Diamond
Diamond is known for its brilliance, but its character comes from more than sparkle. Cut, colour, clarity and proportions all affect the way a particular stone looks. Diamonds can be colourless or appear in yellow, brown, pink, blue and other colours. Alongside their gemological properties, they carry personal meanings of love, commitment and strength.
Diamond at a glance
| Mineral | Diamond |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Carbon — C |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Colours | Colourless, yellow, brown, pink, blue and other colours |
| Mohs hardness | 10 |
| Refractive index | Approximately 2.42 |
| Specific gravity | Approximately 3.52 |
Why does a diamond sparkle?
Diamond bends light strongly. A well-planned cut directs light back towards the eye and can separate white light into flashes of colour, known as fire. The outline alone does not determine this effect: the angles, proportions and finish matter. Two stones of the same shape can behave very differently in light.
What determines quality and price?
The four familiar criteria are the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Cut describes how successfully a stone interacts with light; it is not simply its outline. Colour grading for most colourless to light-yellow or light-brown diamonds runs from D to Z. D–F are considered colourless. Fancy-colour diamonds are assessed differently, with particular attention to their colour.
Clarity considers internal inclusions and surface features. Grading is based on examination at 10× magnification, using a loupe or microscope. Features visible only at higher magnification are not the basis of the grade. Their size, number, position, nature and visibility are assessed. The scale runs from FL (Flawless), with no inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader at 10×, through IF, VVS1–VVS2, VS1–VS2 and SI1–SI2, to I1–I3, where inclusions are obvious at this magnification and may also be visible to the unaided eye. Carat is a measure of weight: one carat equals 0.2 grams. Weight alone does not tell us a diamond’s visible size. Price depends on the combination of characteristics, origin and any treatments, rather than a single grade.
Hardness does not mean unbreakable
Diamond has a Mohs hardness of 10 and excellent resistance to scratching. It can nevertheless chip or break, especially if struck along a cleavage direction. Thin girdles, sharp corners and the position of inclusions are relevant when planning a setting. The jewellery should protect the stone while presenting it beautifully.
Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds
Natural diamonds formed within the Earth. Laboratory-grown diamonds are produced through controlled processes such as HPHT or CVD and have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. Their origin is different, and that distinction matters when choosing and pricing a stone.
A laboratory-grown diamond is not the same as a diamond imitation. Moissanite and cubic zirconia, for example, are different materials. Appearance alone is not a reliable way to identify origin; specialised gemological testing can distinguish them.
Can diamonds be treated?
Yes. Some treatments change colour, including certain HPHT processes and irradiation. Others alter the appearance of inclusions, such as laser drilling or fracture filling. Treatments should be disclosed because they can affect value and handling. A natural diamond can also be treated; “natural” describes its origin, not the absence of treatment.
What does a grading report tell us?
A report from a suitable gemological laboratory records the characteristics examined and, depending on the service, identifies origin and treatments. For natural diamonds, grading provides a useful basis for comparing quality and interpreting price differences. It is not a valuation or a guarantee of a selling price. The issuing laboratory and the precise scope of the report matter.
Diamond in a personal design
A diamond may be the centrepiece or a small accent beside a coloured gemstone. The setting, gold colour and proportions influence the overall impression. White gold can help preserve the visual appearance of a high-colour white diamond, while yellow gold creates a different character. There is no requirement to choose a diamond for an engagement ring: the right stone is the one that suits your story and taste.
Spiritual and personal meaning
In various traditions, diamond symbolises clarity, strength and lasting commitment. Some associate it with focused intention and inner light. In jewellery it can become a personal reminder of a relationship, a decision or a meaningful milestone. These are spiritual and symbolic interpretations, not gemological properties or medically proven effects.
Your diamond, in jewellery created for you
At TzurGems, Guy’s gemological knowledge meets the craftsmanship of Rafael, an artisan goldsmith. We consider the stone together with its setting, proportions and intended use, creating jewellery for the person who will wear it.