Natural Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

Formation: Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle, under extreme pressure and temperature conditions over millions to billions of years. They originate from carbon sources that crystallize into a diamond structure.

Characteristics:

  1. Inclusions and Flaws: Natural diamonds often contain unique inclusions (internal flaws) that can help gemologists identify their origin. These inclusions can be minerals, gases, or other carbon materials.
  2. Color: The color of natural diamonds can vary significantly, with most being colorless or near-colorless. However, they can also come in various hues, including yellow, brown, blue, green, and more, depending on the presence of impurities or structural defects.
  3. Price: Natural diamonds tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and the extensive mining process involved in extracting them. Prices can vary based on carat weight, cut, clarity, and color (the "4 Cs").
  4. Certification: It's essential to purchase natural diamonds that come with certification from respected gemological laboratories (like GIA or AGS). These certificates provide information about the diamond's characteristics and authenticity.

Sourcing: Natural diamonds are mined from the earth, and the process can have significant environmental and ethical implications. It's essential to consider the source of the diamond, as some may be conflict diamonds (those mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict).

Investment: Natural diamonds can be seen as an investment, as their value may appreciate over time. However, market conditions can vary, and they are not guaranteed to increase in value.