[Before the 4 c's] [Color] [Clarity] [Cut] [Carat] [Care]

What are diamonds?  Why are they so unique? Why does a diamond sparkle?  Are diamonds so hard they will not break?  This section will teach you.

· HISTORY ·

Diamonds are minerals made of almost pure crystallized carbon.  They were formed billions of years ago under immense heat and pressure at depths greater than 75 miles below the earth’s surface. Over the years volcanic storm eruptions brought them to the surface.  Most diamonds are found in kimberlite, which is volcanic rock.  Just like snowflakes, no two are alike.  Rated 10 on the Moths scale of hardness, diamonds are the hardest substances on earth.

· DIAMOND DIAGRAM ·

The quality and appearance of a diamond are determined by the proportion and symmetry of these elements. 

FACET:  The polished flat surfaces on a diamond, defining its dimensions.

TABLE: The large flat facet on the top a diamond through which much of the light both enters and exits.  If the table facet is too large or too small, it will often indicate poor proportions overall. Poor proportions will hurt a diamond's fire and brilliance.

CROWN:  The faceted portion of the diamond that is above the girdle. The crown is generally the portion of the diamond that is visible above the setting.

GIRDLE:  The narrow band around the outer circumference of a diamond. The jewelry setting usually holds the diamond around the girdle. Girdles can be rough (unpolished) or faceted (polished like the rest of the diamond). Either one is good, since it makes little difference to the overall beauty of the diamond.

PAVILION:  The bottom half of a diamond, from the lower girdle to the culet at the bottom tip. If the pavilion is too deep or too shallow, light will leak out and the diamond will lose fire and brilliance.

CULET:  A facet on the very bottom of a diamond. It is best to have a small or medium culet. A large culet will make it look like there is a hole in the bottom of the stone due to leakage of light. Absence of a culet makes the point of the diamond more easily damaged or chipped.

[Before the 4 c's] [Color] [Clarity] [Cut] [Carat] [Care]