How Diamonds Formed In Nature and Factors Affecting Diamond Cut

Factors affecting a diamond’s cut

What is the natural stone shape?
Diamonds that are naturally octahedron in shape (as with most gem-quality diamonds) are usually cut into round brilliant. This maximizes the weight of the diamonds that are cut as an octahedron can be cut into 2 diamonds.

Where internal flaws (or inclusions) are located?
A round brilliant cut is normally not given to diamonds that are peculiarly shaped or has flaws embedded in prominent locations.

How much carat weight to preserve?
It is normally desirable to preserve carat weight since the per-carat price is much higher for diamonds that weights more than a carat (200 milligrams). In this regard, as a round brilliant cut follows certain fixed dimensions, it results in less control over the weight of the diamond compared to a fancy cut.

What cut sells well?
Unlike the consistent round brilliant cut, the fancy cut changes easily with the prevailing fashion trends. For instance, the ‘Baguette’ cut was very popular during the Art Deco period.

How big is the stone?
Size matters. ‘Stars” or tiny diamonds weighing les than 0.02 carats (4 milligrams) are usually cut with few facets as such diamonds cannot resolve the brilliance which would otherwise appear milking.

Medium-sized diamonds are usually set in jewelry so the cut must enhance the upward-facing surface.

Big diamonds may require extra facets on top of a fancy cut as they are usually displayed as stones to be viewed in as many directions as possible.

Where are diamonds cut?
India processes 92% of the world’s diamonds and holds 55% share of the value of the polished diamond market. The industry generates $11.2 billion worth of India’s annual exports (14% of total annual exports) and 1.3 million jobs.

How Diamonds Formed In Nature By Geography

Historically, India was the only source of diamonds for 1000 years until diamonds were discovered in Brazil in 1725.

When diamonds surfaced in South Africa in the 1870s, the supply of diamonds was significantly increased.

The production of diamonds have been increasing ever since and major producers now include Australia, Botswana, Rusia, Congo and Republic (Zaire).

India remains the key diamond-cutting centre.

How Diamonds Formed In Nature Will Affect Their Value

According to the Gemological Institute of America, in selecting a good diamond, one should look out for Colour, Clarity, Carat and Cut.

The less colour there is in the diamond, the better. An amateur may not be able to differentiate among the colors of the top 6 grades, however, are very subtle and expert advice would be needed.

The more transparent the diamond, the better. As with all things in Nature, diamonds will always have imperfections e.g. small cuts on the surface, or small crystals embedded in it.

Finally, the weight and size matters. Larger diamonds are hard to form in nature. Their rarity increases their value.

How diamond formed in nature is not enough to determine their value. A diamond that is naturally colourless, transparent and large would still be of little value unless it is cut in a balanced way and well polished. A valuable diamond should shine with brilliance under the light.

How Diamonds Formed in Nature from Antropology Perspective

How Diamonds Formed in Nature: History
The name “diamond” has been traced back to the Greek word “adamas”, which was a literal description for the hardest substance known, but more subtly means indestructible. It is no wonder that diamond remains as the ultimate symbol for prestige, power and passion.

How Diamonds Formed in Nature: Culture
A celebrated early account of the exchange of a diamond engagement ring is that between the Emperor of Hapsburg (today’s Austria) and his wife, Mary in 1477. According to Egyptian beliefs and Christian records from Seville (in Southern Spain), the ring finger (next to the last little finger) of the left hand has a vein that runs straight to the heart. Hence, the diamond ring is always worn on this particular finger.

How Diamonds Formed In Nature From Science Perspective

How diamonds formed in nature: chemistry
Diamond is made up of carbon. Carbon that has been subject to extremely high pressure and heat for a long time becomes diamond. The longer the carbon is exposed to such conditions, the larger the diamond that will be formed. Over millions of years, carbon deposits slowly crystallize into diamond.

How diamonds formed in nature: geology

A natural place where the extreme conditions needed to form diamonds exist is deep inside the Earth. At some 90 miles or 150 kilometers under the continental crust, the pressure is known to be around 5 gigapascals and the temperature around 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,200 degrees Celsius.

Natural diamonds are brought to the surface of the Earth by volcanic emission. The hot molten lava cool down and solidifies into rock within which diamonds can be found.