Introduction to Diamonds

A Journey Through Time

Diamonds, timeless symbols of love and luxury, have captivated humanity with their breathtaking beauty and remarkable durability. The journey of a diamond from the depths of the earth to the sparkle of a jeweler’s showcase is a fascinating tale of nature’s power, human ingenuity, and the evolution of markets across centuries.

The Dawn of Diamond Desire

The allure of diamonds began in India, where they were first treasured as divine splendors found in rivers and streams. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder remarked on their unparalleled value, a sentiment that has endured through ages. Initially, diamonds adorned only the wealthiest, a luxury beyond the reach of the common man. However, as caravans brought these gems to medieval Europe, diamonds started to sparkle on the elite, marking the beginning of a global fascination.

From India to the World

Brazil took the baton from India in the early 1700s, igniting a new era in diamond mining as its rich deposits came to light. Yet, it was the discovery in Kimberley, South Africa, in 1866 that revolutionized the diamond industry. Cecil Rhodes, the founder of De Beers, would soon monopolize the burgeoning market, setting the stage for the modern diamond era.

The Modern Market Emerges

The 20th century brought explosive growth in diamond demand and production, spurred by new mines in Australia and Canada. Technological advancements in mining, cutting, and polishing transformed the industry, making diamonds more accessible and enhancing their natural beauty.

The Evolution of De Beers and the Market

De Beers, once the guardian of global diamond supply, adapted to a changing world by reducing its market control. Today, diamonds reach consumers through a diverse array of channels, reflecting a vibrant, competitive landscape.

A Scientific Renaissance

Scientific curiosity has unraveled many diamond mysteries over the past century, offering insights into their formation and journey to the earth's surface. This knowledge not only enriches our appreciation for these gems but also guides the search for new deposits.

Diamonds in the Modern Age

Despite the industry's evolution, the path from mine to market remains a testament to the enduring legacy of diamonds. As both an emblem of wealth and a marvel of nature, diamonds continue to symbolize the enduring bond between human aspiration and the earth’s most precious treasures.

Unveiling Their Essence and Creation

Diamonds, beyond their scintillating allure, embody a fascinating alchemy of nature's forces, chemistry, and deep-earth phenomena. This introduction delves into the dual aspects of diamonds: their storied history and the remarkable process of their formation.

Diamond Formation: Nature's Marvel

• The Chemistry of Diamonds: At their core, diamonds are marvels of simplicity and strength, comprised almost entirely of carbon, the fundamental building block of life. This elemental purity, with traces of other elements, bestows diamonds with their varied hues and physical properties.
• Crystal Structure: Diamonds are a testament to the unique conditions of their birth, forming deep within the earth's mantle under extreme pressure and heat. Their isometric crystal structure, with carbon atoms uniformly bonded in all directions, sets them apart from all other minerals, granting them unparalleled hardness. This contrasts starkly with graphite, another carbon form, which is so soft it leaves a mark on paper.
• The Journey from Rough to Radiant: The quintessential shape of a rough diamond is the octahedron, resembling two pyramids joined at their bases. This geometric perfection, combined with the diamond's innate hardness and the precision of modern cutting techniques, culminates in the gem's unmatched brilliance.

Diamonds in Culture and Tradition

• Symbolic Significance: Diamonds have ascended from their geological origins to symbolize enduring love, strength, and commitment. Recognized as the birthstone for April, diamonds also commemorate the monumental milestones of the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries, embodying a legacy of love that transcends time.
• A Testament to Timelessness: From their ancient discovery in India to their role in modern celebrations and milestones, diamonds bridge the realms of natural wonder and human sentiment. Their formation story enriches their mystique, while their enduring legacy in culture and tradition underscores their timeless appeal.

Quality Factors

Understanding Diamond Quality Factors - The 4 Cs

Diamonds are celebrated for their dazzling beauty, but not all diamonds are created equal. The value of a diamond is determined by a combination of factors, with rarity playing a significant role. To assess and compare diamonds, professionals rely on the 4Cs: Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat Weight. Developed by GIA in the 1950s, this grading system provides a comprehensive method for evaluating diamond quality.

Color

• Rarity and Value: For traditional white diamonds, colorless diamonds are the most rare and valuable, with any yellow or brown tint decreasing their value.
• Grading Scale: The GIA D-to-Z scale is used for color grading, assessing the absence of color in diamonds.
• Fluorescence: About 35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence, which can affect their appearance under ultraviolet light. While it can enhance the look of some diamonds, strong fluorescence may negatively impact value.

 

Clarity

• Natural Characteristics: Diamonds naturally have internal features called inclusions and surface irregularities known as blemishes, which affect their clarity. Together these are called clarity characteristics.
• Grading System: The GIA Clarity Grading System includes eleven grades, from Flawless (no visible inclusions or blemishes at 10X magnification) to Included, indicating visible inclusions that may affect transparency or brilliance.
• Value Impact: A diamond's clarity can significantly influence its value, with flawless diamonds being exceptionally rare and valuable.

 

Cut

• Craftsmanship and Brilliance: The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance and scintillation. It refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish.
• Optical Effects: Well-cut diamonds exhibit impressive brightness, fire, and pattern, affecting their overall appearance and desirability.
• Grading: Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor, reflecting how well a diamond interacts with light. Only round brilliant cut diamonds are graded for cut by GIA.

 

Carat Weight

• Measurement: Diamonds are weighed in metric carats, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Weight is a critical factor in determining a diamond's value.
• Price Relationship: Larger diamonds are rarer and thus command higher prices, not only overall but also on a per-carat basis. Due to the per carat increase in price as the size increases, this causes prices to rise significantly as larger sizes are evaluated.
• Symbolic Significance: Certain carat weights, known as "magic sizes," hold significant appeal due to their perceived rarity and desirability. These sizes include whole and half carat weights, i.e. 1.00 carat is more desirable than 0.98 carat, 1.50 is more desirable than 1.49 carat, etc. Even though the difference in carat weight is minor, there can be substantial differences in price at whole and half sizes.

 

Key Takeaways

• The 4Cs provide a reliable framework for comparing diamond quality.
• Each of the 4Cs contributes to a diamond's overall beauty and value, with their interplay determining the rarity and appeal of the stone.
• When selecting a diamond, considering all four aspects will ensure a choice that meets both aesthetic preferences and budget considerations.

 

Types of Diamonds

Diamonds, whether adorning a piece of jewelry or part of a cherished collection, come in various types, each with unique characteristics and origins. This section delves into the essential distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds and explores the captivating world of natural fancy colored diamonds.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

Formation Process

• Natural Diamonds: Formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years, natural diamonds are mined and extracted through significant geological processes.
• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created in controlled laboratory environments that mimic the natural growth process, lab-grown diamonds can be produced in a fraction of the time it takes for natural diamonds to form.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Both lab-grown and natural diamonds possess essentially identical chemical compositions, physical properties, and optical effects, making them visually indistinguishable without specialized equipment.

Value and Rarity

• Natural Diamonds: Their millennia-long formation process and the complexities of mining contribute to the rarity and, subsequently, the higher value of natural diamonds.
• Lab-Grown Diamonds: While offering the same beauty and durability as natural diamonds, lab-grown variants are more accessible and affordable due to their man-made origin.

Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds

• Color Spectrum: Unlike the classic colorless diamond, natural fancy colored diamonds are prized for their hues, ranging from yellows and browns to rarer blues, greens, pinks, and reds.
• Formation: The presence of certain elements and conditions during diamond formation imparts these unique colors. For example, boron can give a blue tint, while nitrogen can create yellow or orange shades.
• Rarity and Value: The rarity of fancy colored diamonds, especially those with intense and vivid colors, significantly impacts their value. Red, blue, and pink diamonds are among the rarest and most sought-after.
• Investment and Appeal: Beyond their stunning beauty, natural fancy colored diamonds are often considered investment pieces due to their rarity and the market demand for these unique gems.

Conclusion
Understanding the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds, along with the allure of natural fancy colored diamonds, will allow you to make informed decisions that align with your values, preferences, and purposes. Whether drawn to the sustainable and ethical appeal of lab-grown diamonds or captivated by the rare beauty of natural fancy colors, there’s a diamond type to satisfy every desire and occasion.

 

Diamond Certification: Ensuring Trust and Transparency

Diamond certification plays a pivotal role in the jewelry industry, providing a seal of authenticity and quality assurance for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. By adhering to the highest standards of certification, we ensure our customers make informed, confident purchases.

*images courtesy of GIA. Used with permission.

 

Certification for Natural Diamonds

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America): The gold standard for natural diamond certification, GIA's rigorous evaluation process assesses a diamond based on the 4Cs—Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight—providing a comprehensive report that guarantees the diamond's authenticity and quality. For natural diamonds, we trust only GIA due to its unparalleled accuracy, consistency, and integrity.

Certification for Lab-Grown Diamonds

• GIA: Offering detailed reports for lab-grown diamonds, GIA ensures each stone meets strict quality standards, providing consumers with peace of mind and transparency.
• IGI (International Gemological Institute): Recognized globally, IGI's certification for lab-grown diamonds covers similar quality parameters as GIA, ensuring the stone's characteristics are thoroughly vetted.
• GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab): Known for its "Zero Tolerance" consumer protection standards and detailed diamond analysis, GCAL provides not only a grading report but also a full optical brilliance analysis for lab-grown diamonds.

Why Certification Matters

• Certification from these reputable labs guarantees that each diamond's characteristics are accurately represented, enabling consumers to understand precisely what they are purchasing. This transparency is crucial, especially considering the significant investment diamonds often represent.
• Make Informed Decisions: With detailed reports, buyers can compare diamonds on an "apples to apples" basis, making informed decisions based on quality and value.
• Confidence in Your Purchase: Knowing a diamond's precise quality helps ensure that consumers receive fair value for their investment.

Conclusion

By prioritizing certification from the world's most respected gemological labs, we stand by the quality and authenticity of every diamond we offer. Whether it's the timeless appeal of a natural diamond certified by GIA or the modern allure of a lab-grown diamond verified by IGI and GCAL, our commitment to transparency and quality ensures that your jewel is not only a symbol of beauty but also of trust and integrity.

All Bensel-Made jewelry items that are made with a 0.50 carat diamond (natural or lab grown) come with a gemological report verifying the size, quality, and characteristics.