| Diamond is a mineral and is the hardest known | | | | size and quality so when choosing diamond rings it |
| substance to man, but one of the simplest being | | | | is important to consider your budget. |
| composed of carbon and the first recorded | | | | Diamonds are graded according to the 4 |
| history dates back to some 3000 years ago to | | | | c’s which refers to cut, |
| India. Throughout history diamonds have been | | | | clarity, colour and carat.The cut of a diamond is |
| associated with mystical power, great beauty and | | | | very important as it affects the reflective |
| more recently great value and wealth. The word | | | | qualities, which will determine the brilliance of a |
| comes from the Greek meaning | | | | diamond and how it looks to the naked eye. Cut |
| ¢â€žÂ¢ meaning unconquerable and they have | | | | should not be confused with shape such as pear, |
| been worn throughout the ages by men going | | | | emerald, round etc. |
| into battle as a sign of strength, courage and | | | | Clarity refer to the number of flaws known as |
| invincibility. | | | | inclusions in the stone and the stones which have |
| Most diamonds still originate from central and | | | | fewer inclusion are more highly prized and valuable |
| south Africa although there have been other | | | | because they have greater brilliance. Remember |
| significant finds in Canada, Brazil, Australia and the | | | | though that a diamond |
| biggest diamond mine is in Siberia. The diamond | | | | doesn’t have to be |
| market is very much dominated by De Beers to | | | | flawless to look absolutely stunning. |
| control the supply and price of diamonds across | | | | Diamond colour usually refers to whiteness or |
| the world by what some would say are | | | | colourlessness in white diamonds with those with |
| monopolistic practices. | | | | least colour being more valuable because of their |
| Some of the worlds largest and most valuable | | | | ability to pass more light giving more sparkle and |
| diamonds are in the Tower of London in the | | | | fire. Coloured diamonds do occur naturally ranging |
| British Crown Jewels. | | | | from blue to green but they are rare and very |
| Diamonds are indeed very desirable objects and | | | | expensive. |
| are worn throughout the world set in precious | | | | Carat is the unit of weight for measuring the size |
| metals in many different types of jewellery. One | | | | of diamonds and in this case it really is a case of |
| of the most common pieces of jewellery is still | | | | size does matter. The value of a diamond rises |
| the ladies diamond engagement ring and many | | | | exponentially in relation to its size so the cost of a |
| women still choose to have a diamond as a | | | | 4 carat stone for instance will not be double the |
| symbol of love to wear on their engagement | | | | cost of a 2 carat stone but very much more. So |
| finger whether it be the traditional solitaire or | | | | it is all down to your budget and not a measure |
| three diamonds which some believe signifies | | | | of how much someone loves another. |
| ‘I love | | | | Cost is important when buying a diamond ring but |
| you’.Diamonds have | | | | you will find that there is a huge choice out there |
| always been associated with romance and legend | | | | that will fit within your budget. Remember that |
| and it is said that | | | | clever design and settings can make a diamond |
| Cupid’s arrows were | | | | appear bigger but if you really want a larger stone |
| tipped with diamonds because they possess a | | | | on a limited budget you could decide to purchase |
| magic that nothing else has equalled. | | | | a stone which is graded slightly lower in terms of |
| Diamonds vary enormously in price according to | | | | clarity and colour. |