All About Diamonds

The diamond is April's gemstone and perhaps the most recognized gem in the world. Diamonds were first mined in India over 3,000 years ago. And while the diamond mines in India have mostly played out, India cuts and polishes over 90% of all diamonds. Today, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Brazil and Russia are the leading diamond producers.

Yellow & Blue Diamonds

Diamonds were formed deep in the earth under extreme heat and pressure. As the earth cooled, volcanic activity pushed diamonds to the surface. Some, through volcanic outbursts, made their way to river- and stream-beds. Others formed volcanic pipes known as Kimberlite pipes. Each diamond is anywhere from a few million to 3 billion years old.

The popularity of diamonds escalated in the 19th century as a result of an increase in supply, improvements in cutting and polishing techniques, growth in world economy, and innovative advertising campaigns. The most successful and well-known of the advertising campaigns is DeBeers' A Diamond Is Forever, first launched in 1947. This campaign popularized the use of diamonds in engagement rings and fostered a demand for diamonds.

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone in the world. In fact, the word "diamond" comes from the ancient Greek word "adamas" meaning unbreakable. This hardness makes diamonds well-suited to everyday wear. In addition, the high dispersion of light, which gives the stone "fire", makes diamonds highly desired for jewelry. However, only 20% of all diamonds mined are considered to be gem quality. The other 80% are used for industrial purposes.

Black & Champagne Diamonds

Petalite Solitaire

While white or colorless diamonds are the most familiar; diamonds also come in reds, pinks, blues, greens, yellows and browns as well as black. Yellows and browns are the most common, with brown being marketed as champagne or chocolate diamonds. Black diamonds are often used in mourning jewelry.

Unfortunately, natural diamond jewelry doesn't fit into every budget. Luckily there are synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants. Synthetic diamonds are made in a laboratory and have the same optical and physical properties as natural diamonds. Diamond simulants are stones which simulate the look of natural diamonds. Diamond simulants can either be man-made like cubic zirconia (CZ) and crystal, or natural gemstones like petalite, white sapphire and white zircon. So regardless of your budget, you can add a little sparkle to your life.

Crystal Cube Necklace