| Diamond is a precious gemstone frequently | | | | combinations include lighter, bridal colored blends |
| incorporated into some of the most modern, | | | | with aquamarine, pearls and carnelian. Diamond is |
| beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is a | | | | typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that |
| clear stone revered for its ability to reflect light, | | | | works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works |
| and is widely recognized as the April Birthstone | | | | especially well to enhance the luster of blue or |
| and the center stone used in most American | | | | green eyes. |
| engagement rings. But beyond its modern-day | | | | Almost half of all Diamonds come from mines in |
| uses and associations, diamonds hold a decadent | | | | central and southern Africa. The other half comes |
| mythological, spiritual and etymological history that | | | | from mines in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil and |
| add nostalgic value to their already strong | | | | Australia. Today, the jewelry industry is buzzing |
| aesthetic worth. Read on for more information | | | | about high-quality or lab-created diamonds. These |
| that will help you fall in love with your diamond | | | | synthetic diamonds possess the same molecular |
| jewelry - or inspire you to buy some today! | | | | structure as natural diamonds. With public |
| Diamonds are prized for their beauty and | | | | concerns about the mining industry, these |
| durability. A form of carbon, the Diamond is the | | | | man-made beauties offer a compelling alternative |
| world's hardest known natural material. In fact, | | | | to the real thing. |
| the word "Diamond" comes from the ancient | | | | Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| Greek adamas, which means invincible. Because of | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| their durability, Diamonds have been used in tools | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Diamonds |
| for since antiquity. Diamonds were first used as | | | | are often proved real by the fact that they can |
| religions icons in India nearly 2,500 years ago. | | | | scratch glass. Because they are such scratch |
| Since then, they've become highly coveted | | | | resistant stones, diamonds are extremely suitable |
| gemstones. | | | | as a component of oft-worn jewelry. Diamonds |
| Diamonds are often described and valued by their | | | | should be regularly cleaned by a professional or |
| gemological characteristics: The Four C's (carat, | | | | with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid |
| color, cut and clarity). Although Diamonds are used | | | | ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals |
| in many types of fine jewelry, they are | | | | when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as |
| traditionally associated with engagement and | | | | exposure to these elements can damage |
| wedding rings. Most people think diamonds are | | | | semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls. |
| white or colorless. In fact, yellow and brown | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious and precious |
| Diamonds are the most common. Any Diamond | | | | gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, |
| with a hue other than brown or yellow is | | | | aquamarine, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, |
| considered a colored Diamond. Colorless Diamonds | | | | chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, |
| are pure or nearly pure. The color scale for | | | | crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, |
| colorless diamonds goes from D (colorless) to Z | | | | moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, |
| (light yellow). | | | | ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, |
| Diamonds look best as parts of formal evening | | | | tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out |
| jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, dark | | | | this gemstone chart. |
| amethyst or cool blue sapphire. More casual | | | | |