What is a Diamond and What Makes it So Special

A diamond is a naturally occurring material that is made up of carbon atoms. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material and have been used for centuries for both ornamental and industrial purposes. Natural diamonds are found in
many different colours, including white, blue, yellow, brown, and black. The most popular diamonds used in jewellery are clear or white diamonds.

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth, under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. Diamonds are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions and then picked up by streams and rivers. Most diamonds that are mined today are found
in Africa, Russia, and Australia.

Diamonds have a wide variety of uses. They are used in jewellery, as well as in industrial applications such as cutting tools and drill bits. Diamonds are also used in scientific research, due to their unique properties.

When it comes to diamonds, there is a lot to learn! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about diamonds.

The 4Cs of Diamond Quality

The “Four Cs” of diamonds stand for Carat, Cut, Clarity and Colour. Carat refers to weight is how a diamond is measured and the size of the diamond. Cut is how well the diamond has been cut and includes the height, depth, angles and
other factors. Clarity is how many blemishes or inclusions and is judged on a 6-point scale from included to flawless. Colour is judged on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow-hued diamond). Fancy coloured diamonds are diamonds that
fall outside of the D-Z scale and include diamonds such as blue, pink, red and more.

Keep these Four Cs in mind when shopping for diamonds! A qualified jeweller will be able to help you find the perfect diamond for you.

Diamond Carat

When diamonds are mined, they are measured in carats. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. The size of the diamond is then determined by how many carats it weighs. The majority of diamonds that are used in jewellery range from 0.5 carats to
2 carats. However, diamonds can be found that weigh as much as 5 carats or more!

The weight of a diamond is important, but it is not the only factor that determines the value of a diamond. The other Three Cs also play a role in determining the value of a diamond.

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond is how well the diamond has been cut and includes the height, depth, angles and other factors. The cut of the diamond affects the symmetry, brightness, fire and how sparkly the diamond appears. Diamonds that have
been cut well will appear brighter and have more sparkle.

Diamond Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is judged on a 6-point scale from included to flawless. Diamonds that are included have many blemishes or inclusions. Diamonds that are flawless have no blemishes or inclusions. The majority of diamonds used in
jewellery range from slightly included to very slightly included. 

Diamond Colour

The colour of a diamond is judged on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow-hued diamond). Diamonds that are closer to the D end of the scale are rare and therefore more expensive. Fancy coloured diamonds are diamonds that fall outside
of the D-Z scale and include diamonds such as blue, pink, red and more. These diamonds are very rare and can be quite expensive.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grades diamonds on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow-hued diamond). The grading scale for diamonds is as
follows:

D, E, and F diamonds are considered “colourless” diamonds.

G, H, I, and J diamonds are considered “near colourless” diamonds.

K, L, and M diamonds have a faint yellow hue.

N through Z diamonds have a visible yellow hue.

Now that you know the Four Cs of diamonds, you’re one step closer to understanding what makes a diamond so special.

What Makes a Diamond So Special?

Diamonds are special because of their unique physical and chemical properties. Diamonds are the hardest known material on Earth. They are also one of the most thermally conductive materials. Diamonds are also chemically inert, meaning
they are not affected by other elements. The combination of these properties makes diamonds ideal for many different uses, including jewellery, industrial applications, and scientific research.

Diamonds are a truly amazing natural wonder!