Diamonds are more than just a colorless stone on an engagement ring.
Crystallized billions of years ago, they are composed of a single chemical element, carbon. Some of these carbon atoms have been dated and predate the Big Bang. Unlike most gems, formed in the earth's crust, the diamond was born in the mantle, much deeper. Brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, stones are now extracted from primary deposits (mines dug by man) and secondary deposits (deposits due to erosion). Global diamond mining has long been held by DeBeers, but in recent decades other mining groups have gained market share, such as the Australian group Rio Tinto and the Russian group, Alrosa. The main deposits are in Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Namibia), Russia, Australia and Canada. With a hardness of ten on the Mohs scale, diamond is the hardest mineral, that is to say the most resistant to scratches. Nevertheless, it is not the most tenacious and can break following a shock. It is thanks to these cleavage planes (structural weaknesses) that the diamond could be cut.
Today, diamonds are appraised according to the “4Cs”: carat, color, clarity and cut, i.e. the weight of the stone, its color, its purity and the way it was cut. These four criterias can be indicated on a certificate, issued by different laboratories. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), in the United States is the most famous laboratory. Other laboratories such as the HRD in Antwerp or the LFG in France produce these certificates.
Although the color white is the most popular, diamonds offer an infinite color palette. From black to white via red, green, blue or even orange, they adorn the most original jewelry. Some creators like to work it in all its forms: in octahedral rough, cut, in strips or even in powder. They create authentic rings, bracelets, necklaces or earrings with an assertive style. Detaj lines up rough diamonds in a silver ring. The designer BARE creates a pavé of brilliant diamonds on his Lotus rings in white or yellow gold. Gem Palace uses the diamond as a means of highlighting another stone and sets an entire ring body to highlight a sublime emerald. Shamballa Jewels proves that a simple diamond gives way to limitless creativity. The brothers use the queen of gems in different ways: in shiny or raw pavé, barely cut in pearl to create their bracelets that have become iconic. As the centerpiece of a creation while remaining discreet: Mad Precious & Ethical drills diamond brilliants to create a pendant in its own right, revealing sophisticated and refined pieces.
This native element remains one of the most precious gems, and the hardest, surrounded by strong symbolism, proof of commitment and love. Come and discover our selection of diamond jewelry!
