Diamonds

The diamond became the most popular gemstone in the world with the advent of the brilliant cut perfected at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, diamond jewelry has achieved new heights in design and beauty.

Gem quality diamonds are found in about twenty countries around the world with twelve of these being in Africa led by South Africa. Other major producers of gem quality diamonds are the Soviet Union, Canada, and Australia. Most diamonds in the world are purchased and distributed by DeBeers Trading Corporation. Most of the world's diamonds are marketed through the Central Selling Organization (CSO) established by DeBeers to support the idea of single-channel marketing.

The single most important factor in achieving a beautiful gemstone is the proper cut of the diamond. Diamonds may be cut into the round brilliant or emerald cuts which best captures the unique features of the stone. However, the oval, marquise, pear, and heart-shaped cuts may also be used to show off the unique qualities of the rough diamond. Diamonds may still be found using old mine cuts and other unusual cuts in old-fashioned jewelry.

Color is always important in jewelry, yet colorless diamonds are the perfect foil for all types of dress and gowns. Colorless diamonds best reflect the stone's exquisite flashes of light, but diamonds have a wide range of colors. Perfectly clear stones are comparatively rare and in most cases, diamonds range from nearly colorless to yellow tinged or even brown tinged. Color in diamonds is extremely rare, but pink to reddish, blue, blue-gray, pale green or violet tinges are sometimes mined.

When choosing diamond jewelry, the selection is almost limitless. Decisions on what type of piece: earrings-stud or pendant, bracelets-single strand or multiple strands, brooches or pendants-contemporary geometric designs, classical designs or naturalistic designs, and rings-engagement, wedding bands, or others-all make the choice a difficult one to agonize over and research both online and in the mall.

Antique pieces are infrequently seen on the market, but for connoisseurs, their charm is priceless. And for those lucky enough to inherit family heirlooms, much of the appeal comes from their exclusiveness and the knowledge that you are wearing a piece of family history.

Diamond owners need to care for their diamond jewelry by keeping each piece separate from the others since diamonds will scratch other diamonds. Also, when doing heavy labor or even gardening, diamonds are susceptible to fracturing if they receive a blow on the vein. With such a valuable piece of jewelry, why take a chance?

The liberated woman of the contemporary world no longer waits for a knight in shining armor to bath her in jewelry-though it is nice! The contemporary woman feels confident in rewarding her labors with gifts of jewels with which to adorn herself and demonstrate to the world, her earning power. Diamonds are indeed a girl's best friend.