Diamonds, Allure of Desire & Love? Natural or Lab-Grown??

Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend & Diamonds are Forever; We have all heard the slogans but the true mystique of the natural diamond comes from within!

Natural Diamonds formed were done so prior to the dinosaurs. The youngest diamond is a billion years old.

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance; the only gemstone made of 1 element, Carbon. They are resistant to deterioration and they store electrical energy.

Diamonds have been adorned by royalty for centuries; they displayed their power and wealth! Diamonds are a stone with power; they display a spectrum of color, a fire that is unmatched and truly unique to the earth!

Diamonds have spiritual attractions for calming a bad temper, over-thinking issues and curing nervousness. Diamonds bring peace to the owner. Diamonds attract comfort, pleasure and romance. Diamonds bring us closer to love!

Natural Diamonds

Spiritual meanings of a diamond include:

• Strength

• Courage

• Truth

• Purity

• Invincibility &

• Eternal Love

Diamonds were once believed to fend off negative influences, force away bad energy and fear.

Diamonds are critiqued by the 4C's:

• Carat

• Color

• Clarity

• Cut

Carat Weight to Size of a diamond:

• 0.25 carat = 4.1 mm

• 0.50 carat: 5.1 mm

• 0.75 carat: 5.8 mm

• 1.00 carat: 6.4 mm

• 1.50 carat: 7.4 mm

• 2.00 carat: 8.1 mm

• 3.00 carat: 9.3 mm

• 5.00 carat: 11 mm

Color

• D (Colorless): Perfectly colorless. Highest grade.

• E (Colorless): Rare, Minute hints of color.

• F (Colorless): Yet considered colorless, a faint hint of color detectable usually by a gemologist.

• G (Near Colorless): A bit more color, still looks colorless to most people.

• H (Near Colorless): Observable color, still considered a good value for the untrained eye.

• I (Faint Yellow): Recognizable color, slight yellow/brown tint.

• J (Faint Yellow): Noticeable color, on the lower end of quality scale.

• K to Z: Stronger color, Light yellow to brown, deeper tints as the scale continues

Clarity

• FL (Flawless): No blemishes or inclusions visible even under magnification

• IF (Internally Flawless): No minor surface blemishes, No internal inclusions

• VVS1 (Very Very Sightly Included): Very minor inclusions, detection is difficult

• VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Very small inclusions

• VS1 (Very Slightly Included): Slight inclusions, detection somewhat easy

• VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Slight inclusions, noticeable

• SI1 (Slightly Included): Noticeable inclusions, possibly to the naked eye

• SI2 (Slightly Included): Apparent inclusions, visible to naked eye

• I1 (Included): Very noticeable, affects appearance of the diamond

• I2 (Included): Obvious inclusions, affects structural integrity

• I3 (Included): Severe inclusions, affects brilliance of diamond

Cut/Shapes

• Round Brilliant (most popular, most definitely known for its brilliance)

• Princess (square-shaped)

• Cushion (rounded corners)

• Emerald (rectangular with step cuts)

• Asscher (square, similar to emerald, with a higher crown)

• Marquise (oval, pointed ends)

• Oval (oval shape)

• Radiant (rectangular/square with trimmed corners)

• Pear (teardrop shape)

Factors that affect cut of a diamond:

1. Proportions: Angles and symmetry at which facets are cut influence how light enters and exits the diamond.

   • Table size (flat top of the diamond).

   • Crown angle (upper portion above the girdle).

   • Pavilion depth (below the girdle).

2. Symmetry and Polish: When diamond's facets align and how well the surface was finished.

3. Facet Arrangement: Pattern of facets (for round, princess, other fancy cuts) changes how they affect it's overall sparkle.

   
   

Lab-grown Diamonds

Known as man-made or synthetic diamonds; diamonds are created in a laboratory setting rather than mined from the earth. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds; the key difference lies, in their origin.

Methods: Producing Lab-Grown Diamonds:

1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Method mimics extreme pressure and temperature conditions found deep within the Earth, where natural diamonds are formed. A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber with carbon and the diamond is subjected to intense heat and pressure which causes it to crystallize into a diamond.

   
   

2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber; a gas mixture containing carbon (typically methane) is introduced, heated, and breaks down the carbon molecules, this settles onto the seed and forms a diamond layer by layer.

   
   

How to Identify Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Though lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye, they can be identified by a trained gemologist using specialized equipment. Most Lab-grown diamonds have an inscription; a laser marking on the girdle, (the outer edge of the diamond) which indicates that it was created in a lab.

• Made in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds do not contribute to environmental damage that can be associated with diamond mining, such as habitat destruction, deforestation, and water pollution. They also eliminate concerns about the unethical labor practices in diamond mining.

• Lab-grown diamonds are produced in various colors, shapes and sizes, offering a wider range for consumers.

• Lab-grown diamonds grading is under the same criteria as natural diamonds: the "4 Cs" (carat, color, clarity, and cut).

  
  

Personal Experience:

Lab-grown diamonds do provide a ethical, sustainable, and cost-effective option as opposed to traditional diamonds and offers the same beauty and durability. They appeal to consumers who prioritize environmental and ethical concerns without compromising on the quality or appearance.

I personally have a thing for the allure of natural diamonds. Their brilliant light is a natural work of art. They contain a natural inner fire that has been idolized for many moons. No two natural stones are the same which makes each diamond its own! Since the "Roaring 20's," diamonds are a symbol of resilience and are absolutely timeless! For these reasons and more, I will never choose anything other than a natural!!

Song: Diamonds & Daughters By: Aaron Watson

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