Gemological Characteristics Of A Diamond - Aura Jewels

Diamonds are so popularly used in jewellery today that almost no festive jewellery piece is complete without them. But, this isn't just today. Diamonds have been in such usage since ancient times, with the only difference being that earlier, only the rich and upper class families could afford the gemstone, while now it has become easier for even the middle class families to make a diamond purchase.

The primary gemological characteristic of diamonds

It is the primary gemological characteristic of diamonds, wherein white light is dispersed into spectral colours, that makes a diamond so visually appealing, bringing to it the admiration it receives today. The white light that enters a diamond is actually composed of a rainbow of colours, with each colour being a unique wavelength of light. When such white light passes through a diamond, each colour travels through it at a different speed. When the light passes through the stone to reach our eyes, it is thus dispersed to be seen as a variety of colours. This is because some colour of light passes quicker than the other, thus giving us a rainbow colour display.

Grading of diamonds

In the twentieth century, gemologists developed various methods of grading diamonds, based on the characteristics most important to their value as a gem. The four most popularly considered factors for grading a diamond are its cut, colour, carat, and clarity; more commonly known as the 4 Cs of a diamond. This system of grading was developed by the Gemological Institute of America in 1953, which was then recognized as an international standard to evaluate a diamond’s characteristics. Today, there are two major non-profit gemological associations that grade and provide reports on diamonds – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) held in high regard amongst gemologists for its consistent and conservative grading, and the Diamond High Council (HRD) Official certification laboratory of the Belgian diamond industry, located in Antwerp. You must always opt for only certified diamonds from such authoritative gemological associations. Aura Jewels is one of the best diamond jewellery shops in Bangalore, where you’ll get absolute value for money, because only GIA certified diamonds are sold here. You can buy genuine diamonds and have them set into your own customized designer jewellery pieces, in any traditional or contemporary style, to suit your choice and occasion.

Physical characteristics of diamonds

Other than the 4Cs of a diamond, there are many other physical characteristics of diamonds, which affect their value and appearance. These include the light performance, the presence of fluorescence, and the cleanliness.

Light performance – This determines how well a polished diamond can return light to the viewer, in terms of brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Brilliance is the white light reflection from the internal and external facet surfaces; fire is the spectral colours that are produced due to dispersion of light; and scintiallation is the small light flashes seen when the light source or diamond is moved. High levels of all these three elements bring to a diamond a high light performance.

Fluorescence – Generally, almost 65% of diamonds do not fluoresce under sunlight, black light, or ultraviolet light. And for the remaining 35% that fluoresce, 97% have a blue fluorescence and only 3% fluoresce other colours like yellow, red, and green. Some diamonds with very strong fluorescence may have a milky or oily look. However, fluorescence has very little effect on the transparency of a diamond. Also, very strong blue fluorescence can bring to a diamond a better colour appearance than non-fluorescent diamonds or those with fluorescence of other colours. Thus, a presence of strong blue fluorescence is considered to be better.

Cleanliness – Undoubtedly, a clean diamond is more brilliant and fiery than an unclean one. Even a very thin film of dirt, grease, or water over or below a diamond can absorb a part of light that can otherwise be reflected to the viewer. Also, coloured dye or smudges can affect the perceived colour of a diamond. This is why a diamond must be maintained cleaned at all times, especially when it is set into a metal.