Diamonds: the very name whispers of romance, strength, and enduring beauty. More than just pretty rocks, they mark life’s big moments. Feeling lost in the dazzling world of diamonds? Don’t worry. This guide breaks down the types of diamonds, so you can pick the perfect one with confidence. Ready to go from beginner to diamond smart? Let’s jump in!
What Distinguishes Lab-Grown Diamonds From Natural Diamonds?
This is a big first step! Earth-born treasure or lab-made beauty? Let’s compare natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Natural Diamonds
Picture this: Deep inside the Earth, millions of years ago, intense heat and pressure transformed carbon into something incredible —a natural diamond. Volcanoes eventually brought these gems closer to the surface, where mining extracts that very sparkle.
Due to their lengthy creation process, each natural diamond exhibits a unique fingerprint. Little details like tiny marks or tiny inclusions make each stone unique. This also contributes to its value. Owning a natural diamond can be compared to holding a small piece of Earth’s past that has a hint of time in it.
The Kimberley Process, started in 2003, helps make sure natural diamonds are sourced ethically. The “conflict diamonds” trade, which is used to finance wars, is stopped. Ask for Kimberley Process-certified diamonds.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds, or “synthetic” or “cultured” stones, are a modern choice. Scientists mirror how natural diamonds grow, but in a lab and with high-tech equipment, which may include:
- High-Pressure High-Temperature/High-Pressure (HPHT): A carbon “seed” crystal grows as a result of high heat and pressure.
- Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): This method breaks down gases that are high in carbon. A tiny diamond seed is then gradually covered in carbon atoms.
The result? A diamond that is practically identical from a gemologist’s perspective. It comes down to price and ethics. Often, lab-grown options cost less, meaning you can get a larger or better stone without spending more. And lab-grown means you know where it came from, which aligns with many values. Lab-grown diamonds are known to benefit the environment. They have a lower carbon footprint than mined diamonds because mining is less resource-intensive.
Types of Different Diamonds Based on Shape
The diamond shape really catches the eye! It changes how a diamond looks. “Cut” should not be confused with the shape/cut itself, which evaluates the facets. Shape impacts sparkle, fire, and scintillation.
Round Cut Diamonds
The round cut: it’s very popular. Its well-positioned facets maximize the amount of light. Round cut diamond is a classic and shiny choice for any piece.
Since the round cut is so popular, it’s also been researched and improved the most over time. Diamond cutters have perfected it to maximize brilliance.
Princess Cut Diamonds
Looking for something a bit different? The square princess cut has a modern vibe. For engagement rings, you’ll find that it stands apart from the classic round.
The princess cut diamond also keeps more of the original diamond crystal, so it can appear larger.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The emerald cut features clipped corners and a rectangular shape. Think of a “hall of mirrors” as light reflects from one long, parallel facet to the other. Instead of a bright and fiery sparkle like those “brilliant” cuts, emerald cuts highlight a diamond’s clarity. Simple elegance is exuded.
To highlight emerald cut diamonds, go for higher clarity grades. You will note the open facets and be able to see any diamond clearly.
Other Shapes
There are other options! The diamond world has shapes to suit everyone:
- Oval Diamond: A stretched-out round cut that thins the finger and has great sparkle.
- Cushion: Square or rectangular with soft, curved corners. It’s sweetly vintage.
- Pear Cut Diamond: A brilliant, round, and fancy marquise forms a teardrop.
- Marquise: Pointed edges form a stretched shape. It looks like a bigger size than the actual carat, so it’s dramatic and fancy.
Each type has its own spark. Check out all the choices until one speaks to you.
Types of Diamonds Based on Colour
Contrary to popular thought, not all diamonds are colourless! According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the scale goes from D to Z. This score shows colour in a white diamond. D means truly colourless, and Z, light yellow, brown, or gray.
- D: Absolutely colourless—rare and coveted.
- Z: Easily tinted yellow, brown, or gray.
Diamonds are valued and look different based on colour. “Near-colourless” refers to stones G-J, whereas “colourless” refers to stones D-F. The small difference in grade makes a big price gap, though. “Near-colourless” offers both beauty and value for most jewelry.
Top Fancy Colour Diamonds
Look beyond. Fancy diamonds have colour, not just white diamond. The tones range from pink, blue, yellow, green, and a red so expensive that they command a high market price. Specific compounds cause the colour to occur, given the diamond grading tone, colour saturation, and the overall diamond colour.
Types of Diamonds Based on Clarity
Clarity shows any inclusions or irregularities. From flawless to included, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale goes like this:
- Flawless (FL): Absent of irregularities or microscopic inclusions at 10x magnification.
- Internally Flawless (IF): Absent of inclusions, but will have surface irregularities.
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): Refers to microscopic inclusions that are invisible at 10.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): Identifiable inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye or magnified 10 times.
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): Identifiable inclusions under 10x magnification or eye detectable.
- Included (I1, I2, I3): Imperfections or inclusions noticeable, can compromise diamond integrity.
For higher clarity scores, a greater market value can be commanded; however, most can get away with microscopic inclusions. For personal choice, think about a diamond character because balance is ideal.
Types of Diamonds Based on Origin
Where your gem comes from has increasing importance because ethical sourcing is a big deal now.
- Conflict-Free Diamonds: Authenticated, tracked, and certified by Kimberley Process Diamonds that didn’t fund armed conflict nor impact human rights abuse.
- Canadian Diamonds: Environmental rule followers have an inscription marked to show origins.
- African and Other Sourced Diamonds: Diamond makers across a vast continent adhere to ethical standards for well-being and development. Other sources from Russia and Australia.
Specialty Diamonds Types
Some catch the eye with remarkable characteristics
- Black Diamonds: Dark from great graphite. Dramatic and bold.
- Rose Diamonds: Rarest pink hue.
- Blue Diamonds: Incredible and from boron atoms. The Hope is deeply iconic at 45.25 carats.
How to Choose the Right Type of Diamond
The most important thing is that this is a meaningful decision, so let your emotions lead you
- Personal Taste: Do you gravitate towards a round, a princess, or a fancy colour diamond?
- Budget: The 4 C’s, or cut, colour, clarity, and impact, influence one another. Budgeting will require some trade-offs.
- Occasion: Match the occasion to your personality.
Always insist on certifications by the GIA or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Certificate scores give impartial data.
Key Takeaways
Selecting the various types of diamonds should be done with knowledge, so that it is uniquely you:
- Natural vs. Lab-Grown: Understand both, then make decisions according to value and ethical standards.
- The 4 C’s: Let cut, colour, and clarity determine the value comparison.
- Shapes: Explore diamond shapes.
- Colour & Clarity: Balance is key for budget restraints.
- Certification: Always GIA or IGI recognized.
Now you are prepared to get your diamonds with knowledge. Happy sparkling.