The diamond takes its name from the Greek word adámas, meaning unconquerable. Formed 200km beneath the earths surface, they exhibit the worlds strongest mineral composition. Diamonds take an estimated one billion to three billion years to form and exhibit a dazzling variety of colours and inclusions which reflect their unique mineral environment. These incredible gemstones are often thought of as a physical manifestation of the earth’s historical memory. They are revered the world over for their unique ability to refract brilliant light when cut.
Pictured below is our Ethereal ring featuring a 0.5 carat brilliant cut white diamond. To the right, our Radiant ring with a 3.75mm round cut white diamond.
Raw Diamonds
Raw diamonds refer to gemstones which are in their natural organic state. They are uncut and untreated. Each raw diamond holds its own unique properties that result from its formation process – therefore the shape and size of every raw diamond is unique.
Pictured below are two hand crafted one of a kind piece’s featuring raw diamonds.
Pictured below are our claw set raw diamond earrings from out raw gemstone collection. To the right our Stellar signet in 9ct yellow gold featuring a raw grey diamond.
Diamond Colours
Diamonds come in a wide range of colours and exhibit various inclusions. They can be found in white, champagne, cognac, yellow, pinks as well as blues and blacks. They can even be found in reds – considered the rarest diamond colouring.
Here in Australia, the now closed Argyle mine was once the worlds largest supplier of pink and red diamonds. This mine also produced a large amount of champagne and cognac diamonds. This mine has since closed in recognition of land rights of the original custodians of the land.
Pictured below is a bespoke geometric trilliant cut claw set Champagne diamond in a 14ct yellow gold ring. To the right a Trillion cut white diamond in a bespoke 14ct yellow gold band.
Colour Scales
The colour of a diamond is categorised by a colour scale. When sourcing a champagne diamond for example, the colouring can be identified by a colour category.
The champagne colour scale will read as –
C-1 to C-2 Light Champagne
C-3 to C-4 Medium Champagne
C-5 to C-6 Dark Champagne
C-7 – Cognac
Below, a C-2 brilliant cut champagne diamond & a C-6 brilliant cut champagne diamond.
Salt & Pepper Diamonds
The salt & pepper diamond exhibits unique inclusions which create a stunning speckled appearance. These patterns form organically and vary from dark and moody, light and sprinkling or icy white. Each diamond displays a unique constellation of inclusions that result from the minerals found in their individual formation environment. The ‘Pepper’ refers to their black inclusions while ‘salt’ refers to their icy white inclusions.
Traditionally diamonds of rare colouring and perfect clarity have been thought of as the most desirable. Inclusions were generally considered less appealing. In recent years, the beauty of these unique inclusions has been rightly recognised and sought after. It is important to note that the chemical structure and hardness of all diamonds are the same.
As these unique gemstones have been recently introduced to the popular market, there is not yet a grading system to categorise their appearance. Therefore they cannot not currently be provided with a certificate.
Black Diamonds
Black diamonds are a result of a high concentration of dark inclusions. These inclusions are formed from trapped clusters of graphite or carbon in their growth environment. When they become tightly clustered together they create a dense night black.
Pictured below, our Immerse ring in 9ct yellow gold with an embedded 2.75mm round cut black diamond. To the right, a wedding set in 9ct yellow gold featuring the Eros band and a claw set pear cut black diamond.
Diamond Grading & the Four C’s
The diamond grading process will take into account what is known as the four C’s – cut, colour, clarity and carat. This is how the gemstones unique properties are identified and categorised. From there, the market value of a diamond is assessed.
While the market value of a diamond is based on rarity, clarity and desirability, what an individual will find desirable about any particular diamond is completely up to personal aesthetic preference.
In Australia, diamonds over a certain carat size have an AusCert or GIA certification detailing your diamonds unique properties. If you would like a diamond certificate include with your diamond piece, please get in touch.
Pictured below, is an emerald cut claw set white diamond in a bespoke 14ct yellow gold band. To the left, a pear cut black diamond embedded in a 9ct yellow gold band.
The Mohs Scale
The Mohs scale is the measurement of mineral hardness and ranges from 1-10 with diamonds being the hardest gemstone. Black diamonds, coloured diamonds & salt & pepper diamonds all hold the same chemical hardness. Gemstones are ranked on the Mohs hardness scale as follows.
Diamonds 10
Sapphire 9
Ruby 9
Topaz 8
Get In Touch
If you would like to create a bespoke diamond piece please fill out our Bespoke Enquiry form. If you are still unsure about how to select your diamond or have anything else you would like to discuss do not hesitate to reach out – hello@thelineofsun.com
