Diamonds are fascinating. They've been admired by people for generations. These gemstones are often called the hardest form of natural materials, but they are also one of the most misunderstood. Here are some common myths about
diamonds that might surprise you.
Myth #1- Diamonds Are Expensive
The most popular misconception people have is that all diamonds are equally priced. However, plenty of
diamond stores offer options at various prices. Some people feel hesitant about going to these stores for this reason. Diamonds are typically priced based on their cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. You can get a diamond with the same glamorous look as celebrities for a much better price. For this, you can cut corners yet get a desirable diamond for your diamond engagement ring. For instance, you do not necessarily need a 0.75-carat diamond, you can go for a cheaper 0.70-carat diamond with the same sparkle and glow as you would get in the 0.75-carat diamond. There won't be much of a difference when worn on any diamond ring.
Myth #2- All Diamonds Are The Same
Diamonds are always steeped in the mystique of being rare and exquisite. But did you know that there are differences even in a single diamond? Every diamond has sections which have blemishes and sections which have inclusions, but these might not be visible to the naked eye. For this, they are given a grade based on their
Cut, Clarity, and Color. Finally, the diamond’s carat weight makes a big difference in its pricing, as we saw in the example above.
Myth #3-All Diamonds Are White
Though most diamonds are white, there are rare colored diamonds available too. These include yellow diamonds, pink diamonds, green diamonds, and so on. One thing to note though, we are not talking about similar colored semi-precious gemstones- these are real diamonds in their truest form. Also called fancy color diamonds, these diamonds have a grade of their own. In fact, very slight color differences can make a big price difference. While yellow diamonds come in various color saturations, other colored diamonds like blue, pink or green are extremely rare. So much so, they are auctioned for the best price.
There are a lot of diamonds in different colors that are all the same in price, which can make it hard to find one. But when someone does find a diamond they like, it makes the search worth it. Jewelry appraisers elsewhere often buy antique jewelry from bounty hunters looking to become rich just by selling colored diamond-encrusted jewelry.
Myth #4 – Diamonds Are Indestructible
Diamonds are made of carbon just like graphite, graphene and other materials that are based on it. The main difference between diamonds and glass is that diamonds bond more closely, making it last longer. We wouldn’t say diamonds are indestructible. They do degrade to graphite eventually. However, this process is so slow that a diamond can last billions of years in the same form. This means they are pretty durable for human lifetimes, at least.
Myth #5- All Diamonds Are Mined
Since the 1950s, diamonds have been produced in a lab setting mimicking the way they were found deep in the earth’s crust. There are two distinct ways to do this- High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) diamond.
In the HPHT process, a source of carbon (typically graphite) is used as a seed along with a metal solvent and subjected to an environment that mimics the way diamonds are produced about 100 miles in the Earth’s crust. CVD, on the other hand, is the process where a diamond crystal is subjected to high pressure and temperature above 2000°C. Such conditions result in thermal dissociation of hydrogen which eventually results in high-quality diamonds
In the HPHT process, a source of carbon (typically graphite) is used as a seed along with a metal solvent and subjected to an environment that mimics the way diamonds are produced about 100 miles in the Earth’s crust. CVD, on the other hand, is the process where a diamond crystal is subjected to high pressure and temperature above 2000°C. Such conditions result in thermal dissociation of hydrogen which eventually results in high-quality diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds look just as good as natural diamonds. Anyone can't really tell the difference as they both come from the same manufacturer and undergo rigorous quality testing. In fact, even experts would need high-end equipment to tell which is which. These lab-grown diamonds are almost 40 percent cheaper than mined diamonds. Many jewelers prefer using these as a viable alternative to mined diamonds.
Myth #6- Diamonds Cannot Chip Or Brea
Yes, diamonds are the hardest material on earth. But it's not impossible for them to chip or break, especially after they've been cut. Once they're cut, if force is applied or if you drop it on another surface then there's a chance that the diamond will show some signs of damage - even though only the smallest edges may be visible. To protect them from this, diamonds are carefully protected by the settings (design) of the jewelry.
A Few Last WordsDiamonds are an exquisite stone that has captivated mankind for ages. It is said they make the best engagement ring - in fact, giving one symbolizes the depth of feelings one has for their significant other. There are diamonds of different prices on offer, so all you have to do is find a suitable jeweler and speak with them about what you want. If you're looking to buy diamonds, talk with our experts for consultations. We can help you find the right jeweler at the best price.
