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Interesting Facts About Diamonds
Abstract Inspired to share knowledge about a natural precious stone, unveiling some of the important things that are not known Aurex Jewellery sales@aurex.co.zw |
Diamonds
Diamonds are valuable precious gemstones and can be passed from generation to generation hence the saying, “Diamonds are forever”. In Zimbabwe most diamonds are mined in Chiadzwa by the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC). These precious stones are found in different shapes and sizes. Uniqueness is the major characteristic of diamonds and their prices depends on the 4C’s which are cut, colour, clarity and carat.
They may look similar, but they are certainly different. It requires a microscopic eye to denote the difference because diamonds may have the same weight, but each can be defined by its colour, cut and clarity which cannot always be the same.
How to Spot a Fake Diamond
Here are some of easy and enlightening tips;
- Diamonds are among the world’s hardest stones and do not scratch. “Fake” diamonds also known as cubic zirconia scratch up just like any other material that is not a diamond if rubbed on sandpaper.
- Breathe on the surface of the stone and if the stone is a diamond the moisture will clear immediately but if it is any other stone it will be hazy for a moment.
- Diamonds can be tested using an electronic diamond tester.
- Put the stone in water and it sinks immediately if it’s a real gemstone.
Diamond in Jewellery
How to choose diamond rings?
- Cut
The way a diamond shines is influenced by its cut. A diamond’s cut reflects the extent to which a diamond’s facets interact with light. This is an important factor to consider when buying diamonds.
- Colour
It is deemed to be the second most important factor to consider when buying diamonds after cut. Diamonds come in a variety of colours such as white, yellow, brown, black to mention a few. The colour is rated on a scale from D to Z with D representing colourless (associated with top quality) and as the scale moves to Z the intensity of the colour will also be increasing.
- Carat
Is simply a measure of the diamond’s weight. The higher the carats of the diamond the higher the price.
- Clarity
Measures the extent to which the diamond has inclusions. The fewer the inclusions a diamond has the higher the clarity grade. However, people may choose to ignore diamond clarity when making purchase decisions because the small inclusions can only be seen under the microscope.
Written by:
Tariro Nyakutumba
Brian Nyamvura
Darryl Muza
