Diamonds
DIAMOND TECHNICAL DATA
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Species ----------------------- Diamond
Chemical
Formula--------------------C
Birthstone
---------------------------April
Anniversary
Stone---Tenth & Sixtieth
* Mohs
Scale Hardness---------#10
Durability
----------------------Excellent
* Refractive
Index---------------2.417
* Specific
Gravity---------------3.52+/-
Significance
of these* data ((FAQ # 5)
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DIAMOND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Color
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Although normally thought of as white, Diamonds do
exist in every color of the spectrum. The color is caused by the even
distribution of certain elements in the crystal structure. Nitrogen is often
present in many diamonds, causing them to take on a yellow hue. Boron produces
blue and Argon produces pink / red. If both Nitrogen and Boron are present a
green hue results. (see table below).
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Clarity
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Clarity of a Diamond refers to the size, number
and location of any inclusions or flaws in the Diamond. (see table below).
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Treatment
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Most Diamonds are not treated but if there are
cracks or cavities in the crystal these may be filled with a glass-like
substance so as to make the imperfection less obvious. Diamonds with large,
black carbon inclusions may be lazer drilled to burn out the black carbon. We
do not carry any Diamonds subject to these treatments. If a Diamond contains
Boron or other elements that are not evenly distributed they can be irradiated
to enhance the color. Any Diamonds we carry that have not been so treated are
labeled as "natural" or "nat." Synthetic
(FAQ # 8) Diamonds do
exist but they are primarily used for industrial purposes. Cubic Zirconium and
Moizanite are not synthetic Diamonds but only Immitation
(FAQ # 8).
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Care
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Diamonds are the hardest gemstones known and
usually require no special care. However, Diamonds do have cleavage plains but
these only require care for the points such as Marquise or Pear Shape gems.
Colored Diamonds which have been irratiated should not be subjected to the
high temperatures used for retipping claws as this could cause them to lose
color.
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Uses
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Diamonds are durable enough for any jewellery use.
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Sources
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Currently most Diamonds come from the Southern
part of Africa, Australia, Russia, and most recently, Canada.
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Value
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The value of a Diamond is created by the 4 C's-
Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight.
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COLOR GRADES
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D
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-Completely transparant. The actual gem cannot be
seen if no facet is reflecting light.
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E
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-Almost transparant. Outline of gem is visible,
the lines between facets is barely visible.
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F
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-"Fine White". The lines between the facets are
slightly visible
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G
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-"Top White". The lines between the facets are
more visible.
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H
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-"White". The facet edges are easily visible.
There is no trace of any color.
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I
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-"Top Commercial White". Questionable whether or
not there is a trace of color.
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J
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-"Commercial White". A trace of color but so faint
that the color cannot be identified.
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K
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-A very faint color. (TLB-Top Light Brown appears
colorless in a yellow gold setting)
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L
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-A more distinct amount of color. (LB-Light Brown)
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M--- Z
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-Progressively more intense color
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CLARITY GRADES
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F
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"Flawless". No inclusions visible under 10 power
magnification.
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IF
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"Internally Flawless". No internal inclusions
visible under 10 power magnification.
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VVS1
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"Very , Very Slight Inclusions". Very few and none
in the heart of the stone.
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VVS 2
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"Very, Very Slight Inclusions". Either a few more
inclusions or some in the heart of the stone.
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VS1
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"Very Slight Inclusions". More easily visible
under 10 power magnification.
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VS2
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"Very Slight Inclusions". Either a few more or one
in the heart of the stone.
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SI1
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"Slight Inclusions". None visible to the naked
eye, none in the heart of the stone.
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SI2
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"Slight Inclusions". Either a few more but none in
the heart of the stone.
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I1
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Inclusions, but barely visible to the naked eye.
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I2
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Iinclusions readily visible to the naked eye.
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I3
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Many or larger inclusions obvious to the naked
eye.
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RETURN TO DIAMOND
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