Executive Summary about Man Made Diamonds by James Chartwell

The incentive to create man made diamonds resulted from the desire of scientists and researchers to improve technology at a much lower cost than expensive mined diamonds.  Valued for their brilliance and luster, diamonds are also extremely hard and durable.  In his short story, “The Diamond Maker”, writer H. G. Wells, also referred to the concept of synthetic diamonds.

Political commentary and science-fiction aside, man made diamonds are produced in two ways: synthetic and simulant.  Synthetics are exact in structure and chemistry as natural diamonds.  The first stone in the history of man made diamonds was Moissanite, a simulant.  The iron contracted on rapid cooling, generating the high pressure required to transform graphite into diamond.

Others duplicated Moissan’s process, but produced only very small diamonds.  Ruff in 1917 and Dr. Willard Hersey in 1926, both “grew” these tiny diamonds.  McPherson College still displays Hersey’s synthetic diamond in Kansas at its museum.

Sweden’s major electrical manufacturing company in Stockholm, ASEA, produced a true synthetic diamond (exact structure and chemistry as a diamond) in 1953.  This formation of a synthetic diamond, however, was never published. So, when General Electric’s Tracy Hall produced in 1954, via a “belt” apparatus, successfully synthesized a diamond, it was that discovery that was published in “Nature” Colleagues easily replicated Hall’s work, and the industrial man made diamond industry was born, dominated for years by DeBeers Industrial Diamonds and GE Superabrasives.  Producing 3 billion carats or 600 metric tons in 2006, the industrial diamond industry annually brings in $1 billion.

As methods of growing synthetic diamonds improves, more and more companies enter the market, especially for diamonds of gemstone quality.  The history of man made diamonds is fraught with accidents.  Apollo Diamonds and the Russians were seeking a way to create synthetic diamonds to aid science.

Man Made Diamond Types

Those “diamonds” were actually silicon carbide (SiC) and are now classified as Moissanite, diamond simulants.  Others attempted to synthesize diamonds, and only recently succeeded in growing a colorless, pure gemstone quality crystal.

The definition of a man made diamond is straightforward.  As mentioned above, diamond simulants like Moissanite are actually made from other material and look like diamonds.

The classification of man made diamonds types is only done to those crystals that are everything diamond-like.  Four categories of man made or synthetic diamonds exist: HPHT grit; HPHT large single crystal diamond; CVD polycrystalline diamond and CVD single crystal diamond.

Only two processes produce these four man made diamond types.  Developed by General Electric in 1955, HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) replicates the conditions that nature uses to create a natural diamond.  HPHT also produces another type of man made diamond, the large single crystal.

CVD polycrystalline diamond is number three on the man made diamond types chart.  CVD polycrystalline diamond is grown flat, instead of in the cubic and single crystal form of natural diamonds, in a wafer of up to 5 millimeters thick.

CVD single crystal diamond is the fourth man made diamond type.  In 2005, a former Bell Labs scientist discovered a way to grow CVD single crystal diamonds pure and colorless, just like a natural diamond.  With applications in science, this new development also skyrocketed this fourth man made diamond type into gemstone quality.

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Executive Summary about Diamond Mines by Lawrence Reaves

The discovery of diamonds in 1867 in the Cape Colony of South Africa had a profound effect on the world’s supply of diamonds. Scientists learned that diamonds came from volcanoes. South Africa still maintains its position as the major diamond producer but there are other famous mines located in other areas.

In North America the oldest and most famous diamond mine is the Crater of Diamonds. De Beers Consolidated Mines are located in several African countries. The De Beers companies make up about 40% of the world’s diamond production.

The Kimberley Diamond Mines are known worldwide and are located in the town of Kimberley, South Africa. In 1866 Erasmus Jacobs discovered a small stone by the Orange River. It turned out that is stone was a 21.25 carat diamond.

The Williamson Diamond Mine, which is also known as the Mwadui Mine is located in Tanzania. It was the first significant diamond mine outside of South Africa. It is an operating pit mine and mainly produces diamond carats.

The Ekati Diamond Mine is Canada’s first diamond mine. It is only accessible by air except for 10 weeks each year when it can be reached by icy roads.

The Kollur Diamond Mine is located in Guntur District Golkonda, India. The Indian mines were eventually depleted and the diamond center shifted to Brazil where new diamond pipes were discovered.

Famous Diamond Mines

Executive Summary about Diamond Mines by Julie Shields

At the time of this writing there are no commercial diamond mines operating in the U.S. Today, there is one non-commercial (that is, unowned by any private company) diamond mining site in operation in the U.S.: Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. There have been many famous diamond discoveries at this location throughout the decades, including the 40.23 carat Uncle Same diamond discovered at the Park in 1924.

The following are the world’s currently active commercial diamond mine locations: Angola (three mines), Botswana (four), South Africa (eight), Congo (one), Zimbabwe (one), Tanzania (one), Lesotho (one), Russia (five), India (four), Canada (six), Australia (three).

Artisinal mining is also called small-scale mining. This is what is typically used in poor areas and the people who do the mining are called “diamond diggers” who use their hands and very basic tools like shovels and sieves to find diamonds.

Hard rock mining involves creating underground diamond mines featuring “stopes”, or underground rooms that are supported by natural underground pillars.

Marine mining is a relatively new form of diamond mining which hasn’t even been around for 20 years yet. Offshore placer deposits are mined for diamonds; huge drills up to seven meters in diameter are used to drill down into the seabed and suck up the underwater material that contains the diamonds.

Open pit mining is used when the surface material, or “overburden”, that covers the diamond deposits is thin and prospectors find diamonds or what are called kimberlite pipes near or on the surface of an area.

If diamonds are found within alluvial, colluvial, or eluvial secondary deposits, Placer Mining is used for extracting them.

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By Woro Swasti

The rough diamonds from diamond mines are treated in a process called cutting diamond, to convert them into gemstones.

Cutting diamond is an art of changing a diamond from a rough into beautiful faceted gem. This job requires special skill and knowledge. And also specialized tools, equipment, and techniques.

The term ‘diamond cut’ means the shape of the diamond. Examples are round cut, oval cut, princess cut, emerald cut, etc. The diamond cut relates to specific quality of the shape. The more quality of a diamond, more expensive is the diamond, and this greatly based on the cut quality.

Diamond stones are the hardest materials ever found. The stones are very hard to cut, so cutting diamond needs special diamond cutting blades.

The process of cutting diamond includes several steps: planning, cleaving, bruting, polishing, and final inspection.

In the planning process, the rough diamond stone is analyzed to decide how the diamond will be cut. This process include the considerations of maximizing value, weight retention, color retention, and turnaround minimization. All of these process is the most time-consuming part of the cutting.

Cleaving or sawing is the separation process of rough diamond into pieces, each piece will be finished as separate diamond gemstone. This process is using diamond saw or laser for cutting the rough diamond stone.

When two diamonds are set to grind against each other in spinning axles, this will make each diamond shaped round. This process called bruting or girdling.

Polishing process is when the diamond is cut and give facets on the gem. This is also the time consuming process which removes material by gradual erosion.

The last step of cutting diamond is the final inspection. This include cleaning the diamond in acid, and examining the quality of the diamond.

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Executive Summary about Rough Diamonds by David Cowley

Rough diamonds are still in their natural form and have not been cut or polished. Natural diamonds are found in Octhahedra, Cubic, Macle, and Dodecahedron crystal shapes.

Diamonds was a major trade item in India during the early 1500′s. Brazil then became the next country to develop a diamond trade industry. In the late 1800′s Africa became the most prolific diamond producing country in the world after it was discovered that diamonds are found in volcanic pipes. Only about 30 of the worlds 6,000 volcanic pipes have become major diamond mines.

In the early 1990′s Canada’s Northwest Territories has become the latest entry into the great diamond rush. In 1982 diamonds were found in central Alaska in the Crooked Creek. The largest of all rough diamonds ever found was the the famous Cullinan Diamond. The second largest was the Excelsior diamond which weighed 995.20 carats.

An Octahedra is a polyhedron with eight faces. This is the most common form of a rough diamond.

A simple box shape is in the form of a cube shape.

A Macle is one half of the Octhahedra or pyramid shaped that has been distorted.

A Dodecahedron is has a rounded shape with many different types of flat faces on it. A perfect one will have 20 triangular faces, 30 square faces, and 12 pentagonal faces.

4 Critical Tips on How to Buy Rough Diamonds

Executive Summary about Rough Diamonds by Jared Adams

Because the price and quality of a diamond can depend heavily on how it is cut and shaped, it’s possible to save money by purchasing rough or uncut diamonds for wholesale prices.

Most buyers who opt to purchase rough diamonds then have the diamond cut down into either one or multiple stones by a professional gem cutter or jeweler . Before you make a rough diamond purchase, you need to be aware of the product and the market. So, keep reading for some critical tips that will help you with your next rough diamond purchase.

1. Always use an accredited and respected seller. Even though they’re not yet cut and shaped, rough diamonds are still an expensive commodity.

2. Look for an ethical or conflict-free product. Because rough diamonds are easier to sell and unload on the open market, it’s important that you don’t inadvertently sell an illegally procured or unethical diamond.

3. Always seek an expert’s advice. If you can afford it, bring an expert appraiser along with you when you go to make your rough diamond purchase.

4. Have your rough diamond appraised before and after you bring it to a jeweler.

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Executive summary about GIA Diamond by Dave Letter

gia diamond cut

Diamond grading reports are provided usually for diamonds over one carat and provides important information encompassing diverse aspects of the stone.  Besides the GIA grading report, the GIA grading report with cut grade can also be opted for.

The GIA diamond dossier is usually issued for diamonds under one carat and it provides information similar to the grading report.  Unlike grading report that levies extra for laser inscription registry, the diamond dossier provides it free of charge.  The GIA diamond dossier with cut grade can also be availed of.

Details provided in GIA reports

Report number: A unique number assigned to a diamond and registered in GIA’s global database.

Shape and cutting style: Details the shape of the diamond and how the various facets are cut.

Proportions: Various characteristics of the diamond are underlined here.  Table-Average size of the table facet in relation to the average diameter (for round diamonds).  For fancy shapes, this refers to width of diamond.

Culet: Details the size of the culet relative to size of diamond.

Grading scales: GIA grading scales on color and clarity are provided.  Color grading is achieved by comparing stones to master comparison diamonds.

The laboratory also issues special reports designed specifically for colored diamonds.

The laboratory does not grade mounted diamonds.  Only loose diamonds must be sent to GIA for grading.

The certificate does not provide retail value of the diamond.

gia certified diamond

What is a GIA Certified Diamond and Why is it Important?

Executive Summary about GIA Diamond by Jan H Roos

Buying a diamond from a wholesale company rather than buying a complete ring from a retailer is a great way of saving money and getting a superior quality stone.

You can prevent yourself from the possibility of being duped by finding a vendor who is GIA certified.

GIA or the Gemological Institute of America is one of the world’s leading authorities on diamonds and gemstones.  The institute carries out this role by identifying and grading any gems that enter the market.   Thus they ensure that the consumer is confident of not being misled whenever precious stones are changing hands.

Reputable wholesale companies allow the GIA to analyze all of their diamonds in order to grade them and confirm that they are genuine.

On top of that, the need for knowing if the gemstones come from ethical sources and methods and the environmental impact minimal is increasingly important.

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Executive Summary about Diamond Designer by Joseph Giordano

diamond design

Diamond jewelry is probably the most sought after accessory.  Unlike buying other types of jewelry, making a diamond purchase is a huge investment.

De Beers, Tiffany & Co., Tacori, A Diamond is Forever and Escada are well-known names in the designer diamond industry world.  Vera Wang, the famous wedding gown designer, has also begun her line of diamond engagement rings to add to the world of designer diamond jewelry.

But the “first name” or top spot in designer diamond jewelry probably belongs to Tiffany & Co.  This jewelry shop, known for its robin egg blue boxes, is especially known for the line of diamond jewelry it carries.

So what kind of designer diamond jewelry is out there?  Most people wear diamonds on their engagement rings as a symbol of their commitment to a significant other.  Whatever your reason is for wanting designer diamond jewelry, it doesn’t really matter.

As stated earlier, rings are probably the most popular type of diamond jewelry.  Necklaces are also a great way to show off designer diamonds.  More than any other type of designer diamond jewelry, necklaces are a great way to make a statement and/or to show your affluence.

You can never go wrong with diamonds, and the right designer diamond jewelry can say a lot about you.

What You Need To Know About Designer Diamond Wedding Rings

Executive Summary about Diamond Designer by Diane Winter

Designer diamond wedding rings have a unique design per piece.  Designer diamond rings use gold, platinum or white gold and you can select the diamond according to your budget and taste.

You can have your own choice to select a diamond to be fixed in wedding ring.  There are varieties of diamond colors available. There are colorless diamonds also.  Pink, blue and yellow color diamonds are expensive.

The diamond carat usually means the weight of the diamond. The diamond cuts can be selected according to the shape of the designer wedding rings.

Diamond designer wedding rings are created by hand and they have unique design per ring.  Men’s wedding rings are different from women’s wedding rings.

Much jewelry is offering designer diamond wedding rings that are custom fit to your finger.   Also you will never forget the experience of designing your own wedding diamond rings.

Nowadays many people do not want to purchase the traditional wedding rings. So designer diamond wedding rings are capturing the market now.  The designer diamond wedding rings are uniquely designed and they are more attractive than traditional rings because of their brilliant features.

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Executive Summary about Diamond Jewelers by Josh Riverside

diamond jewellers

Diamond jewelers manifest their genius in shaping the finest diamond jewelry whether they are diamond watches, diamond earrings, diamond bracelets, diamond necklaces, or diamond rings.

A diamond is basically comprised of crystallized carbon, a material that can generally be found in every animal, plant, and mineral known to mankind. The diamond is believed to be the hardest matter known to all.

Diamond jewelers enjoy working on the various colors of diamond. Most diamonds come in white, brown, and yellow. On the other hand, they also come in a variety of shades such as red, green, and blue.

Diamond jewelers rate the stone’s value regarding its cut, color, carat, and clarity. To further achieve perfection with regards to diamonds, diamond jewelers prefer to treat them.

Diamond jewelers can apply one of two treatments. O ne is fracture-filling, which masks visible cracks in the gem. A laser treatment, on the other hand, develops the entire appearance of the jewelry therefore making it flawless. Diamond jewelers are able to distinguish the real value of an untreated diamond as compared with that of the laser-drilled one.

The daily use of diamond jewelry makes its luster dim. Therefore, diamond jewelers advise owners to take care of such magnificent possessions.

Why You Should Consider Buying From Designer Diamond Jewelers

Executive Summary about Diamond Jewelers by Gregg Hall

Diamonds are beautiful and expensive no matter where you get them from.

Designers pride themselves on their product and service they provide to the consumer. Whether diamonds, clothing or ice cream, designers usually trust in the product they provide for others. Designers will tell you they still believe in the rule that customers always come first.

Designer Diamond Jewelry is generally guaranteed for a length of time sometimes for life. Designers will help you to change your jewelry as requested because they want you to return your business to them. Buying jewelry from a designer is an investment in the future of their products.

Diamonds are no exception. You will get what you pay for, so investing more in a designer who will stand by their product is really benefiting you too. Designers know that you can easily go to a chain store and pay a lot less but you won’t receive the person care in service you will receive from a designer.

The quality of diamond is generally better from a designer that at a chain store. Designers are usually more involved in the entire process from choosing and cutting the stone until it reaches the consumer.

The difference, a designer will do everything they can to make things right.

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Executive Summary about Diamond Cutting by James Greene

cutting diamond

Many people may not know this but diamonds were not always the brilliant gemstones that they are often seen as today. In fact, prior to the 15th century, diamonds used to be worn in an “as is” condition, which means that they were neither cut nor polished.

For those who wish to know a bit more about the diamond cutting process, the following will describe this procedure in addition to the polishing aspect of this beautiful gemstone.

After the diamonds have been collected and sorted, it is at this time in which they are cut and polished. The first step is to cut the diamond.  The diamond is cut into various facet amounts. Once the diamond has been cut, the gemstone will be polished into a smooth diamond surface.

Some may wonder why it is so important to have a diamond undergo diamond cutting and polishing. The main reason is to produce the final result which is so coveted today, which is a bright and breathtaking gem.

When a diamond has not gone through the diamond cutting and polishing process, it is quite a dull and jagged edged stone which many may not deem as lovely as the final result seen in jewelry cases of jewelry stores everywhere. The diamond cutting and polishing process is done to make the diamond the beautiful gem that it is these days.

How The Diamond Cutting Style Originated

Executive Summary about Diamond Cutting by Mithun Rao

There was a time when cutting and polishing a diamond was considered sacrilege.  With the trade various methods of polishing and cutting the diamond were also shared between the countries.  The diamond cutting of these times was far less sophisticated as compared to the brilliance that we see today.

The journey of the diamond cutting industry, as we know today, starts with the point cut and ends at fancy brilliant cuts.  The point cut was the first cut that we are aware of today and it was the most popular cut in the fifteenth century.   The cut mimicked the rough octahedral shape of the natural diamond and this was accomplished by the use of stationary polishing surfaces covered with diamond grit and olive oil.

In the late 1400′s the table cutting style made its appearance. The top part of the natural octahedral shape was cut using the same tools present earlier ‘a stationary cutting surface with diamond grit and olive oil.  This cut ruled the diamond industry for the next couple of centuries and there were numerous variations like rectangles, tapered shapes and lozenges. This cut was not conceptualized for octahedral diamonds but a cut that aided in producing the largest cut diamonds from flattened roughs.

The rose cut has flat bottoms and triangular facets that become a point towards the top.  Though the cut gives a high level of brilliance, the fire that this cut allows is not too high.

Diamonds from Brazil were used to create the first brilliant cuts and thus was born the old mine cut, a cushion shaped cut with a deep pavilion, high crown and large culet.  Even though the number of facets in the old mine cut are similar to the modern brilliant cut, this first cut did not give as much brilliance since the pavilion was deeper.

The modern brilliant cut came onto the scene after more than 500 years of experimentation.  This cut was the first cut that brought out the true brilliance of the diamond that it is capable of.  The earliest of the modern brilliant cut can be traced back to the 1800′s.

The cutting establishment rejected the cutting style discovered by Henry Morse from Boston earlier, and stuck to the old mine cuts and European cuts.  The contemporary cuts allow for higher levels of artistic flair and the roughs can be cut and polished based on minimum loss due to cutting and polishing.

With the popularization of the brilliant cut, many fancy brilliant cuts started coming into the picture.  It was the success of the round brilliant encouraged cutters to try out other shapes along with the brilliant cut.

Other brilliant cut shapes like rectangle and square brilliants were also produced.

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