When most people think of jewelry, the first thing that comes to mind is a girl’s best friend – the diamond. It’s not without reason; the diamond is one of the most unique gems due to its several uncommon characteristics. The mineral, produced from exposure of carbon to high heat & pressure and thus creating the structure known as the diamond lattice, is the hardest substance known thus far and is ranked 10, the highest rating on the Mohs scale.
The term diamond is derived from the Medieval Latin diamantem, from Latin adamantem, and Greek adámas, meaning ‘unbreakable’. Because of its strength, it is highly coveted as a symbol of everlasting love, as well as for use in industrial settings, such as glass-cutting. While the stunningly refractive, colorless versions are widely sought after, diamonds come in several colors, known as fancy diamonds, and include purple, green, pink, yellow, and many others which tend to be rarer and therefore more expensive.
Gemologists rate diamonds on a scale of what is known as “the 4 C’s” – carat, clarity, color, and cut. The cut of a diamond is notably meticulous, and the hardest to judge due to the many factors that go into determining value.
As they are a symbol for long-lasting love, diamonds are typically given as a 60th wedding anniversary gift, and is thought to attract abundance and strength to the wearer. It is also the gemstone associated with the Zodiac sign Aries (March 20th – April 19th).
