Diamonds

What is a diamond?

Diamonds are nothing more than pure carbon, which has been compressed and purified by tremendous heat and pressure, found deep beneath the earth.  Only with these conditions the carbon will be crystallized into diamond.  Then brought to the surface through volcanic activity.

Where are Diamonds found?

Today most diamonds are found in Russia, Australia, South Africa, Zaire, Botswana, parts of South America and more recently even in Canada.  Not all diamonds are found where they first surfaced.  The weather, over centuries can move the diamond-bearing material through streams, rivers, and even the sea.

How are diamonds cut?

Rough diamond crystal must first be divided to maximize the yield.  This process is called cleaving.  By finding the proper grain the diamond can be split when struck by a blade with the proper angle and force.  Diamonds can also be cut by a diamond blade saw or by laser.  The diamond dust is gray or black.

Why are diamonds so valuable?

Durability:  Diamonds are the hardest natural material to be found on earth, and the simplest of all gemstones in composition.
Rarity:  Diamonds are rare.  An average of 500,00 lbs. or 250 tons of diamond bearing material must be mined to find a single one-carat diamond of gem quality.
Beauty:  Diamonds come in many colors, shapes and sizes.  The play of light through a diamond has an incredible lure.