carbonado was coined by the Portuguese in Brazil in the mid-18th century; it's derived from its visual similarity to porous charcoal. Black diamonds are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic.
"Conventional diamonds are mined from explosive volcanic rocks [kimberlites] that transport them from depths in excess of 100 kilometers to the Earth's surface in a very short amount of time," said Sonia Esperanca, program director in the National Science Foundation's Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the research. "This process preserves the unique crystal structure that makes diamonds the hardest natural material known."
From Australia to Siberia, from China to India, the geological settings of conventional diamonds are virtually identical, said Haggerty. None of them are compatible with the formation of black diamonds.
Approximately 600 tons of conventional diamonds have been mined, traded, polished and adorned since 1900. "But not a single black/carbonado diamond has been discovered in the world's mining fields," Haggerty said.
The new data support earlier research by Haggerty showing that carbonado diamonds formed in stellar supernovae explosions. Black diamonds were once the size of asteroids, a kilometer or more in diameter when they first landed on Earth

Supernatural Powers Of Diamonds

Historically, it has been claimed that diamonds possess several supernatural powers:
A diamond gives victory to he or she who carries it bound on his left arm, no matter the number of enemies.[11]
Panics, pestilences, enchantments, all fly before it; hence, it is good for sleepwalkers and the insane.[11]
It deprives lodestone and magnets of their virtue (i.e., ability to attract iron).[11]
Arabic diamonds are said to attract iron greater than a magnet.[11]
A diamond's hardiness can only be broken by smearing it with fresh goat's blood.[11]
In traditional Hinduism one should avoid contact with a diamond which surface area is damaged by a crack, a crowfoot, round, dull, speckled area or which is black-blue, flat, and if uncut, other than the (ideal) hexagonal shape.[12]
Because of their extraordinary physical properties, diamonds have been used symbolically since near the time of their first discovery. Perhaps the earliest symbolic use of diamonds was as the eyes of Hindu devotional statues.[13] In Hinduism Indra uses Vajrayudham or the thunderbolt as his primary weapon. Vajra is the word for diamond and ayudham means weapon in Sanskrit. Another name for it was Agira which means fire or the sun. In fact there are 14 names counted to be given to a diamond in traditional Hinduism.[12]
The oldest dated printed book in the world is called the Diamond Sutra, a Chinese text dates from AD 868 and was found in the Mogao Caves. Sutras are most used to describe the teachings of Buddha. In this case the title of the Sutra refers not to the diamond itself but to a 'diamond blade that will cut through worldly illusion to illuminate what is real and everlasting'. Jewel imagery forms a central part of Buddhism: the triple-jewel represents 'Buddha', his teachings 'Dharma' and the spiritual community 'Shangha'. The book presently resides in the British Library.[14]
Many cultures use divine intervention to explain the origin and creation of gemstones, and diamonds were no exception to this. In Greek mythology for example it was the youth on the island of Crete that disturbed Zeus and who were then (as a form of punishment) transformed into the adamas.[15]
Philosophers however had a more naturalistic approach to explain the origin of gems: Plato for example believed gemstones were a consequence of fermentation in the stars, where a diamond actually formed the kernel of gold-bearing mass.[15] In fact often diamonds were linked to gold, which may have found its origin in the joint occurrence of diamonds with quartzite, quartz veins and an occasional occurrence of gold in them.[16]
In later times, Robert Boyle actually believed that gems (including a diamond) were formed of clear, transparent water, and that their colors and characteristics were derived from their metallic spirit.[17]
The diamond is the birthstone for people born in the month of April, and is also used as the symbol of a sixty-year anniversary, such as a Diamond Jubilee (see hierarchy of precious substances). In a system of heraldry by gemstone occasionally used in the past for the arms of nobles, diamond was used to represent the color sable, or black.[18]

History Regarding Diamond Rings

1.13 carats (230 mg) round diamond engagement ring.
The origin of the custom to use diamonds in rings, and more recently, in engagement rings, can be traced back to the Middle Ages and even the Romans. The Romans valued the diamond entirely on account of the supernatural powers they ascribed to it. Pliny wrote that a diamond baffles poison, keeps off insanity, and dispels vain fears.[16] The medieval Italians copied these beliefs and added some to it: they called it the "Pietra della Reconciliazone" because it maintained concord between husband and wife. On this account it was recommended as the stone to be set in wedding (or espousal) rings—not on account of its beauty therefore, which was described by Isidore of Seville as a small stone devoid of beauty.[16]
In more recent times a Parisian Oracle of mystic subjects, the Baron d'Orchamps, announced the diamond, if worn on the left (hand) warded off evil influences and attracted good fortune and since he had fashionable clients the word spread and the wearing of the diamond on the left hand became in itself a fashion.[19]
One of the first occurrences of the diamond engagement (or wedding) ring can be traced back to the marriage of Maximilian I (then Archduke of Austria) to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.[20] Other early examples of betrothal jewels incorporating diamonds include the Bridal Crown of Blanche (ca. 1370–80)[20] and the Heftlein brooch of Vienna (ca. 1430–40),[20] a pictorial piece depicting a wedding couple.
The popularity of the diamond ring as an engagement ring for a much wider audience can be traced directly to the marketing campaigns of De Beers, starting in 1938.[21] Such a campaign had become necessary to sell the large quantity of diamonds suddenly available because of the large diamond finds particularly in South Africa.

BlooD Diamonds

In some of the more politically unstable central African and west African countries, revolutionary groups have taken control of diamond mines, using proceeds from diamond sales to finance their operations. Diamonds sold through this process are known as conflict diamonds or blood diamonds. Major diamond trading corporations continue to fund and fuel these conflicts by doing business with armed groups. In response to public concerns that their diamond purchases were contributing to war and human rights abuses in central and western Africa, the United Nations, the diamond industry and diamond-trading nations introduced the Kimberley Process in 2002. The Kimberley Process is aimed at ensuring that conflict diamonds do not become intermixed with the diamonds not controlled by such rebel groups. This is done by requiring diamond-producing countries to provide proof that the money they make from selling the diamonds is not used to fund criminal or revolutionary activities. Although the Kimberley Process has been moderately successful in limiting the number of conflict diamonds entering the market, some still find their way in. About 2–3% of all diamonds traded today are potentially conflict diamonds[37]). According to the 2006 book The Heartless Stone, two major flaws still hinder the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process: (1) the relative ease of smuggling diamonds across African borders, and (2) the violent nature of diamond mining in nations that are not in a technical state of war and whose diamonds are therefore considered "clean."[38]
The Canadian Government has set up a body known as Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct[39] to help authenticate Canadian diamonds. This is a very stringent tracking system of diamonds and helps protect the 'conflict free' label of Canadian diamonds.

Main Sources Of Diamonds

Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes, which can bring diamond crystals, originating from deep within the Earth where high pressures and temperatures enable them to form, to the surface. The mining and distribution of natural diamonds are subjects of frequent controversy such as with concerns over the sale of conflict diamonds (aka blood diamonds) by African paramilitary groups.

Nanocrystalline Diamond for Medicine

The unique properties of thin amorphous diamond layers make them perspective candidates for producing advanced micro- electronic devices, coatings for cutting tools and optics. Moreover, due to the highest bicompatibility of carbon resulting from the presence of this element in human body, it appears to be a potential biomaterial. Until present the amorphous diamond has found industrial applications in some areas. One of the applications of the carbon layers are coatings for medical implants. The studies of carbon films as coatings for implants in surgery were aimed on the investigations of biological resistance of implants, histopathological investigations on laboratory animals, tests of corrosion resistance, measurements of mechanical properties and a breakdown test in Tyrod solution. The current state of published work in the subject is reviewed in the paper together with a discussion concerning classification of this material.

The Sea Of Light Diamond "Darya-e-Noor"

One of the largest diamonds in the world, this pink diamond and the Koh-e Noor (Mountain of Light) diamond were both brought back from India by Nader Shah in 1739. After the death of Nader Shah, Ahmad Shah Durrani took the Koh-e Noor to Afghanistan, where it passed onto Shah Shuja. He, in turn, was defeated by Ranjit Singh, the Lion of the Punjab. Eventually, it fell into the hands of the East India Company, which presented it to Queen Victoria. The Kohi Noor is now incorporated in the Queen Mother's crown. The Kohi Noor is said to bear a curse since all the male owners of the Kohi Noor suffered terrible fates.
This Darya-e Noor (Sea of Light) diamond, however, has a different story.
After Nader Shah's death, the Darya-e Noor was inherited by Shahrokh Mirza, his grandson. It then came into the possession of Alam Khan Khozeimeh, and later, Lotfoli Khan Zand, a member of Iran's Zand Dynasty.
Agha Mohammad Khan, cruel founder of Qajar dynasty, defeated the Zands, and so it came into the possession of the Qajars.
Fathali Shah Qajar had his name inscribed on one facet. Later, Nasseridin Shah Qajar believed that that this diamond was one of the gems decorating the crown of Cyrus the Great, so he often wore it on an armband. When armbands fell from royal fashion, he wore it as brooch. On occasion, the gem would be left in the care of high personages of the land, as a sign of honor, though it was eventually kept hidden in the Golestan Palace treasury museum until Mozzafaridin Shah's time, when he wore it as a hat decoration while visiting Europe in 1902.
Reza Shah, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, wore it as a decoration on his military hat during his coronation in 1926, and it was used in Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's coronation ceremony in 1967.
There is no doubt that the diamond was taken from the Golkandeh mines of southern India. In 1965, a Canadian team which was conducting research on the Imperial jewels concluded that this Daraye Noor may have been part of a large pink diamond which was incorporated in the throne of the Moghul emporor Shah Jehan and described in the journal of the French jeweller Tavernier in 1642, who called it the "Diamanta Grande Table" in his journal. This diamond may have been cut into two pieces; the larger part is the Sea of Light, and the smaller part of is believed to be the Noor-ol Ein diamond which is presently incorporated in a tiara in Iranian imperial jewel collection.
Including the frame, it is 7.2 cm. (2.9 in.) high and 5.3 cm. (2.1 in.) wide. It is believed to weigh between 182 to 186 cts. Fathali Shah's name is inscribed on one facet.

A List Of Famous Diamonds..

A number of large or extraordinary diamonds have gained fame, both as exquisite examples of the beautiful nature of diamonds, and because of the famous people who wore, bought, and sold them. These diamonds are often depicted in marketing materials aimed at the retail diamond customer. A partial list of famous diamonds in history follows.

Darya-ye Noor

Tiffany Yellow Diamond
The Allnatt Diamond, a large antique cushion-shaped brilliant Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond.
The Agra Diamond, antique cushion-shaped stellar brilliant, 28 carats.
The Amsterdam Diamond, a 33.74 carat (6.748 g) pear-shaped black diamond which sold for $352,000 in 2001.
The Archduke Joseph Diamond, antique cushion-shaped brilliant, 76 carats.
The Ashberg Diamond
The Aurora Butterfly of Peace
The Aurora Pyramid of Hope
The Beau Sancy, a 34-carat diamond not to be confused with the Sancy.
The Black Orlov, a 67.50 carat cushion-cut black diamond, also called the Eye of Brahma Diamond.
The Blue Heart Diamond, 30.82-carat heart brilliant. Part of the Smithsonian collection.
The Briolette of India Diamond, 90 carats.
The Centenary Diamond, modified heart-shaped brilliant, the world's largest colorless (grade D), flawless diamond.
The Chloe Diamond, largest round brilliant-cut diamond ever put on auction. Sold on November 14th, 2007 at Sotheby's in Geneva to Georges Marciano of the Guess clothing line for $16.2 million, the second-highest price ever paid for a diamond on auction. Took 2 years to cut.
The Cullinan Diamond, the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found at 3106.75 carats (621.35 g). It was cut into 105 diamonds including the Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa, 530.2 carats (106.04 g), and the Cullinan II or the Lesser Star of Africa, 317.4 carats (63.48 g), both of which are now part of the British Crown Jewels.
The Darya-ye Noor Diamond, the largest pink diamond in the world, about 186 carats (36.4 g), part of Iranian Crown Jewels. Its exact weight isn't known and 186 carats is an estimate.
The Deepdene, widely considered to be the largest artificially irradiated diamond in the world.
The De Young Red Diamond, the third-largest known red diamond was bought in a flea market on a hatpin by Sidney deYoung a prominent Boston estate jewelry merchant. It was donated by him to the museum of natural history.
The Dresden Green Diamond, antique pear-shaped brilliant - its color is the result of natural irradiation
The Dresden White Diamond, 47-carat antique oval brilliant, colorless/near-colorless
The Dresden Yellow Diamond, an antique round cut weighing 38 carats
The Earth Star Diamond a 111.59-carat, pear-shaped diamond with a strong coffee-like brown color.
The Empress Eugenie Diamond, 52-carat antique pear-shaped brilliant with an odd, random facet pattern
The Excelsior Diamond, the largest known diamond in the world prior to the Cullinan
The Florentine Diamond, a lost diamond, light yellow with a weight of 137.27 carats (27.45 g).
The Golden Jubilee Diamond, the largest faceted diamond ever cut at 545.67 carats (109.13 g)
The Graff Blue Diamond
The Great Chrysanthemum Diamond
The Great Mogul Diamond, fabled 280-carat mogul-cut diamond, now lost, although presumed by historians to have been recut as the Orlov.
The Gruosi Diamond, a heart-shaped black diamond, weighing 115.34 carats.
The Heart of Eternity Diamond, perhaps the largest Fancy Vivid Blue
The Hope Diamond, Fancy Dark Grayish-Blue and supposedly cursed. Almost certainly cut from the French Blue Diamond
The Hortensia Diamond, peach color, formerly part of the French Crown Jewels. Displayed in the Louvre.
The Idol's Eye
The Incomparable Diamond, a brownish-yellow diamond of 407.48 carats (81.496 g) cut from an 890 carat (178 g) rough diamond of the same name - it appeared on eBay in 2002. Internally Flawless clarity.
The Jacob Diamond weighing 184.5 carats (36.90 g), also known as Imperial Diamond & Victoria Diamond.
The Jones Diamond
The Jubilee Diamond, originally known as the Reitz Diamond; perhaps the sixth-largest in the world.
The Kimberley Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor, a 105 carat (21.6 g) white of Indian origin, with a long and turbulent history and a good deal of legend surrounding it. After belonging to various Mughal and Persian rulers, it was taken away from the Maharaja Duleep Singh of Lahore and was presented to Queen Victoria during the British Raj, and is now part of the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The Lesotho
The Lesotho Promise, is the 15th-largest diamond, the tenth-largest white diamond, and the largest diamond to be found in 13 years
The Millennium Star, at 203 carats is the second-largest colorless (grade D), flawless diamond.
File:Pumpkindiamond4.jpg
Pumpkin Diamond

Koh-i-Noor (glass replica)
The Moon of Baroda
The Moussaieff Red Diamond, the largest known Fancy Red
The Mouna Diamond, 112 carats, Fancy Intense Yellow cushion-shaped brilliant.
The Nassak Diamond[1]
The Nepal Diamond, fine quality antique pear-shaped brilliant, sold by Harry Winston to private collector in 1961. Thought to have originated from the Golconda Mines.
The Nizam Diamond
The Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond
The Ocean Dream Diamond, the only known natural Fancy Deep Blue-Green.
The Oppenheimer Diamond, one of the largest gem-quality uncut diamonds in the world.
The Orlov, an Indian mogul cut rumored to have served as the eye of a Hindu statue.
The Paragon Diamond
The Porter Rhodes Diamond, a colorless 53-carat Asscher-cut stone.
The Portuguese Diamond, 127-carat antique emerald cut with a pale yellow body color and very strong blue fluorescence. Part of the Smithsonian's collection.
The Premier Rose Diamond, 137.02-carat (27.4 g) stone cut from a 353.9-carat (70.8 g) rough gem of the same name
The Pumpkin Diamond, perhaps the largest Fancy Vivid Orange. 5.54 carats, modified cushion-shaped brilliant.
The Red Cross Diamond, 205 carats, yellow, cushion-shaped stellar brilliant cut.
The Regent Diamond, cushion-shaped stellar brilliant cut, formerly belonging to Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon Bonaparte, it now resides in the Louvre.
The Sancy, a shield-shaped pale yellow diamond currently in the Louvre.
The Shah Diamond, very old yellow diamond (found approximately in 1450 in India) currently housed in the Diamond Fund in Kremlin
The Spirit of de Grisogono Diamond, 312 carats, the world's largest cut black diamond.
The Spoonmaker's Diamond, circa 86-carat (17 g) diamond housed in Topkapı Palace in Istanbul.
The Star of Arkansas
The Star of the East, a 95-carat (19 g) stone once owned by Mrs. Evalyn McLean of Washington DC, who also owned the Hope Diamond.
The Star of South Africa, also known as the Dudley Diamond. This must not be confused with the Star of Africa. The Star of South Africa was the initial name given to this diamond, when it was purchased as an 83.5-carat rough diamond. The diamond is a D-color, pear-shaped stellar brilliant cut stone, weighing 47.69 carats.
The Star of the South
The Steinmetz Pink Diamond, modified oval brilliant cut (step cut crown, brilliant pavilion), largest known Fancy Vivid Pink.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond
The Tereschenko, 42-carat antique pear brilliant cut.
The Tiffany Yellow Diamond, antique modified cushion-shaped stellar brilliant cut, on display at Tiffany & Co.'s New York City store.
The Uncle Sam Diamond, the largest discovered in the US, emerald-cut, M color (pale brown), VVS2 clarity.
The Vargas
The Wittelsbach Diamond, 35.52 carats, Fancy Deep Grayish Blue, antique oval stellar brilliant cut. Sold at Christie's, London, December 10, 2008 for $23.4 million, currently the highest price ever paid for a diamond at auction

Diamond In Religious Aspect

The diamond, first of all, participates in the hierophany of stones signifying in religious consciousness that which is hard, rugged, and unchanging. Above all, stone is. Like all precious stones, the diamond also partakes of the general symbolism of treasures and riches, which in religious terms represent moral and intellectual knowledge.
As a symbol the diamond, as the hardest of all stones, has a wide range of meanings, among them indestructibility, constancy, the unyielding, and dominance. Because of its brilliance it also signifies unconquerable light, excellence, frankness, joy, life, and purity.
In Greek the word for "diamond" is derived from adamas, meaning "invincible, unconquerable." In some places, and especially on Greek emblems, it indicated the irradiant mystic center, a meaning discovered in the most obscure examples as well as in the most prominent. Jean Chevalier and Alain Gheerbrant (1982) point out that the German word Eckstein ("cornerstone") also refers to the diamond in a deck of cards. The cornerstone is one of many symbols for the center. In a more obvious example, Plato likens the axis of the world to a diamond.
Until the nineteenth century, diamonds were found almost entirely in India. On the subcontinent the word vajra meant both "lightning" and "diamond." Thus, the vajra of the god Śiva has a double aspect as thunderbolt and diamond scepter. Vajra also belongs to the god Agni as a spiritual power and to Indra as a temporal power. As a diamond vajra is adamantine and depicts spiritual power, but as thunderbolt and lightning it also represents both destruction and fertilization, death-dealing and life-giving powers, the alternating and complementary forces of the universe.
The symbol of the vajra is important in Buddhism as well, where it symbolizes the power of the Buddha's teaching (the dharma) to overcome the deluding passions of sentient beings. The Diamond Throne or Seat is the place of enlightenment. Situated at the foot of the bodhi tree, it is the unchangeable axis or center of the world.
In Tantric Buddhism vajra represents immutable, unalterable spiritual power. Symbolizing clarity and light, it also refers to the indeterminate character and ultimate emptiness of the Buddha nature. Mircea Eliade cites a Tantric text that makes a clear identification between śūnyatā ("voidness") and vajra. The Chan patriarch Huineng is said to have declared that neither that which is waxing nor that which is waning is the diamond.
In the traditional mineralogy of the Indian subcontinent, the diamond represents perfection. Stones and metals were thought to grow within the earth's womb, each with its own lethargic pace and rhythm. The crystal was unripe (Hindi, kacchā) and constituted a state of intermediate maturation. The diamond was the epitome of maturity and ripeness (Hindi, pakkā). The crystal is not hard; the diamond is. The Indian alchemist, associating the diamond with immortality, identified it with the philosophers' stone.
Similarly, in Tibetan iconography the diamond scepter signifies the adamantine or immutable world, which is also potential or nonmanifest. The bell or tilpa refers to the phenomenal world, which is manifest and changing. The diamond scepter is the active principle; the bell is the passive. The former is wisdom and the latter, human reason.
The diamond has also been linked with the supreme female divinity, who is usually associated with the earth. In Tibet the earth goddess Tārā has a human incarnation, the Diamond Sow. She is also traditionally regarded as the consort of or feminine counterpart to the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. In the transition from tarot cards to modern playing cards, diamonds replaced the ancient suit of pentacles, which had been symbols of Mother Earth (Tārā) and of the earth as feminine.
The characteristics of hardness and durability have lent themselves to other meanings. In the Old Testament the diamond could symbolize hardness of the heart and forehead (Jer. 17:1). In Rome it was believed that the stone promoted harmony, and that it guarded health and vitality if worn on the left hand, close to the heart. This belief probably informed its character as an emblem of reconciliation in the Middle Ages and as a sign of betrothal in the modern world.
In some places the diamond's brilliance and lucidity made it a symbol for Christ. In Hebrew culture the sixth stone of the high priest's breastplate, a diamond, was said to become dark or light according to the guilt or innocence of an accused person.
Mircea Eliade (1958) has related diamonds to "snake stones," which in many cultures are thought to have fallen from the heads of snakes or dragons. In ancient India, and later in the Hellenistic and Arab worlds, it was believed that the stones were poisonous if anyone touched them with their lips, because they had once been in a snake's throat. The notion that precious stones came from snake spittle has been found in areas ranging from China to Great Britain.
Pliny the Elder (23–79 CE) described the dracontia, or dracontites, that were to be found in the brains of dragons. Philostratus the Lemnian (b. c. 190 CE) reported that the eyes of some dragons were stones of blinding brilliance imbued with magical powers. Sorcerers, he relates, after they have worshiped reptiles, cut off their heads and take out the precious stones.
Given such beliefs, it is not surprising that the diamond has a reputation as a remedy for snakebite. Indeed, Pliny describes it as a universal talisman, rendering poisons and every malady harmless and causing evil spirits and bad dreams to depart. In occidental Europe, the diamond has been thought to chase away savage beasts, phantoms, sorcerers, and the terrors of the night. In Russia, its purity and lucidity have made it a charm to impede lust and to strengthen the resolve of the chaste.

Victorian Rose-cut Diamond Brooch

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This Victorian rose-cut diamond brooch is crafted in 9k rose gold, weighs 20.3g and measures 3.25 inches long, 2 inches wide and 22mm deep. Designed as a captivating naturalistically inspired floral spray with a honey-bee positioned on the stem, this alluring Victorian brooch exposes an eye-catching stylized sunflower, centered with a sparkling rose-cut diamond measuring 6m long and 5mm wide, graded 'foil-backed light-brown' color. The glowing center-stone is encircled by a cluster of rose-cut diamonds within a finely textured rose gold surround, adding a botanically accurate element to the enchanting aesthetic of the sunflower. The enchanting flower is skillfully mounted on the stem by means of a movable 'coiled' wire device, allowing flexibility and free movement of the alluring flower head. An absorbing cinquefoil petal flower, randomly inclined leaves and stems and an immaculately crafted honey bee with temptingly sweet and glittering ruby eyes complement this Victorian floral spray, abundantly swathed in 96 glowing rose-cut diamonds graded 'foil-backed light-brown' color, mounted entirely in closed settings. A gracefully curved pin and a C-hook closure secure this exquisite Victorian rose-cut diamond brooch.

PROMISE RINGS

Promise Rings are exchanged for a variety of reasons, whether mounted with a Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald or Ruby. Pre-engagement Promise Rings with an Amethyst, Garnet, Citrine, Opal, Moonstone, Zircon, Tourmaline, Topaz or Aquamarine are given without an official commitment while Purity Promise Rings symbolize a promise to remain chaste. In some European cultures, it was customary for a parent to give a Purity Promise Ring to a child symbolizing the child’s promise to remain pure until marriage. Friendship Promise Rings signify a genuine commitment to friendship, while Religious Promise Rings indicate a lifetime commitment worn by the believers of a particular faith.

Antique Diamond Jewellry

Not only is it classically beautiful, but antique diamond jewelry also unlocks the imagination. Many women who wear antique diamond jewelry find themselves lost in the history of the piece, imagining who may have worn it in the past and what it meant to previous owners.
An engagement ring is often the most treasured piece of jewelry a woman will ever receive. If you are shopping for a ring, consider an antique diamond engagement ring. The ring will not only be a symbol of your love and dedication, but also a testament of the romance and devotion that has withstood the test of time. Antique diamond rings also make wonderful anniversary and birthday gifts.
Are you looking for the perfect piece of jewelry to complement an antique diamond ring? A beautiful pair of antique diamond earrings from the same era as the ring creates a stunningly classic look. If you would like a bit more sparkle than the earrings and ring combination provides, consider adding an antique diamond necklace or antique diamond brooch to an outfit.
Antique diamond jewelry adds more than just a little sparkle to your jewelry collection. Many of these pieces have lasted for more than one hundred years so it is evident that they are of the highest quality. Another bonus of selecting a piece of antique diamond jewelry is that you will likely never run into someone else wearing the same ring, necklace, earrings or brooch.

Vintage Style Diamond Ring

Metal: 14K WHITE GOLDWeight: 2.44 gramsGems:Diamond0.75 CaratsTahitian Pearl, 8-9mmMore Info:Add elegant and delicate vintage style to any ensemble with this stunning pearl ring. A polished White Gold band features diamond-studded filigree designs at the shank and a large Tahitian Pearl set at the center. This piece is truly breathtaking.

Style Only With Diamonds

Metal: 14K WHITE GOLDGems:Diamond0.10 CaratsMore Info:Cell phone addicts, this charm is for you. This cell phone flip phone is made from 14k white gold, and studded with diamonds all around. The charm uniquely opens up with diamonds for numbers. You will love giving or receiving this charm. Diamond: 0.10ct

Rings With Diamond..[Forever Gift]

Choosing a wedding ring does not have to be as challenging as finding the perfect engagement ring. This guide details all you'll need to know about choosing women's and men's wedding bands.

Women's wedding ring

It is traditional to wear her wedding ring closest to the heart, and wear the engagement ring on the same finger, over the wedding ring. If you choose this tradition, consider how the rings will fit together.

Men's wedding ring

Men have a few simple choices. He can select a ring thickness, choose between platinum or 18k gold, and choose a ring set with diamonds or one with a unique design. Some couples choose matching men's and women's wedding rings. To be sure you'll enjoy your rings for years to come, just choose rings that you love. Here are the advantages of each ring type.

GEMSTONES [other than diamond]

This guide defines the five essential characteristics of gemstone quality. By understanding these characteristics, you'll be able to shop with confidence. Print this helpful information and take it with you shopping so you can make the best choice on a beautiful piece of gemstone jewelry.

COLOUR
The jewelry industry recognizes the highest quality gemstones by purity of their hue, the depth of tone, and the color saturation. The best value is in colors that include "slight" traces of other colors, are not too light or dark, and have a lot of saturated color. Blue Nile offers some of the highest-quality colored gemstones available. Nearly all gemstones today, including Blue Nile stones, have been treated to enhance their color. The most common methods of treatment are heating, nearly always seen with aquamarine, citrine, amethyst, sapphire, ruby and tanzanite, bleaching commonly seen with pearls, and irradiation performed on nearly all blue topaz.

SIZE

The carat weight of a gemstone is not necessarily an accurate gauge for gemstone size. To help you judge the size of a gemstone, Blue Nile lists the diameter of the gemstone when viewed from above - since if the gemstone is set in jewelry; this is the only part of the gemstone that is visible.

The carat weight of a gemstone is not necessarily an accurate gauge for gemstone size. To help you judge the size of a gemstone, Blue Nile lists the diameter of the gemstone when viewed from above - since if the gemstone is set in jewelry; this is the only part of the gemstone that is visible.

ENHANCEMENT

Nearly all gemstones on the market, including gemstones offered by Blue Nile, have been treated to enhance their appearance. Gemstones that have not been treated but exhibit desirable color and clarity command extravagant prices. Some enhancement treatments are almost universal, are permanent, and require no special care of the gemstone, such as heat treatment to enhance color. Other treatments are common, and may require more or less special care to avoid damage, such as infusion of colorless oil, wax or resin to improve clarity.

CLARITY

Almost all gemstones contain inclusions. Even those most highly prized have at least some inclusions. Flawless gemstones are very rare and very expensive. The best value is found in gems that are lightly to moderately included, like those in Blue Nile gemstone jewelry. Emeralds are typically treated with colorless oil, wax or resin to minimize surface-reaching inclusions.

CUT

Unlike diamonds, with gemstones there isn't an "ideal" cut geometrically configured for maximum brilliance. But a high-quality gemstone cut is one that presents the most even color, exposes the fewest inclusions, and displays the majority of the gemstone weight when set in jewelry

Diamond Necklace..A GIFT ALWAYS REMEMBERED

The right necklace or pendant will add style to anything she wears. In addition to being a fashionable gift, giving her a necklace gives you the opportunity to perform the classically romantic gesture of putting it around her neck for the first time.
In general, a necklace is defined as any type of chain or length of precious metal or gems. They are also available in pendant styles that feature a single jewel, pearl or charm, usually suspended from a chain. A pearl strand is a length of closely strung pearls.

Many women start out with a strand of faux-pearls, so a strand of freshwater pearls makes a very nice gift for a young woman. If you have a special occasion like a birthday or your first wedding anniversary, consider a solitaire pendant featuring a pearl or diamond. For a very special occasion like a five- or ten-year anniversary, you might give Akoya pearls, which are the most beautiful white pearls available. She'll remember the occasion every time she wears the gift.

Diamond Necklaces

How to choose diamond necklaces. Look for a diamond necklace with at least near-colorless (I grade color) diamonds that are guaranteed to have no visible imperfections (SI grade clarity). All diamond necklaces at Blue Nile are guaranteed to meet this standard of excellence.

Canadian Diamonds

In the last twenty years, Canada has become the world's third largest diamond supplier, producing approximately 15% of the world's diamonds. Along with the other diamond producing countries, Canada follows the Kimberley Process and has taken a strong leadership role in the diamond industry ensuring their diamonds are produced with strict adherence to ethical and environmental guidelines and fair labor practices.

Valuing Diamonds

The quality and value of diamonds are measured by four characteristics known as the 4C's. The 4C's relate to a diamond's cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The quality of a diamond is measured by its cut, colour and clarity. The carat weight measures the size of the diamond. Of all the 4C's, cut is the characteristic directly influenced by man; colour, clarity and carat weight are all dictated by nature.

Cut

A diamond in its natural, uncut state is described as a "rough diamond". Its natural appearance so resembles a glass pebble that most people would pass it by without a second glance. It is the skill of the diamond cutter that unlocks the brilliance for which diamonds are renowned.
If two identical diamonds are placed side by side and one is less brilliant and fiery than the other, the fault lies in the cutting. Such a stone cannot demand as high a price as a well-cut diamond.
It is important to distinguish between cut and shape. Some of the more popular shapes of diamonds include Round Brilliant, Oval, Marquise, Pear, Heart and Emerald. Within each of these shapes, however, it is the cut that determines the quality of the stone. For example, most diamonds are cut with 58 facets, regardless of their shape.

VALUING DIAMONDS
The quality and value of diamonds are measured by four characteristics known as the 4C's. The 4C's relate to a diamond's cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The quality of a diamond is measured by its cut, colour and clarity. The carat weight measures the size of the diamond. Of all the 4C's, cut is the characteristic directly influenced by man; colour, clarity and carat weight are all dictated by nature.
Cut


A diamond in its natural, uncut state is described as a "rough diamond". Its natural appearance so resembles a glass pebble that most people would pass it by without a second glance. It is the skill of the diamond cutter that unlocks the brilliance for which diamonds are renowned.
If two identical diamonds are placed side by side and one is less brilliant and fiery than the other, the fault lies in the cutting. Such a stone cannot demand as high a price as a well-cut diamond.
It is important to distinguish between cut and shape. Some of the more popular shapes of diamonds include Round Brilliant, Oval, Marquise, Pear, Heart and Emerald. Within each of these shapes, however, it is the cut that determines the quality of the stone. For example, most diamonds are cut with 58 facets, regardless of their shape.
Colour

A diamond's colour is one of the most important factors in determining its value. The nearer a white diamond is to being absolutely colourless, the more rare and valuable it is. The graduations in colour are so subtle that intricate international grading scales have been devised.

Colour

Diamonds are graded into categories defined by letters. The colour range from exceptional whites (categories D, E and F) to tinted colours (categories M to Z). The best way to pinpoint a diamond's true colour is to place it next to another diamond that has previously been graded.
There are also fancy coloured diamonds and these are graded according to their intensity of colour, not lack of it. There are a variety of reasons for diamonds to be coloured. The most common causes, or suggested causes, for the colours yellow, green, blue, brown and pink are described below.

Yellow:
When nitrogen combines with the diamond crystals during the formation stage it causes a surplus electron in the bonding. This surplus electron absorbs blue light, thus giving off a yellow colour. Yellow diamonds also occur when aggregates of three nitrogens combine and cause surplus bond.
Blue:
The elements of boron may also be substituted within a diamond during its formation. Boron absorbs red light, hence in the absence of nitrogen, diamonds containing boron are blue in colour. An example of a diamond containing boron is the famous Blue Hope diamond. Diamonds containing boron also exhibit unusual electrical properties and are semi-conductive in nature. Hydrogen is another impurity that, in high quantities, can cause grey or blue colouring in diamonds. However, these diamonds are not semi-conducting.
Green:
A vacancy in the regular lattice of atoms within a diamond results in a green colouring. Carbon atoms being knocked out of their regular position by other particles cause vacancies. The depth of colour usually extends about 2mm below the diamond's surface. At extremely high temperatures the vacancies can become mobile and can combine with nitrogen to form other colours such as mauve, orange, blue or gold.
Brown:
It has been suggested that dislocations in the regular lattice of atoms, caused by severe forces deep in the earth, may be responsible for the brown colouring of champagne and cognac diamonds. The dislocated bonds may affect the light wavelength, thus producing a diamond which is coloured, but which contains no impurities.
Pink:
It has also been suggested that combinations of dislocations, vacancies, and non-nitrogen impurities cause the much sought-after colouration in pink diamonds. However these theories are still being developed.

Clarity:

During the formation of a diamond it is possible for minute particles of non-crystallised carbon or non-diamond crystals to be caught within the diamond. These imperfections are called inclusions and provide each individual diamond with unique characteristics.
Inclusions may not always be visible to the naked eye, however they do interfere with the passage of light through the diamond. Therefore the fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
Like colour, clarity is also categorised using international grading scales. The categories of clarity are based upon the number, size and position of the inclusions within the diamond. Gradings range from flawless, and internally flawless, through very small and small inclusions, to imperfect.

Carat:

A carat is the unit of measure used to determine the weight of a diamond. The term "carat" is derived from the original method of using carob tree seeds to weigh diamonds. One seed from this tree was equivalent to one carat.
The actual weight of one carat is now established at 0.2 grams. To assist in accurately describing the weight of diamonds each carat is divided into 100 points. Diamonds of less than one carat in weight are known as "pointers". For example, a 0.15 carat diamond would be called a "15 pointer".
Diamonds are usually weighed prior to setting for more accurate measurements. Diamonds are priced per carat, according to their size and quality. Although the carat weight of a diamond is indicative of its size, it is not necessarily indicative of a diamond's quality. Therefore, where two diamonds have the same carat weight, the one of better quality will command a higher price per carat.

Caring For Your Diamonds

Diamonds need caring to keep them looking at their brilliant best. They should be cleaned at least once a month to keep away the "dullness" that can be caused by skin oils, soap, cosmetics and even cooking grease. The only substance that does not stick to a diamond is water. A clean diamond will reflect better light.
There are several ways of keeping diamond jewellery clean.
The detergent bath is performed with a small bowl of warm suds using any mild liquid detergent. Immerse jewellery pieces in the suds and brush gently with a tooth brush. Rinse under warm running water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
The quick dip method uses one of the liquid jewellery care products available. Follow the instructions on the kit.
The latest jewellery-cleaning device is the sonic jewellery cleaner. It is electronically operated and comes with its own solution and directions.

Some extra helpful hints to keep diamond jewellery looking at its best.
It is better not to wear diamond jewellery when doing rough work or the dishes. Despite the durability of a diamond, it can be chipped by a hard blow along its grain.
Take care when doing the housework, not to let diamond jewellery come into contact with chlorine bleach, as it won't harm the diamond but can pit or discolour the mounting.
When placing diamond jewellery in a jewellery case, be sure to wrap them individually as they can easily scratch each other as well as other gem jewellery. Be sure to take all types of precious mounted jewellery to a jeweller at least once a year to check for loose settings and signs of wear.

Diamond :AN INVESTMENT

Customers when deciding to purchase diamond jewellery will often ask whether it is a good investment. In actual fact, jewellery should never be purchased for investment reasons, only for its beauty. The appeal of diamonds lies in their dazzling beauty and endurance, and their ability to provide a lasting memento of a special occasion.

Although diamond jewellery is usually bought for emotional reasons, the value of the diamond content will appreciate in time. Unlike some other commodities, the prices of diamonds have remained stable over the years. As the cost of living rises, so does the average price of diamonds. Diamonds will purchase the same now as they did last year, five years ago, or twenty years ago. Diamonds have lasting value.

Diamond Simulant

Cubic Zirconia Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is the most commonly encountered diamond simulant. All commercial CZ is formed in laboratories however, it is also found in nature. In both its synthetic and natural forms, CZ is colourless but colour can be introduced. A thermal pen tester can quickly and easily detect CZ.
Synthetic moissanite Synthetic moissanite is a new diamond simulant to join the long list of products that imitate diamonds. Although moissanite is being marketed as a new unique, synthetic gemstone, some of its properties are close enough to those of diamonds to lead to confusion in the trade.
Natural moissanite was first identified in a meteorite crater at the beginning of the twentieth century however, most is produced synthetically as natural moissanite is very rare. Chemically, it is 'silicon carbide', also known as 'carborundum', which is widely used for abrasive purposes and for use in the electronics industry.
Synthetic moissanite is a diamond simulant like Cubic Zirconia however, it can be passed as a diamond by the widely used thermal pen testers because it has similar thermal characteristics to diamonds. However, it can be easily identified by other methods.

Diamond Cutting And Polishing

The history of diamond cutting and polishing has its origins in India, where it was discovered a long time ago by Indian lapidaries that a diamond could be made to glisten simply by grinding another diamond against it.
Nowadays the diamond and its powder play an important role in the cutting and polishing of diamonds. Over time modern machinery has replaced traditional diamond cutting tools.
Diamond cutting and polishing requires anywhere from several hours to several months to complete. During this process, a diamond will lose on average half of its original weight.

Diamond Cutting

As every diamond is different, a stone must first be carefully examined by the cutter and then marked for cutting. Of all the cuts, the most popular is the round brilliant because of its ability to give a stone the greatest possible brilliance and fire with the most minimal amount of weight loss. The following cutting and polishing procedures uses the round brilliant cut as an example.
The rough diamond is divided into two parts by sawing or cleaving. Most stones are sawn across the "grain" (visible evidence of the diamond's crystal structure) by a paper-thin metal disc coated with diamond dust revolving at high speed or by laser. The stones that are marked for cleaving are split along the grain by a single blow from a steel blade.
After cleaving or sawing, the corners of the diamond are rounded off by a process known as bruting or girdling (only round brilliant cuts require this step). The stone is cemented into a "lathe", a holder that fits on a turning shaft. Another diamond is cemented to the end of a long rod held under the bruter's arm. As the lathe rotates, the two diamonds are brought together and grinded to shape. Diamond dust is produced from this action and is used in further sawing and faceting.
The brilliant now has a girdle-a sort of rim at the widest part by which it is usually set. The size or position of the girdle should not change throughout the rest of the diamond cutting process.

Diamond Polishing

The polishing of the diamond begins; one by one, facets will be ground on to the stone. A facet is the tiny plane or surface that traps the light and makes a diamond sparkle. Most diamond cuts have 58 facets.
The facets are applied to the diamond on a "turntable", made of porous iron, which has been coated with diamond dust and oil. The diamond is set into a holder and held against the turntable as it revolves at a very high speed.
A diamond has been cut well when its facets are clean, sharp, and symmetrical, and the proportions above and below the girdle are correct. A diamond is correctly proportioned when one-third of the total weight of the gem is above the girdle and two thirds below. A well-cut diamond will be fiery, brilliant and beautiful.

Types Of Diamond Mining

Diamonds are recovered by way of pipe or alluvial mining.
Pipe Mining

Pipe mining refers to the extraction of diamonds from volcanic pipes. Typically, a very large area has to be covered. An average of 250 tonnes of ore must be mined in order to produce a one-carat gem quality polished diamond.
In most countries, a diamond pipe mine is composed of kimberlite, or blue ground. Initially kimberlite is dug from the surface of the pipes in rough opencast mining. Once the surface deposits have been exhausted, shafts are sunk into the ground at the edge of the pipes, and tunnels are driven into the deeper parts of the pipes. After the diamond-bearing rock is brought to the surface, it is then transported to a screening plant where the diamonds are separated from the host rock.

Alluvial Mining

This process involves the extraction of diamonds from riverbeds or ocean beaches. Millions of years ago, at the time the diamond pipes were formed, some diamonds were weathered out of the pipes and carried great distances along rivers and even into oceans.
In order to extract these diamonds from beaches, a wall is built to hold back the surf. Up to 25 metres of sand is bulldozed aside to reach the diamond-bearing level. Once reached, the diamond-bearing earth is removed and transported to screening plants.

Diamond Mining in Australia

Today, diamonds are mined in at least 20 countries around the world; the majority of diamonds are found in Australia, Zaire, Botswana, Russia and South Africa.
The Argyle Diamond Mine, the world's largest diamond-producing mine, is located in the Kimberley Region of north Western Australia.

Types Of Diamonds

Pink Diamonds

The pink diamond is the world's most rare and valuable diamond.The Argyle mine is the world's foremost source of unrivalled intense pink diamonds, producing 95% of the world's supply. However, an extremely small proportion of Argyle Diamonds production is Pink colour, in fact less than one tenth of 1% is classified Pink

The legend of Argyle pink diamond has grown over the past ten years. At the 1989 Christie's auction in New York a 3.14 carat Argyle pink sold for $1,510,000. Privately, Argyle has sold pink diamonds for up to $1 million a carat.

White Diamonds

White diamonds are produced by mines all over the world in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.The white diamonds recovered from the Argyle mine are particularly brilliant and of high quality.

The Argyle mine also produces white diamonds with secondary pink colour that command a higher price per carat. In an effect similar to that described of pink champagne diamonds, the white diamond will display slight to bold flashes of pink when viewed from the top. A higher price is commanded for pink secondary colour depending on its depth and strength, because pink is one of the most rare colours found in diamonds.

Champagne Diamonds

Champagne diamonds are naturally coloured diamonds that are produced in a wide range of colours from light straw to rich cognac.
The 4C's of colour, cut, clarity and carat weight apply to coloured diamonds just as they do to colourless diamonds except the intensity of colour, not lack of it, plays a greater part in the valuation.

Argyle Diamonds created the following scale specifically for champagne diamonds. The diamonds are graded on a C1-C7 colour scale. C1 and C2 represent light champagne, C3 and C4 medium champagne, and C5 and C6 dark champagne. The fancy cognac diamond is graded C7

Pink Champagne Diamonds

Attractive champagne diamonds with secondary pink colour are also available and command a higher price per carat than champagne diamonds. These stones display slight to bold flashes of pink in their fire.
Argyle Pink Champagne Diamonds are available in three ranges of shades, from light pink champagne to medium and dark pink champagne.
As pink is one of the rarest colours found in diamonds, even secondary colours demand a higher price depending on depth and strength of colour.

Yellow Diamonds

Fancy yellow diamonds come in a broad range of shades ranging from light yellow to a rich canary colour.
A limited quantity of fancy yellow diamonds is recovered from the Argyle mine.

Blue Diamonds

Fancy blue diamonds are available in a wide range of shades, from the blue of the sky to a more "steely" colour than sapphire.
Limited quantities of fancy blue diamonds are recovered from the Argyle mine.

Green Diamonds

Fancy green diamonds are also available. Usually, penetration of the colour is not very deep and is often removed during the fashioning of the stone.
A limited quantity of fancy green diamonds is recovered from the Argyle mine.

Diamonds : A HISTORY

From myths about valleys of diamonds protected by snakes, to the production of millions of carats in rough diamonds each year, the history of diamonds is one of mystical power, beauty and commercial expertise

Early History

The first recorded history of the diamond dates back some 3,000 years to India, where it is likely that diamonds were first valued for their ability to refract light. In those days, the diamond was used in two ways-for decorative purposes, and as a talisman to ward off evil or provide protection in battle.

The Dark Ages

The diamond was also used for some time as medical aid. One anecdote, written during the Dark Ages by St Hildegarde, relates how a diamond held in the hand while making a sign of the cross would heal wounds and cure illnesses. Diamonds were also ingested in the hope of curing sickness. During the early Middle Ages, Pope Clement unsuccessfully used this treatment in a bid to aid his recovery.

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages more attention was paid to the worth of diamonds, rather than the mystical powers surrounding them. Due to the heightened public awareness of the value of diamonds, mine owners perpetuated myths that diamonds were poisonous. This was to prevent the mineworkers swallowing the diamonds in an attempt to smuggle them out of the mines.

The popularity of diamonds surged during the Middle Ages, with the discovery of many large and famous stones in India, such as the Koh-I-Noor and the Blue Hope. Today India maintains the foremost diamond polishing industry in the world.

As the Indian diamond supply dwindled, smaller finds occurred in Borneo and Brazil, but these were not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand for diamonds. The mid-nineteenth century discovery of diamonds near the Orange River in South Africa sparked the world's biggest diamond rush, and helped to satiate the world's increasing appetite for diamonds.

Recent Times

During the mid-nineteenth century, diamonds were also being discovered in eastern Australia. However, it was not until late 1970's, after seven years of earnest searching, that Australia's alleged potential as a diamond producer was validated.

On October 2nd 1979, geologists found the Argyle pipe near Lake Argyle: the richest diamond deposit in the world. Since then, Argyle has become the world's largest volume producer of diamonds, and alone is responsible for producing over a third of the world's diamonds every year.