Frequently asked questions
Lab diamonds and mined diamonds have identical physical and chemical characteristics, so they are both real diamonds. The main difference between them is that lab diamonds are created in a laboratory from a diamond seed, whereas mined diamonds are extracted from deep within the Earth. Lab diamonds are usually less expensive than mined diamonds, but both types of diamonds can be used for jewelry, and both are considered valuable.
Yes, lab diamonds are real diamonds. They are made from the same chemical element as natural diamonds (carbon), and have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is that lab diamonds are created in a laboratory environment, rather than formed naturally in the Earth.
Buying local helps to support local businesses, which can help to strengthen the local economy and create jobs in the community. Local businesses are typically more invested in the community, and their products and services often reflect the local culture and values. Buying local also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods from far away places; and it can help to ensure that the money spent stays in the local economy.
The 4Cs of diamond quality are the globally accepted standards for evaluating the quality and value of diamonds. They are: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight.
The Cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining the beauty and sparkle of the stone. A well-cut diamond reflects light evenly and will sparkle intensely.
Clarity is the second factor and refers to the amount and size of inclusions in the diamond. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the higher the clarity grade.
Color is the third factor and refers to the tone and saturation of the stone. The higher the grade, the closer the color is to colorless.
Finally, Carat Weight is the fourth factor and refers to the size of the diamond. The larger the diamond, the more rare and valuable it is.
By assessing all four of these factors, a jeweler can accurately assess the quality and value of a diamond.
Lab-created diamonds are created through a technological process known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD). CVD is a process that uses high temperatures to vaporize a carbon-rich gas (such as methane) and then deposit the vaporized carbon onto a substrate, where it crystallizes and eventually forms a diamond. The process is similar to the natural process by which diamonds form in the Earth's mantle, but is much faster, allowing for the creation of finished gem-quality diamonds in a matter of weeks.
What is the process to mine a diamond?
1. Prospecting: Prospecting involves searching for diamond-bearing kimberlite deposits using geophysical methods such as seismic surveys and gravity surveys
2. Exploration: Exploration involves the detailed study of potential diamond-bearing kimberlite deposits to determine their size, shape, and volume.
3. Development: Development is the process of constructing the mine and processing plant.
4. Mining: The actual mining process involves extracting ore from the kimberlite pipe by tunneling or open-pit methods.
5. Processing: Diamonds are recovered from the ore through a process of crushing, screening, and sorting.
6. Evaluation and Sales: The diamonds are then evaluated and sold to diamond cutters and retailers.
Mined diamonds are first extracted from their natural environment.
The process of extracting diamonds involves a series of steps, including blasting, separating, crushing, and sorting.
Once the diamonds have been extracted, they must be cleaned and sorted. This is done in a variety of ways, depending on the type and size of the diamond. Smaller diamonds are often cleaned with a combination of water, detergent, and brushes. Larger diamonds may be cleaned with a combination of acid, heat, and pressure. Once the diamonds have been cleaned and sorted, they must be graded for their quality. This is done by a trained gemologist who examines the diamonds for clarity, cut, color, and carat weight. The diamond is then assigned a grade based on its quality.
Next, the diamonds are polished and cut. This is done by a skilled lapidary technician who uses specialized tools and techniques to create the desired shape and size.
Finally, the diamonds are set into jewelry. This is done by a skilled jeweler who uses specialized tools to secure the diamond in place. Once the diamonds have been processed and set into jewelry, they are ready to be sold.
Conflict diamonds, also known as “blood diamonds”, are diamonds that are mined in war zones and used to fund military activities. These diamonds are then sold to finance civil wars in African countries such as Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. One of the first examples of conflict diamonds dates back to the early 1990s, when the civil war in Angola was financed by diamonds mined by rebel forces. In 1999, the United Nations imposed a ban on the import of diamonds from Sierra Leone, which was another country affected by conflict diamonds. In 2003, the Kimberley Process was introduced to try to eliminate the trade of conflict diamonds.
The Kimberley Process is a process created to ensure that the diamond trade does not finance civil wars or other conflicts around the world. It is a certification scheme that tracks rough diamonds from their source (a mine) to their final destination (a jewelry store). The Kimberley Process requires members to certify the origin of their diamonds and to only trade with other participating countries that have adopted similar measures. The Kimberley Process was launched in 2003 as a joint effort between diamond producing countries and other stakeholders, such as the World Diamond Council, to prevent the trade of "conflict diamonds" and promote peace and stability in regions where diamond-related conflicts have taken place. Conflict diamonds, also known as "blood diamonds," are diamonds that are mined and sold in order to finance wars, insurgencies, and other violent activities. By controlling the diamond trade, the Kimberley Process is able to prevent the sale of these diamonds and thus ensure that the profits of the diamond trade are not used to finance conflict and instability. The Kimberley Process is made up of 81 participating countries, all of which must comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). This scheme requires members to track rough diamonds from the source to the consumer, and to certify that the diamonds are from legitimate sources. The KPCS also requires diamond exporters to obtain a Kimberley Process Certificate for each shipment of diamonds, which contains detailed information about the diamonds, as well as details about the exporter and the importer. The Kimberley Process also seeks to improve conditions for diamond miners. It has implemented regulations to ensure that diamond miners receive fair wages and humane working conditions. The Kimberley Process also encourages the development of diamond mining companies that are environmentally responsible and promote sustainable development in the diamond producing countries. The Kimberley Process has been very successful in reducing the number of conflict diamonds in the market. Since 2003, the conflict diamond trade has been reduced by more than 99%, with only 0.2% of the world's diamonds now coming from conflict sources. This has resulted in a decrease in violence and improved stability in diamond producing countries. The Kimberley Process is an important tool for making sure that diamonds are not used to finance conflict and human rights abuses. By tracking the movement of diamonds and ensuring that diamonds come from legitimate sources, the Kimberley Process helps to ensure that the diamond trade is used to promote peace and stability around the world.
