This gem, the most precious of all, is of such simplicity that we could qualify it as a miracle of nature.

If we told you that the diamond is pure carbon, the same element as the lead of your pencil, would you believe it?  It is, in fact, the truth. Originating at great depth within Earth, the diamond is harder than graphite, used in lead for pencils. Submitted to very high pressures at great depth within the earth, it miraculously ascends to the earth’s surface through long narrow pipes.  Some of these diamonds that emerge from the earth look like vulgar rocks that you wouldn’t even have the reflex of picking up off the ground

It is inside these rocks that are hidden the precious diamonds. About 150 tons of mineral must be extracted to produce a one carat diamond used for jewellery. Rare are those that the size exceeds that of the head of a match.

The largest known diamond is the Cullinan. Weighing 3 106 carats in its crude state, it was offered to Edward VII, King of England, before being fractioned into 105 gems, nine of them being of important  size.  Not being the largest, but one of the most renowned is no doubt the Hope Diamond, a blue diamond that is said to bring bad luck.

What determines the value of a diamond?
The weight has a great incidence on the value of a diamond. The carat, unit of measurement for gems, originates from the carob tree because of the highly unique and constant weight of its seeds called “keraton”, in Greek. This unit of measurement is divided in 00 points, p. eg. : 0.25 carat = 1/4 of a carat or 25 points in common lingo.

In addition to its weight, the value of a raw diamond is recognized by its color and clarity. When evaluating a diamond, the only component outside nature is the size that, this time, depends on human skill. The diamond has a great ability to refract light and only the quality of its cut will give it the maximum lustre, brilliance and beauty. “Many hands have been worn to make a single phalanx shine” will say Pliny the Elder.

Diamonds are precious as is all that is rare. The fiancé, who nervously slips the engagement ring onto the finger of his beloved, is witness to his deep love and lasting commitment. We do not banter with love and we must do the same for diamonds. Because it can be a complex and daunting thing for a neophyte, never hesitate to ask for advice from a professional.