What is a Diamond?

Imagine a journey to the Earth's core. There, under immense pressure and scorching heat, carbon atoms undergo a transformative process. Over millions of years, these atoms are squeezed together so tightly that they form a crystal—a diamond. Hidden for millions of years, diamonds only reached the Earth's surface after volcanic activity transported them upward in magma.Ancient texts and archaeological findings suggest that diamonds were being mined and traded in India as early as the 4th century BC.

Types of Diamonds

Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth under extreme conditions of heat and pressure. They are comprised of nearly 99.95% carbon, with the other 0.05% reflecting trace elements that aren't part of their essential chemistry — making diamond the only gemstone constructed of a single element. They are the hardest naturally occurring material found on Earth and one of the most sought-after.

Types of Diamonds

Lab Diamonds
Lab diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically the same as natural diamonds. In other words, they look, feel, and are identical. Their difference lies only in their origins — natural diamonds form within the Earth, and lab diamonds are grown by professionals with specialized equipment. Another difference relates to cost; as lab grown diamonds are less rare than natural diamonds, they often come at a much more accessible price.

4 C's of Diamonds

The beauty and value of a diamond are determined by four primary characteristics known as the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These factors work together to influence a diamond's brilliance, fire, and overall appearance. Created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1940s, the 4 C's act as a universal scale to describe and determine the quality of diamonds.

Cut

The cut of a diamond, graded from Excellent to Poor, is a critical factor in determining a diamond's beauty and value, influencing its brilliance, fire, and overall sparkle.

Color

Color in diamonds refers to the absence of color, with the scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z. Diamonds beyond Z are classified as 'fancy colored'.

Clarity 

Clarity refers to the absence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes within a diamond, with the scale ranging from Internally Flawless to Included.

Carat

Carat is a unit of measurement used to describe the weight of a diamond, not its size. One carat is approximately the weight of a paperclip.

Diamond Certification

Most diamonds, including all FIICCI diamonds, are certified by reputable gemological laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), These laboratories employ skilled professionals who use advanced equipment to evaluate a diamond's cut, color, clarity, and carat.   This comprehensive assessment provides a clear picture of the diamond's quality and value. To ensure authenticity, many diamonds are laser inscribed with a unique identification number that corresponds to the number on their certificate. This allows you to visually verify the diamond's authenticity using magnification.

Diamond Shape

Shape refers to the external appearance of a diamond's outline. It is distinct from cut, which refers to a diamond's internal facet arrangement. The most popular shape is round, and any other shape (such as emerald, marquise, or oval) is considered a 'fancy shape.'

Diamond Hardness

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral found on Earth. It is so hard that it ranks at the highest hardness level (a 10) on the Mohs scale, a rating system developed in 1822. The hardness of a diamond signifies its resistance to scratching — and it's true that only a diamond can scratch a diamond. Therefore, diamonds are ideal for everyday wear, making them perfect as center stones in jewelry as well as engagement rings.

Diamond Fluorescence

Diamond fluorescence is the phenomenon of a diamond emitting visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. It is graded based on the intensity of its reaction to long-wave UV light, a component of daylight. While fluorescence may cause diamonds to glow blue or yellow under UV light, it has no discernible effect on their appearance under normal lighting conditions or their structural integrity.

Diamond Price

The value of a diamond is directly tied to its rarity and quality. Diamonds with higher grades in the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are more sought after and, consequently, more expensive. Lab-grown diamonds, while still beautiful, are generally more affordable due to their increased availability.

Diamond Grading Scale

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a comprehensive grading system that evaluates diamonds based on four key characteristics:cut,color,clarity,and carat.This system,universally recognized as the industry standard,provides a standardized framework for assessing a diamond's quality and value.

How to Buy Diamonds

  • 1. When selecting a diamond, it's crucial to understand the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) and how they interact with your budget. While a larger carat weight may be desirable, you might need to compromise on other factors like color or clarity to stay within your budget. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all diamond, so prioritize the qualities that matter most to you.

    2. Beyond the 4Cs, consider the shape of the diamond. While round brilliant diamonds are popular, other shapes like oval, cushion, princess, radiant, emerald, marquise, pear, and asscher offer unique styles.

    3. Always verify the diamond's authenticity with a certification from a reputable institution like GIA, IGI, HRD, or GCAL. At Brilliant Earth, all our diamonds are certified, ensuring quality and authenticity.

    At FIICCI, we're proud to offer our customers an incredible assortment of sustainable and ethical diamonds in all shapes and sizes , so you're sure to find the one that suits you best.

Diamond FAQ

What is diamond certification?

Diamond certification is a grading report issued by a gemological laboratory, such as the GIA, that provides detailed information about a diamond's quality based on the 4Cs.

How can I tell if a diamond is real?

While there are at-home tests, the most reliable way to determine a diamond's authenticity is to have it examined by a professional gemologist or send it to a reputable gemological laboratory for certification.

What is diamond fluorescence?

Diamond fluorescence is the phenomenon where a diamond emits visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. It's a natural occurrence and doesn't affect the diamond's durability or beauty.

What is the best shape for a diamond engagement ring?

The best shape for a diamond engagement ring is a matter of personal preference. Popular shapes include round, princess, cushion, and oval.

How do I clean my diamond jewelry?

To clean your diamond jewelry, gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild dish soap, and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.

What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

White gold is an alloy of gold and other metals, while platinum is a pure element. Platinum is more durable and hypoallergenic than white gold.

How much should I spend on a diamond engagement ring?

There's no set rule for how much to spend on a diamond engagement ring. It depends on your budget and personal preferences. It's recommended to set a realistic budget and focus on finding a diamond that you love.

What is a halo setting?

A halo setting is a diamond setting that features a center stone surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds, creating the illusion of a larger center stone.

What is the best way to store diamond jewelry?

The best way to store diamond jewelry is in a soft-lined jewelry box or pouch, away from other pieces of jewelry that could scratch the diamond.

Collapsible rowHow often should I have my diamond jewelry cleaned?

It's a good idea to have your diamond jewelry cleaned professionally once a year. However, you can clean it at home using a mild jewelry cleaner and a soft-bristled brush more frequently.

What is the difference between a brilliant cut and a step cut?

A brilliant cut diamond has many facets that create a sparkling effect, while a step cut diamond has long, rectangular facets that give it a more geometric appearance.

Collapsible rowWhat is a diamond's girdle?

The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond where the crown and pavilion meet. It's often used as a place for laser inscriptions.