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Diamonds represent wealth, beauty, status,
and perfection.
Consequently, since the beginning of human history they have
been the focus of attention in all cultures for artists,
writers, religions, rulers, and trade. Thieves have
committed murder to steal diamonds and adventurers have
endured great hardships to get them. Ordinary people will
spend a great deal of their hard-earned money to own special
diamond jewelry.
Diamonds are especially significant to many women, as they
represent class and beauty as well as status. Owners of
large diamonds are particularly held in high regard by
admirers, as they are perceived as special. In addition,
many religions recognize the symbolic value of the diamond,
given its extraordinary physical properties as well as its
beauty. For example, the Diamond Sutra in Tibetan Buddhism
is one of the most beloved texts in that religion.
Considered treasured gifts from the gods, the devotional
statues of Hindu gods had diamond eyes. The ancient Greeks
associated diamonds with the tears of the gods. In fact, the
word “diamond” comes from the ancient Greek word adamas,
which means “invincible.” Diamonds have indestructible
properties.
Diamonds are used as tough abrasive or cutting tools in
various industries as well as set in pieces of precious
metal by craftsmen and jewelry designers to create stunning
diamond jewelry. Diamonds, one of the two main forms of
carbon (graphite being the other), can only be scratched by
other diamonds. They are a dynamic conductor of heat and
extremely durable. All these properties and the ability to
reflect light make them useful for both industry and
jewelry. It takes more than two tons of mined ore to find a
quality diamond for a piece of jewelry. Diamonds are
certainly special.
A mined diamond is first taken to a diamond cutter to be
shaped for setting in jewelry. Diamond cutting is an art, as
the diamond must be cut precisely to reflect the light in as
attractive a way as possible. The cutter strives to cut the
stone so that the light is reflected from all facets. The
reflecting light, called the fire, is the most important
feature of a well-cut diamond. It is the fire that attracts
the buyer. After the diamond has been cut, it is polished
and ready for the jewelry maker.
Many well-known diamonds have been named after the owners,
other people, or places. These well-known diamonds are
usually quite large and valuable. They have no brand name,
as they are a product of nature and not manufactured. The
value of a diamond is not based on where it was mined; it
could come from India, Africa, Russia, Canada, Australia, or
another country. Diamonds can be formed from volcanic magma,
tectonic plate movement, and even from the weight of
glaciers.
When shopping for diamond jewelry, people often wonder how a
particular piece of jewelry is assigned a price. Many
factors come into play. The quality of the diamond itself is
judged according to its clarity, carat weight, cut, and
color. A diamond dealer obtains an assessment of the diamond
and sells it to the jeweler who in turn uses it to make
jewelry to sell to customers. The diamond may be set in
gold, platinum, or alloys of precious metals. The design or
style of the jewelry may add to the price, especially if the
designer is well known.
If a customer wants a lab assessment or certification for a
diamond, he can contact the Gemological Institute of America
(GIA). GIA certification is more accurate than assessment by
a jeweler. After obtaining the results, the customer can
browse through a diamond cutter's guide to interpret them.
The “diamond calculators” on the Internet are not considered
accurate, and it is not advisable to try them. The Diamond
Grading Report is the main resource for the serious shopper.
Humanity’s fascination with diamonds will probably last
forever. They are likely to never lose their attraction and
significance in all cultures. Today, for those buying
engagement and wedding rings, they signify true love, hope,
and promise. Shopping for rings is a romantic and intimate
occasion for couples. Luckily, there is a wide selection of
diamond rings suitable for many different budgets. A diamond
ring is a very personal item and should be chosen with care;
after all, diamonds last a very long time!
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