Diamonds
Diamonds are a beautiful, scintillating, mystical gem surrounded by centuries of legends and lore. The name comes from the ancient Greek word ἀδάμας – adámas, meaning "unbreakable," "proper," or "unalterable". Diamonds are formed from the chemical composition of carbon and are the hardest mineral on the Moh’s scale at 10. Historically diamonds have attributed to posess supernatural powers, such as bringing victory against one’s enemies, or blamed to be cursed. These rare and valuable gems have been admired, traded, stolen and fought over, but today we can be assured that 99% of the diamonds traded are “conflict free”, due to the Kimberley process, which provides documentation and certification of diamond exports from the mine to the wholesaler. They have been used in ancient religious ceremonial pieces and idols, in Royal treasures, crowns and scepters, for industrial tooling and most commonly they are enjoyed as a traditional engagement rings.
All diamonds are unique, like snowflakes, no two are the same. They have their individual “fingerprints” which can be used as identification. Each diamond has many other characteristics used for categorizing and classifying the gems. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which was established in 1931 created the most widely used, standardized, international diamond grading system. Commonly referred to as the “four C’s” of diamonds, their grading system distinguishes diamonds by examining and detailing the carat, color, clarity and cut of each diamond, then issuing a certification from a skilled grader. Diamond prices can vary greatly. The variances of minute character differences, often indistinguishable to the untrained eye, can have a major influence on the value and desirability of a diamond, with the most elusive quality being beauty, which can only be truly experienced in person.
Buying a diamond for an engagement ring is a major financial and emotional purchase. Corrine offers a pressure free, educational experience. Walking you through the complex four c’s, step-by-step, Corrine will guide you through a hands-on, interactive diamond examination with detailed, comprehensive explanations. You will buy with confidence, knowing that you are choosing the right diamond for your budget.
