Archive for November, 2007
It’s pictured next to a cell phone so you can see its real size.
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Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond, and it is important to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one. It is actually quite easy to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond. There are basically two things that you must understand: Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes, and those that are ‘eye clean’ meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. From there, the clarity of a diamond is further broken down
into subcategories. Many people mistakenly think that diamond
clarity refers to how clear it is. This isn’t so. Clarity actually refers to the internal and external imperfections of the diamond. The best diamonds, of course get a grade of FL or IF – Flawless or Internally Flawless – meaning that it is perfect. A grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 means that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I-3 being the worst.Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2, which means that the diamond isvery, very slightly imperfect; VS1 and VS2, meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI-1 and SI-2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.
Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in India at least 2,500 years ago. Their industrial usage in drill bits and engraving tools also dates to early human history. Popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting, polishing techniques, and growth in the world economy. Diamonds are not normally used as a mainline store of value during times of crisis, due to their lack of fungibility and low liquidity. However, they may still be useful during times of hyperinflation.
Approximately 20% of mined diamonds are used in jewelry and 80% for industrial uses (such as lasers, drill bits and surgical equipment).
Chemical vapor deposition is now used to produce cultured diamonds which, unlike diamond simulants, require very close inspection to distinguish them from natural diamonds.