The diamond is a transparent crystal composed of carbon atoms in a tetrahedron structure. Diamonds have diverse applications, thanks to the exceptional physical characteristics of the material from which they are made. The most relevant characteristics are extreme hardness, the index of refraction of light, high thermal conductivity, with a fusion point of 3,820 K. The diamond became important in jewellery due to its capacity to preserve its polished appearance for long periods. Only a diamond is capable of scratching another diamond, and so it can be worn every day without worrying about suffering any damage. The round shape of the diamond is the most famous and most widely used in the world of jewellery. The brilliant diamond cut indicates a diamond with 57 facets. The great popularity of this cut has led to a misunderstanding: the public tends to identify the terms brilliant and diamond as if they are the same thing. In practice the term brilliant, if used alone, only identifies the diamond with the round cut. There are, however, many other precious stones that can have a brilliant cut, for example topaz, rubies and sapphires.
Origin: Describes whether the stone is a natural or treated color.
Grade: Hue, tone and saturation are all considered when grading color. The ConFre Diamonds uses the following grades to identify color intensity: fancy grey, fancy pink, fancy red.
Distribution: Assesses how evenly spread the color is throughout the diamond. The color will be graded as ‘even’ or ‘uneven’ depending on how consistent the concentration of color appears.
A fancy color diamond of moderate tone will be assigned a grade according to its overall face up appearance. These grades are Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Dark and Fancy Deep.
Blue diamonds
- Color variations: blue, greyish-blue, greenish-blue, turquoise, aquamarine
- Color formation: The blue color is caused by the presence of boron atoms.
- The higher the concentration of boron, the higher the intensity of color. Only one in 200,000 diamonds show blue, and far fewer display it in a deep color, obvious to the untrained eye.
- Meaning: Often associated with elegance and sophistication, blue diamonds promotecalmness and serenity, truth and purpose.
Yellow diamond
- Color variations: canary yellow, brownish-yellow, greenish-yellow, orange-yellow
- Color formation: The yellow color is caused by nitrogen present with the stone’s crystal structure. Usually, nitrogen atoms are replaced with carbon atoms which react with light to create a yellow color.
- Meaning: Known for increasing self-confidence, yellow diamonds boost creativity and clarity of thought. Yellow promotes joy, happiness and prosperity.
Champagne Diamond
- Color variations: champagne, lightly tinted brown, cognac, chocolate, hazel, honey, clove
- Color formation: The brown color is caused by internal parallel grain lines. The hue can be modified by structural distortions in the diamond lattice which affect its absorption of light.
- Meaning: Often connected with the earth and nature, brown diamonds represent harmony and tradition. Brown diamonds fit in with all aspects of life and express subtle elegance, whilst signaling harmony within relationship.
Green diamond
- Color variations: greyish-green, yellowish-green, blueish-green, brownish-green
- Color formation: The green color is due to millions of years of exposure to naturally occurring radiation. Occasionally the green hue may be as a result of hydrogen present within the stone.
- Meaning: Believed to embody the essence of life, green diamonds promote youth, vitality and balance. Green is also the colour of faith and truth and is often associated with loving and healthy relationships.
Orange diamonds
- Color variations: reddish-orange, yellowish-orange, brownish-orange
- Color formation: The orange color is a combination of structural deformities and the presence of nitrogen.
- Meaning: Believed to inspired boldness, creativity and productivity, orange diamonds are exotic and evocative. Orange is an emotional stimulant and is often linked to energy,
self-respect and success within relationships.
