Things to know about Diamonds
Diamonds consist of 99.9% carbon – the element of all life. It emerges in nature over hundreds of years inside the earth under high pressure and temperatures. The name ‘diamond’ has its origin in the late Latin ‘diamantem’ and Greek ‘adamantem’; which means as much as the invincible.
Quality features
Four quality features assess the value of a diamond. The combination of these four features determines the gem’s value; therefore, two diamonds that may appear to be the same can have different prices and values.
Carat
The bigger and heavier, the less frequent the gem.
In 1907 the measurement ‘carat’ was officially introduced being 0.2 grams. The prices of a diamond rise in proportion to the weight of the gems. In nature, big diamonds are less frequent and therefore more expensive, whereas in the case of synthetic diamonds, the costs rise in proportion to the duration for its production; and accordingly the prices.
Clarity
The clearer, the more valuable the gem.
Less than 1% of all diamonds ever found are flawless - without any inclusions. The inclusions in natural diamonds appear as small crystals, clouds or feathers. Sometimes these inclusions are invisible to the eye. Inclusions – whether visible or invisible to the eye - interfere with the brilliance of the diamond; since the light’s reflection is uninterrupted between the surfaces of the gemstone.
In the case of Algordanza Memorial Diamonds, inclusions can occur too. Our diamonds are usually of the grade SI (small inclusions) or better. These small inclusions in our memorial diamonds may generally be visible as dark spots. The potential inclusions in Algordanza Memorial Diamonds emphasize the uniqueness of each diamond.
Colour
The less coloured, the more beautiful
With dug diamonds, it is thought the less colouration in a diamond, the rarer and the more valuable the diamond is. This is the general rule. The exception are the so-called ‘Fancy Diamonds’. Fancy diamonds are of intense colour and are likewise extremely rare. The colour of diamonds is caused by impurities in its diamond grid - traces of other elements or defects in the diamond grid. Algordanza Memorial Diamonds have different blue shades due to the element boron ligated to the carbon. The intensity of the shade depends on the amount of boron within the diamond grid. We do not influence the colouration of our diamonds. Thus, each memorial diamond is unique - also in its colouration.
Cut
The better the cut, the greater is its brilliance.
The cut is the only man-made quality feature of a diamond. The right cut is important, because the right cut only is able to unleash the brilliance of a diamond and make a feature of its beauty. For the perfect cut, the proportions are important.
The symmetry - so to say the angles of the facets - has to be precise in order to reflect the light. The light bounces between the facets and thus creates the diamond’s brilliance. If the cut is too shallow, the light escapes through the bottom, before it reflects and the diamond will not have any brilliance. With a too deep cut, the light escapes through the opposite facet and the diamond appears dark and dull. The sheen of a diamond depends on the sleekness of its surface; the sleeker, the more intense the reflection of the light.
Our Algordanza Memorial Diamonds are also available as rough diamond; known as our ’Signature’ diamonds. The rough diamond reflects the uniqueness of the deceased and blooms in its pristine beauty.