Diamonds
Scintillating, significant and oh so sparkly - April is diamond month!
This exquisite gemstone is not only popular but also highly valued for its beauty and symbolism. So what exactly is a diamond and why is it so valuable?
Diamonds have been a mystery for centuries. Originally discovered in rivers and streams, some ancient Greeks and Romans thought that diamonds were the tears of gods, while in India it was suggested that diamonds occured where lightning struck the earth. Other cultures believed that diamonds were splinters from falling stars or the essence of the sun trapped on earth. As unusual as these theories sound, the truth about diamond origin is still vague and although we know more about their creation, much of what we know was only discovered in the last 75-100 years.
Scientists have learned that these precious stones go through quite a process before they reach the polished finished product in a jewellers display case. Diamonds are a solid form of carbon with atoms arranged in a crystal structure under immense pressure. They are initially formed deep within the Earth’s upper mantle (150-200km underground), here temperatures average 900-1300°C and pressures are around 50,000 times greater than that of the surface atmosphere. Under these conditions magma (molten lamproite and kimberlite) expand at rapid rates and cause the magma to erupt to the Earth’s surface via the path of least resistance, taking along with it rocks containing diamonds. These “paths of least resistance” settle in vertical structures called “kimberlite pipes” as the magma cools and hardens. Before the 20th century, natural diamonds were exclusively recovered from alluvial sources. Alluvial diamonds are stones that have been removed from their Kimberlite Pipe by natural erosive action over millennia before being deposited in a new environment like the ocean floor, shoreline or riverbed. Today, kimberlite pipes are the most significant source of natural rough diamonds and only 1 in 200 pipes contain gem quality stones.
A Sparkling Past
First spotted in India as alluvial deposits in rivers and streams c. 2500 BC, natural diamonds have been highly prized and widely regarded as extremely precious for centuries. As early as the fourth century BC, diamonds were said to be collected from rivers and streams in India and used in precious keepsakes and trinkets to adorn the Indian wealthy classes.
These diamonds soon made their way to Europe and Asia by trade routes and medieval markets. Venice, Rome is believed to be home to the first ever diamond cutting industry which started in the 1330’s and by the 1400’s India’s diamonds had become a gemstone of choice for many of Europe’s aristocracy and elite.
Diamonds symbolised strength, courage and invincibility in medieval Europe, and were highly prized additions to the crowns and regalia of royalty. In some places diamonds came to symbolise sovereignty and it was illegal for anyone except the reigning royal family to posess or wear diamonds. Today diamonds are still exceedingly valuable and synonymous with romance. They are the stone of choice for couples wanting to express their love and commitment to each other.
How to Care for your diamond
As always, we recommend treating your jewellery like you treat your high heel shoes. Make it the last thing you put on when you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you return home. We recommend that you do not wear your jewellery while sleeping, showering, swimming or during extreme physical activity. Avoid contact with body care products and harsh chemicals including perfumes, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products.
How to clean your diamond Jewellery
At Home - use warm, soapy water coupled with a gentle toothbrush is the safest way to clean diamonds. Be careful not to use strong detergents or vigorous scrubbing especially on treated stones. Or alternatively, you can bring your diamond jewellery in store for a complimentary clean or let our jeweller revive your jewellery to it's former glory with a professional clean, polish and check for a small fee.
Where are they sourced?
Today natural diamonds are mined across the globe. Russia, Botswana, Canada, Angola, South Africa, and Australia rank among the top ten biggest gemstone quality natural diamond producers in the world. Increasingly popular man made, lab-created diamonds are also being created all over the world with major labs situated in the USA, UK, Belgium, Russia and China. All cut diamonds, regardless of origin, are graded and issued with a grading certificate using the 4C's of Diamonds to help you be sure of their quality.
Hardness - Diamonds are rated a 10 out of 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale
Can you wear diamonds as an engagement ring?
Yes - Diamonds are very popular as centre stones on engagement rings.They do not easily scratch and will offer you many years of wear. The more you care for and look after your diamond, the longer it will last.
Any Questions?
Please email us at hello@senseandwonder.co.nz and we would be happy to answer them for you!
This exquisite gemstone is not only popular but also highly valued for its beauty and symbolism. So what exactly is a diamond and why is it so valuable?
Diamonds have been a mystery for centuries. Originally discovered in rivers and streams, some ancient Greeks and Romans thought that diamonds were the tears of gods, while in India it was suggested that diamonds occured where lightning struck the earth. Other cultures believed that diamonds were splinters from falling stars or the essence of the sun trapped on earth. As unusual as these theories sound, the truth about diamond origin is still vague and although we know more about their creation, much of what we know was only discovered in the last 75-100 years.
Scientists have learned that these precious stones go through quite a process before they reach the polished finished product in a jewellers display case. Diamonds are a solid form of carbon with atoms arranged in a crystal structure under immense pressure. They are initially formed deep within the Earth’s upper mantle (150-200km underground), here temperatures average 900-1300°C and pressures are around 50,000 times greater than that of the surface atmosphere. Under these conditions magma (molten lamproite and kimberlite) expand at rapid rates and cause the magma to erupt to the Earth’s surface via the path of least resistance, taking along with it rocks containing diamonds. These “paths of least resistance” settle in vertical structures called “kimberlite pipes” as the magma cools and hardens. Before the 20th century, natural diamonds were exclusively recovered from alluvial sources. Alluvial diamonds are stones that have been removed from their Kimberlite Pipe by natural erosive action over millennia before being deposited in a new environment like the ocean floor, shoreline or riverbed. Today, kimberlite pipes are the most significant source of natural rough diamonds and only 1 in 200 pipes contain gem quality stones.
A Sparkling Past
First spotted in India as alluvial deposits in rivers and streams c. 2500 BC, natural diamonds have been highly prized and widely regarded as extremely precious for centuries. As early as the fourth century BC, diamonds were said to be collected from rivers and streams in India and used in precious keepsakes and trinkets to adorn the Indian wealthy classes.
These diamonds soon made their way to Europe and Asia by trade routes and medieval markets. Venice, Rome is believed to be home to the first ever diamond cutting industry which started in the 1330’s and by the 1400’s India’s diamonds had become a gemstone of choice for many of Europe’s aristocracy and elite.
Diamonds symbolised strength, courage and invincibility in medieval Europe, and were highly prized additions to the crowns and regalia of royalty. In some places diamonds came to symbolise sovereignty and it was illegal for anyone except the reigning royal family to posess or wear diamonds. Today diamonds are still exceedingly valuable and synonymous with romance. They are the stone of choice for couples wanting to express their love and commitment to each other.
How to Care for your diamond
As always, we recommend treating your jewellery like you treat your high heel shoes. Make it the last thing you put on when you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you return home. We recommend that you do not wear your jewellery while sleeping, showering, swimming or during extreme physical activity. Avoid contact with body care products and harsh chemicals including perfumes, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products.
How to clean your diamond Jewellery
At Home - use warm, soapy water coupled with a gentle toothbrush is the safest way to clean diamonds. Be careful not to use strong detergents or vigorous scrubbing especially on treated stones. Or alternatively, you can bring your diamond jewellery in store for a complimentary clean or let our jeweller revive your jewellery to it's former glory with a professional clean, polish and check for a small fee.
Where are they sourced?
Today natural diamonds are mined across the globe. Russia, Botswana, Canada, Angola, South Africa, and Australia rank among the top ten biggest gemstone quality natural diamond producers in the world. Increasingly popular man made, lab-created diamonds are also being created all over the world with major labs situated in the USA, UK, Belgium, Russia and China. All cut diamonds, regardless of origin, are graded and issued with a grading certificate using the 4C's of Diamonds to help you be sure of their quality.
Hardness - Diamonds are rated a 10 out of 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale
Can you wear diamonds as an engagement ring?
Yes - Diamonds are very popular as centre stones on engagement rings.They do not easily scratch and will offer you many years of wear. The more you care for and look after your diamond, the longer it will last.
Any Questions?
Please email us at hello@senseandwonder.co.nz and we would be happy to answer them for you!
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