Diamonds FAQ
Diamonds FAQ
Formed through a natural process, diamonds have long been beloved for their incomparable strength and brilliance. They are the hardest natural substance on the planet, ensuring any piece inlaid with glittering diamonds will last in beauty and form for many years. These gems are also among the most valuable in the world and are often used in some of the most sentimental and meaningful jewelry pieces, such as engagement rings and wedding bands. Diamonds come at no small price tag and, thus, should be chosen carefully and with plenty of insight into the characteristics of diamonds. Our team at BENARI JEWELERS has compiled a list of our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter here to help make your diamond shopping experience a breeze.
How Are Diamonds Formed?
Just one of the things that makes diamonds so appealing is the natural process by which they are created. Their formation occurs miles beneath the planet’s surface, where carbon particles are subjected to immense pressure and heat. The carbon particles are bonded together, forming crystals that make diamonds so brilliant. From here, the gems must be brought to the earth’s crust to be mined. This is made possible by volcanic eruption that carries the gems miles and miles upward. The entire process of natural diamond formation takes millions to billions of years.
Should I Purchase A Natural or Lab-Grown Diamond?
Natural diamonds are rare and require a massive amount of effort to mine. With natural diamonds, it can also be challenging to determine whether the gems’ mining was done ethically, with proper respect and care for the miners and the geographical area where they were mined. When shopping for natural diamonds, seeking brands that guarantee conflict-free mining is essential.
However, this can be avoided completely when you opt for a lab-grown diamond. Over the years, scientists and gemologists have perfected the process of recreating the conditions that form diamonds in a controlled environment, allowing these stones to be mass-produced. Lab-grown diamonds are produced at lightning speed compared to natural diamonds and are visually and chemically identical to their natural counterparts. However, they are slightly less valuable than natural stones. When shopping for diamond jewelry, it is essential to consider what aspects of diamonds are most important to you. Do you prefer a more affordable gem or one that retains its value over time? Are you most concerned with finding a conflict-free gem or a miraculously produced natural one?
What Are The Most Popular Diamond Cuts?
A diamond’s “cut” refers to the way its facets are arranged and the silhouette it possesses. The cut also determines how the gem reflects light. Diamond cutters have perfected these cuts that allow the beauty of each diamond to fully come through. These are some of the most common diamond cuts you’ll encounter when shopping for diamond jewelry.
- Round: This is by far the most popular diamond cut, making up over 75% of all engagement rings sold. It features 58 individual facets and is one of the most brilliant available.
- Princess: The second most popular cut, the princess cut features a square silhouette that is wonderfully sharp and geometric, perfect for those looking to make a bold statement.
- Radiant: The radiant cut offers maximum brilliance. It is rectangular in shape, with softened corners, and combines elements of the round cut and emerald cut.
- Cushion: Similar to the princess, the cushion cut features a squared silhouette but has softened corners that result in a shape resembling a pillow or cushion.
- Oval: Oval cut diamonds are feminine and romantic, featuring an elongated silhouette that makes the wearer's finger appear long and slender. Like the round cut, it has 58 sparkling facets.
- Emerald: The emerald cut is a rare one, composed of parallel facets that create a mesmerizing hall of mirrors effect. It is used on only the highest quality gems because its cut gives the wearer a clear view of the gem's interior.
- Pear Shape: Pear shape diamonds are similar to oval cut stones but feature one pointed end and one rounded, resembling a teardrop. This cut is excellent for those looking for something unique.
Can I Choose A Colorful Diamond?
Colorful diamonds are a great option if you want a gem that possesses a diamond's sparkle and hardness but prefers color over colorless gemstones. Colorless diamonds are iconic and timeless, but colorful diamonds offer a bit of personality and vibrance to any piece. Various hues occur when certain substances or inclusions are present in the gem’s creation process. These colors can also be achieved in the lab. You can find diamonds in a range of colors, such as black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, violet, brown, and gray.
What Are The Four C’s?
A diamond’s value is determined by its grade in four different areas. These are known as the four C’s. They are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. A diamond’s cut is graded according to its precision, symmetry, and ability to reflect light with great brilliance. Its color, on the other hand, is graded according to its colorlessness. Typically, the more yellow or brown a gem is, the lower its grade. A diamond’s clarity refers to its lack of inclusions and cloudiness. The perfect diamond should allow the viewer to look easily through the stone without obstructing their vision. Carat weight refers to a gem’s size. The bigger the gem, the more valuable it is.
Shop Diamonds at BENARI JEWELERS
Find the finest loose diamonds and designer diamond jewelry to bring a bit of incredible sparkle to your wardrobe here at BENARI JEWELERS. Our high standards ensure that any piece you purchase from our Exton and Newton Square, Pennsylvania jewelry stores is of the highest quality and will last you a lifetime. Allow our team of experts to guide you through our inventory to find the pieces that best suit your needs. Book an appointment today for a personalized consultation with one of our team members, or feel free to browse our inventory online at your convenience.
