This month we will be focusing on the hardest mineral on earth, the diamond. Composed of carbon, it's crystal structure bonds the atoms in such a way as to make this gem outstanding in durability. Created billions of years ago deep beneath the earth, diamonds travel to the surface through volcanic activity.

 

The largest rough gem quality diamond ever recorded was in 1905 in South Africa and named after the owner of the mining company where discovered. The Cullinan Diamond weighed 3,106 carats before it was divided and cut. The largest gem from the stone is the Cullinan I (also known as the Great Star of Africa). It weighs 530.2 carats and is the largest diamond in the world.

 

Trace elements that are present when the diamond is forming can cause a spectacular phenomenon: color.  While rare, diamonds are available in a broad spectrum of colors: blue, pink, green, yellow, black, brown, red, purple, etc. Natural color diamonds are some of the most expensive gemstones available on the market today. The rarest color is red, with prices soaring up to $2,000,000 per carat. Traces of nitrogen create these fantastic pinks and reds, while boron is responsible for the blue diamonds.

 

With any diamond the four important grading factors remain cut (proportion, not shape), color (colorless to brown for white diamonds, or intense to light for fancy diamonds), clarity (visible imperfections present in the diamond under 10X magnification), and carat weight (size). These are collectively know as "The 4 C's."

 

We carry a large selection of both treated fancy color diamonds and brilliant white diamonds set in traditional, unique, and modern jewelry. From diamond studs to engagement rings, we have the A to Z's of diamond jewelry covered. For a more unique style of engagement ring, come in and view our tension set diamond rings or see them at http://www.sandbergjewelers.com/tension.htm