Lengthy page on Diamonds

This is an interesting page on Diamonds… extremely lengthy so read in your pleasure time

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Diamond defined by Wikipedia

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For other uses, see Diamond (disambiguation).

A scattering of round-brilliant cut diamonds shows off the many reflecting facets.

Diamond is one of the two best known forms (or allotropes) of carbon, whose hardness and high dispersion of light makes it useful for industrial applications and jewelery (the other equally well known allotrope is graphite). Diamonds are specifically renowned as a mineral with superlative physical qualities - they make excellent abrasives because they can only be scratched by other diamonds, which also means they hold a polish extremely well and retain luster. About 130 million carats (26,000 kg) are mined annually, with a total value of nearly USD $9 billion.

The name "diamond" derives from the ancient Greek adamas (αδάμας; "impossible to tame"). They have been treasured as gems since their use as religious icons in India at least 2,500 years ago—and usage in drill bits and engraving tools also dates to early human history. Popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of improved cutting and polishing techniques, and they are commonly judged by the "four Cs": carat, clarity, color, and cut. Nearly four times the mass of natural diamonds are produced as synthetic diamond each year, though these are typically classified with poor-quality specimens that are suitable only for industrial-grade use.

Most natural diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are generally mined from volcanic pipes, which are deep in the Earth where the high pressure and temperature enables the formation of the crystals. The mining and distribution of natural diamonds are subjects of frequent controversy—such as with concerns over the sale of conflict diamonds by African paramilitary groups. There are also allegations that the De Beers Group misuses its dominance in the industry to control supply and manipulate price via monopolistic practices. For more about Diamonds and their use in jewelry read "All About Diamond"

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Make your diamonds look bigger

Bigger is better

Yellow gold is rhodium polished in white color on the prongs (or claws) which hold the diamonds. This is done to enhance the color of the diamonds and make them look bigger.

Regular yellow colored prongs usually crowd around a small diamond and make it look smaller. If the diamonds were to be entirely set in white gold, some would tend to look more yellow in color and hence less precious.

Colorless diamonds i.e. those between D and F look whiter still when set in complete pockets of white gold. However, Near Colorless and Increasingly Yellow diamonds (G to T color range) look yellowier when set against a contrasting white of the rhodium. These diamonds are better off being set in settings made of yellow gold with hints of polish in white rhodium only on the prongs. This would tend to make the diamonds look bigger and cleaner.

Yellow diamonds ranging from U onwards get value added when set in yellow metal because their “fancy color” gets richer set against that background.

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