Diamonds hold a special place for everyone. Over the centuries their power and beauty have worked their magic on succeeding cultures and generations, so that today diamonds have truly become the world’s most powerful symbol of love.

A diamond is a natural mineral consisting essentially of carbon crystallized in the isometric (cubic) crystal system.

4 C’s of a Diamond

Carat

The weight of a diamond is expressed in Carats. One carat being equivalent to 200mg

Clarity

It refers to how clean or clear the diamond is. Clarity is a Relative degree to which a diamond is free of internal characteristics (inclusions) and external characteristics (blemishes).

Fewer the impurities more the value of diamond. It is extremely rare to find a diamond that lacks any internal/external characteristics.

The clarity grade of GIA ranges from Flaw less (FL), Very Very Slight Inclusions (VVS1/ VVS2), Very Slight Inclusion (VS1/VS2), Slight Inclusions (SI1/SI2) to Imperfect (I1/I2/I3)

Colour

Diamonds mostly appear colourless. However, many actually contain subtle shades of yellow or brown. The closer a diamond is to having no colour, the more valuable it becomes, because the light is free to play through it giving you a truly dazzling diamond. Diamonds can also be found in what are known as 'fancy' colours, including yellow, brown, pink and blue. These are extremely rare and valuable.

Diamonds that ranges from colorless to light yellow and light brown fall within the D-to-Z range

Cut

It refers to Shape, proportions and finish of a diamond. It fuels a diamond fire, sparkle and brilliance. A polished diamond’s proportions affect its light performance, which in turn affects its beauty and overall appeal.

The Cut grade of GIA ranges from Excellent to Poor

Shape

Selection of shape is simply a matter of personal taste. The principle shapes are round brilliant, oval, marquise, heart, emerald, pear and Princess.

Caring for Diamonds

Diamonds must be kept clean and be stored carefully when they are not being worn. Here are some guidelines to help keep diamonds in top condition:

·         Avoid wearing diamond jewellery while doing any kind of rough work. Even though a diamond is extremely durable, a hard blow could chip it.

·         While doing household chores, never allow jewellery to come into contact with chlorine bleach.

·         If there is a loose stone setting, stones moving, or any other noticeable damage to jewellery, one should not wear the jewellery until it is repaired.

·         When diamonds are not worn they should be stored in a fabric-lined case or in a box with dividers or separate compartments--diamonds can scratch other jewellery as well as each other.

·         The best and safest way to care for a Diamond is to clean it by giving a detergent bath in lukewarm water.

·         After washing the diamond, should be wiped with soft lint free cloth.

·         Lotions, soaps, perfumes and hairsprays can affect the brilliance of the diamonds by leaving a film on them.