Diamond has long been a favorite of all women and tops the top five most expensive gems. The stone is a gem-cut diamond processed only with a brilliant cut. This cut involves the presence of 57 facets, 24 of which are in the pavilion zone, and 33 in the crown.
The word “diamond” itself does not have any relation to stones other than diamond, or to gems cut in any way other than brilliant cut. Diamond is pure carbon and therefore has great hardness.
History of the mineral
Since ancient times, a diamond has been considered a symbol of power, success, luxury, and victory.
The birthplace of this gem is India. Europe became acquainted with the mineral only in the 5-6th century BC.
In those days, diamonds were valued for their healing properties, durability and, of course, aesthetic properties. Only people belonging to the upper classes were allowed to wear jewelry with this stone.
They learned to process stone with the required cut much later. The first diamond was created by Louis de Bernel in the 15th century, and the first owner was the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold.
Interesting Facts
The Guinness Book of Records contains information about the largest diamond created by man. Its size is 34 carats.
At the very end of the twentieth century, chemists obtained diamonds from human and animal remains. Having learned about this technology, many wealthy people preserve the memory of deceased relatives in diamonds. This is how a very profitable business arose.
The largest diamond market is the United States of America (residents of the country purchase more than half of the diamond jewelry in the world).
Scientists in Germany have created artificial crystals from peanut butter, and Mexican chemists have obtained diamond-containing steam from tequila, which can be used to spray a diamond film.
The minerals closest in structure are graphite and diamond. Graphite can turn into diamond and vice versa, but diamond is one of the hardest minerals, and graphite is one of the softest.
Artificial diamond
Currently, there is an active development of technologies for the artificial cultivation of precious stones and their likes. Naturally, the bulk of manufacturers, jewelers and buyers are interested in the possibility of creating the king of precious minerals - diamond. This is determined by the price of the gem.
The high cost of diamonds is associated with their unique properties, for example, phenomenal hardness, excellent ability to refract light rays and return them, creating an exceptional play of light and the brilliance of a cut diamond. However, there is an important factor that does not allow the value of the stone to fall according to the laws of competition - the monopolization of the diamond market and the secrecy of jewelry mining.
Synthetic diamonds grown in laboratories have a number of disadvantages:
- Color. It is quite easy to synthesize a stone with a rich color, but reproducing the natural transparency of a diamond is still an unsolved problem.
- Foreign matter such as black carbon filaments.
- The presence of impurities makes it easy to identify artificial stones using a spectrogram.
- Presence of characteristic fluorescence.
The main advantages of synthetic diamond
Cultivated diamonds have properties that make them so popular all over the world. Let us list the main important qualities of such diamonds:
- absence of crystal defects;
- shine of stone;
- purity;
- transparency;
- greatest hardness;
- highest thermal conductivity;
- the presence of impurities to obtain any additional properties.
How to determine a diamond and its authenticity at home?
The ring is an artificial imitation of a diamond.
Many diamonds in jewelry nowadays are being replaced by artificial ones. The most commonly used artificial variety is called cubic zirconia. There are a number of ways to distinguish artificial cubic zirconia from a natural diamond:
- The physical properties of the gem give it the ability to refract light rays in such a way that light or any objects cannot be seen through the mineral. When you put the ring on and look at the diamond, you won't see your finger. If you hold a mineral close to a newspaper, you will not be able to see either the paper or the letters through it. Other stones that can be used to fake a gem do not have similar properties.
- Water, glycerin and methylene iodide will help distinguish a diamond from an artificial spinel and sapphire. Counterfeits will not shine in these liquids, but the real mineral will shine brightly.
- Diamond is the hardest mineral. The hardness of the stone gives it resistance to any kind of damage and scratches. If you rub a natural gem with sandpaper, it will retain its integrity. Another mineral will be damaged.
- Natural stones are cold. Even in extreme heat, gems retain this quality. When you pick up a natural diamond, you notice its coolness.
- Hydrochloric acid will leave stains on cubic zirconia, but it will not have any effect on a diamond.
- If you breathe directly onto an artificial stone, it will fog up, unlike a natural diamond.
- If you lubricate the surface of a natural mineral with oil and apply it to glass, it will stick.
- Look at the stone through a magnifying glass. Artificially grown stones, unlike a diamond, which always has inclusions, are perfectly clean.
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Alternative options
Diamond stimulants are materials that imitate the appearance of a natural stone, but are not such. Often the gemstone is replaced with zirconium or moissanite, which do not have the same chemical composition as diamonds. But such options are more economical. In addition, not everyone can distinguish them from a real diamond. They have a diamond shine.
Diamonds created in a laboratory are those that cannot be distinguished visually and chemically from natural stones. Even a jeweler will need special equipment to distinguish them. Such products are much cheaper than real diamonds. In addition, they can be created in different colors, because in the laboratory it is possible to create even a shade that does not occur in nature at all.
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Diamond colors
Whatever the color of a diamond, it is always magnificent. This gem looks great on any person, regardless of gender and type of appearance.
The most valuable diamond is a stone that has no color. The expression “pure diamond” is a kind of sign of quality. This phrase means that a gem dropped into water will merge with it.
In the classification of diamonds by color, several groups are distinguished: from transparent with a gradual increase in color saturation to stones with a gray, yellow or brown hue.
Black brilliant
There is an unusual type of gem - a black diamond. This precious mineral of natural origin is distinguished by its exclusivity and beauty.
The bulk of colored and white diamonds are quite transparent and have a glossy surface, while the black mineral is matte and completely absorbs light rays. Despite this, black diamonds have a remarkable diamond-like luster.
In addition, the black gem has a number of unique qualities. Naturally, its cost is many times higher than the price of diamonds of ordinary shades. Partially transparent stones or gems with gray inclusions cost less. Back to contents
Summing up
It would be wrong to consider artificial diamonds a copy, because in all respects they are the same mineral, the only difference is in the way they appear. While a natural diamond is created by nature itself, an artificial diamond is grown by humans. The laboratory mineral not only acquires all the properties of natural stone, but even surpasses it in some ways.
Today, more than two dozen countries are engaged in the production of artificial diamonds; more than half of the diamonds existing in the world are synthetic.
According to many analysts, the production of such minerals will only increase over time due to the needs of not only the jewelry industry, but also other high-tech areas.
What's a dancing diamond?
Dancing diamond (to see it dance, click on the picture).
One of the main properties of a diamond is its unique ability to completely reflect light within itself and return it, dividing it into parts of the spectrum. People say that the stone “burns” or “plays.” A similar game appears when the stone is shifted to the side relative to the observer’s gaze.
Hidetaka Dobashi is a jeweler, creator of a unique setting for “dancing” stones. The frame is movable; it makes the gem literally shoot out with light at the slightest movement of the wearer of the jewelry. A diamond in such a setting has constant mobility and, as it were, “dances,” reflecting hundreds of times more light and rays than a statically fixed stone does. This type of jewelry appeared relatively recently, in June 2012, and immediately gained worldwide fame. In Russia, products with “dancing” diamonds are produced. Back to contents
Professional inspection
If you have purchased a piece of diamond jewelry, but the above methods do not help, leaving you with doubts in your heart, we recommend that you contact a specialist. For an adequate amount, he will conduct an examination (authenticity assessment), which includes the following procedures:
- Using high-precision equipment, a specialist will weigh the stone and determine whether its weight corresponds to its size;
- The expert will then evaluate the color and clarity of the stone according to established standards;
- Next, cutting will be examined (there are strict rules and regulations in this area in jewelry);
- At the end, other criteria will be considered: the size of the site, the height and diameter of the stone.
The evaluation process uses modern equipment: microscopes, colorimeters, and specialized software to determine the facets of a diamond. It is impossible to recreate such conditions at home or when visiting a jewelry store.
After analyzing the results, the gemologist will issue a conclusion and the estimated cost of the diamond that has passed the test.
If you are not used to relying on traditional methods or do not trust specialists, the right option for you is to buy diamond jewelry that is sold with certificates. Original products sold in Europe or Asia are accompanied by international EGL or GIA certificates.
The magical properties of the diamond stone
The energy of the gem is extremely strong: the stone is ready to share it with its owner, provided that this person has a strong character, spirit, leadership qualities and determination. Often a mineral, being recently purchased, shows its abilities very inactively. In such a case, you need to wait until the gem gets used to the new owner. It is known that stones establish contact with their owners more easily if they are given as a gift.
It is not advisable for the fair sex to buy such a gemstone on their own; it is recommended to receive it as a gift from a man. It doesn't matter who the man is to the woman. It is he who must pay for the purchase and try the jewelry on the girl.
It is believed that a diamond purchased in person will show its magical properties only after 7 years.
It is known that stones passed down by inheritance have the greatest power. Diamonds, which are family jewels, help family members get out of the most confusing situations and solve the most difficult problems.
It is diamonds that protect the owner from bad habits. The stone will relieve self-doubt, melancholy, causeless anxiety, and give strength. Often, gems instill “royal” habits.
The gem is a talisman that calls and obliges to sincerity and honesty. Otherwise, it will not only refuse to show its properties, but can also cause harm.
For a single woman who dreams of marriage, a diamond will interfere with her personal life. A diamond should be purchased and worn while already married to the man you love. The gem can enhance feelings of happiness and joy. That is why the owner needs the stone precisely when he is already completely satisfied with his own life.
For a married couple, a diamond will help maintain a warm relationship. The stone will protect against betrayal and divorce.
Interestingly, diamonds can have additional magical properties depending on their color. Yellow diamond is the mineral of believers. It is not recommended for faithless people to wear it. A red diamond is associated with the fire element, which helps purify the spirit. Blue diamond is associated with the element of water. The stone is recommended to be worn by those people who know how to listen to their body and regulate its functioning. Back to contents
Why not?
Laboratory diamonds are indistinguishable from real diamonds and are much cheaper. So why not buy a stone that is created in a laboratory? But there are several reasons why a synthetic diamond may not be the right choice.
Man-made diamonds today do not come in different sizes; they usually only reach 1.5 carats. And natural stones can be of different sizes.
Also in nature there are stones that have a rare color. They are more expensive and difficult to reproduce in the laboratory. Therefore, for those who want to have a unique piece of jewelry, it is best to purchase real stones.
Also, do not forget about the sentimentality factor when buying a natural diamond that can be millions of years old. With such a stone a person feels more confident.
Healing properties of diamond
It is believed that the stone has the ability to relieve fever, give healthy, sound sleep, and relieve mental illness, including age-related sclerosis and marasmus. Modern lithotherapists noticed in it the ability to treat stomach diseases and many dermatological diseases.
The diamond will help strengthen the immune system and have a beneficial effect on the heart, respiratory tract, nervous system, blood vessels, and lungs.
Green diamond will have a positive effect on the condition of the female body. It is recommended to wear a diamond if you have problems with conception and pregnancy; the stone can make childbirth easier. The gem slows down the aging process.
Main conclusions
- An artificial diamond is obtained from diamonds grown in specially created conditions. The process takes several days. Crystals have a chemical composition similar to natural minerals. Using special technologies, specialists obtain both colorless and colored (pink, yellow, blue) crystals.
- Synthesized diamonds are a valuable raw material for industrial production and jewelry.
- Imitation and artificial diamond are different concepts. Copies of the precious stone are cubic zirconias, moissanites, rhinestones, and nexuses.
- Crystals are grown chemically and physically.
- The cost of a synthetic gem depends on the weight, shade, and cut of the diamond. The pink crystal is considered the most expensive.
- Only an experienced gemologist can distinguish a specimen grown under special conditions from a natural one.
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Diamond tattoo - the meaning of the tattoo
As a rule, a tattoo in the form of a diamond reveals in its owner a personality with a strong character and excellent taste. The meaning of such a tattoo is interpreted as a symbol of happiness, courage and sunshine.
It is believed that representatives of the stronger sex with a diamond tattoo show greater self-confidence. But a representative of the fairer sex with a similar tattoo becomes more fertile and noticeably happier in marriage.
If you decide to depict a diamond with radiance on your body, then such a tattoo will testify to your spirituality and faith in God, because it was not for nothing that in ancient times a diamond was considered the stone of bishops. If you believe the legends, the reflection of the stone can drive out the devil, since the brightness of the diamond is incredibly pure and transparent.
You can also depict a paired diamond tattoo. The meaning of this image lies in the immaculate and sincere love of its owner. Often, a couple who chooses a diamond tattoo wants their union to be without misunderstandings and quarrels and to last forever. The most preferred place to print this image is on the wrist or fingers. Back to contents
How crystals are grown
There are two ways to grow diamonds – physical and chemical:
- Chemical: The diamond blank is placed in a methane chamber, which maintains low pressure. Under the influence of microwave beam energy, gas molecules are destroyed. The released carbon and hydrogen are layered on the diamond grain, resulting in the formation of plate-crystals. They are cut and polished. The growing process takes 2-3 days.
- Physical: the workpiece is placed under a chamber press characterized by high temperature and pressure. A week later, a semblance of a diamond is obtained, after which it is again placed in the chamber press. The finished stones have the shape of octahedrons.
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Diamond care
This gem needs proper care.
Diamond has a high Mohs hardness rating, but should be protected from being dropped to avoid chipping.
It is not recommended to use soap solutions and chemicals to clean a diamond, as the gem may lose its natural shine and purity. In case of heavy contamination, it is better to entrust this matter to specialists in a jewelry workshop.
It is recommended to use a separate box or cell to store a diamond, as the stone can damage other, softer minerals.
To maintain the purity of a diamond, you should not wear jewelry with it at home, during sports, visiting a pool or sauna, or before applying cosmetics and perfumes. The stone also does not like moisture and direct sunlight.
Application area
Man-made diamonds (approximately 80 percent) are widely used in industry (glass cutters, drill tips, bearings, spraying of grinding tools and knives), in electronics (for making interlayers in microcircuits), in medicine (using laser technologies, dental treatment ).
The need for this mineral is also explained by the high demand for jewelry (rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets).
Every year the scope of use of this stone expands.
Who can wear diamonds from their zodiac signs?
Diamonds are considered the patrons of Aries, Libra and Leo. The mineral will give strength to hardworking Aries. For brave and majestic lions, a diamond will add generosity and courage. For Libra, a diamond will show you the right path.
Representatives of the Capricorn sign should also pay attention to this gem, because diamonds are also favorable to them. Sagittarius will receive greater communication skills and openness from the mineral.
Representatives of the Pisces sign should be careful with this gem. The stone has great influence, which means it can suppress the character of the soft representatives of this sign.
The rest of the zodiac signs should not be afraid of the diamond; the main thing here is to find a common language with an attractive gem.
