April Birthstone: Diamond

Did you know that a diamond and the lead used in your pencil are made up of the same element? While both are crystalline forms of carbon, graphite atoms are formed into sheets that can slide back and forth against each other. This is why it is so ideal for being used as a lubricant—and, of course, as pencil lead! Diamonds have a very tightly locked structure of carbon atoms that make them the hardest naturally formed substance in the world. Since diamonds are found tens of miles beneath the earth’s surface, their structure can withstand enormous amounts of pressure and heat. This is how synthetic diamonds are manufactured; mimicking the same heat and pressure that the earth creates beneath the surface yields diamonds that are structurally the same as natural ones.

Uncut diamonds are rather unimpressive, so it is up to expert diamond cutters to cut and polish the stone in order to yield the most brilliant possible diamond. When purchasing one, people must consider not only the carat weight, but also the cut, clarity, and color. These aspects will vary in importance depending on the buyer. For example, one person may care more about their diamond being slightly off-color more than it having a tiny inclusion. This is why it’s very important to sit down with a jeweler and discuss all aspects of your diamond-to-be before any final decisions are made. Since diamonds are forever, you want to like the one you end up with.

Below are examples of the more mainstream diamond cuts. See our earlier blog called “Flower Cut Diamonds” for lesser-known shapes. Also below are a few of the loose diamonds we have here in the store.