Do Raw Diamonds Sparkle or Not?

It is no wonder that diamonds are one of the most popular and valuable gemstones on the earth. Diamonds are sure to be an eye-catcher due to their signature sparkle and shine.

They are sought after for their beauty and brilliance and can offer thousands of dollars for one, many people do not have an idea about the process of the diamond. The diamond we all know is usually the ones we find at jewelry retail stores, ready to be bought.

Raw diamonds or rough diamonds are a mystery to some, as they are not normally found on display.

What is a raw diamond and what does it mean to be ‘raw’?

A raw diamond is a diamond that has not undergone the process of cutting and polishing into the shining diamonds that we are used to seeing on jewelry pieces such as engagement rings and necklaces.

They are called ‘raw’ diamonds as like other gemstones, they can be found underground, miles beneath the earth’s surface.

They are called raw as they are in their most natural form. They are formed only through extreme heat and intense pressure and carbon atoms fuse together then to cool to form a crystal. The crystals formed are interchangeably called raw or rough diamonds.

At first glance, raw diamonds can look like pale lumps of glass. These lumps can appear devoid of color, and these are what the standard is for the cut, polished and faceted diamonds; however, some raw diamonds can have some tinge of color in them.

Raw diamonds that have these tinges of color are nonetheless beautiful. They can have imperfections or surface inclusions, patches of clouds, and different slashes of color but all of these make for a wonderful addition of character that these natural features pay homage to that they were made naturally and without human intervention.

It is universally known that diamonds are the hardest gemstone and rough diamonds are no different.

In order to know if you have a real raw diamond, it must be tested against corundum, which is a mineral species that is a mixture of ruby and sapphire. The raw diamond is harder so if the diamond scratches against corundum, it is a real raw diamond.

Why are diamonds so expensive when they’re just rocks that come from the ground anyway?

A diamond can not be simply plucked or harvested from a tree or farms. Diamonds are mined, deep underground and it is hard work to look for these stones, that is what they are called precious gems.

After mining, the diamonds go through a process of conversion, from a rough, raw diamond to a sparkling and timeless diamond that we all know. In order to cut and polish a diamond, it requires sophisticated equipment and technology, it also needs to be handled by expert hands in order for it to be the best possible quality.

After this process, these diamonds can then be put in many settings such as a center stone in solitaire rings and earrings, necklaces, watches, pendants and many more. If you don’t fancy jewelry, many loose diamonds are available in the market.

Diamonds also undergo a grading or certification process by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) who gives the diamond its unique number and grade such as for their 4C’s (color, cut, clarity, carat weight)

This arduous process of cutting, polishing, inspecting, and grading is what makes the diamond so expensive. Real diamonds are more valuable than those synthetic diamonds grown in a lab, which can be mass produced. Diamonds are unique and one of a kind, which can reflect on its price.

How do I know if you’re buying a real diamond?

If a diamond has a GIA certification it means that the diamond has gone through the standards of the GIA and has a report to determine its quality. The certificate reports on 4 main factors, the diamond’s cut, clarity, color, and carat weight or the 4C’s.

What is a GIA? The GIA is an independent, non-profit organization that conducts research on gems, provides gem education, and sets the standards to determine the quality of a diamond.

The GIA certification will prove that the diamond is real. Many first-time buyers who don’t know what to look for can easily say one synthetic diamond and one natural diamond are identical so a GIA certification will ensure that the diamond they are dealing with is real and not a synthetic one that was created or manufactured in a lab.

Is there any difference between an old-fashioned and modern cut for diamonds?

The cuts for diamonds have come a long way from old-fashioned cuts to modern cuts. Newer and precise technology have been invented and used by jewelers to be more convenient and accurate.

The cut of the diamond still largely depends on the skill of the cutter and what the final product will look like. Diamond cutting is a very sophisticated and elegant craft with years of experience needed to cut a diamond.

In old-fashioned diamonds, no diamonds are the same however, in modern cut diamonds, with the help of technology, it is contributing to the standardization of how diamonds are cut. So even if two diamonds may look the same, modern cut diamonds were cut by newer and better tools.

The main difference between the two is that old-fashioned cuts are shallower. They usually have about half or 50% of the height of the overall diamond being taken up by the pavilion. While modern cut stones can have up to 85% of the height.

Do all diamonds sparkle in the same way or can some be duller than others?

The way a diamond is cut can contribute to the way it sparkles. If the depth is too deep, light can seep out from the bottom of the stone. If the diamond is too shallow or narrow, it can also lose light and have less sparkle, and can have a dull appearance.

According to the official GIA website, Researchers have found that brightness diminishes in diamonds that grade lower on the D-to-Z color range. Likewise, clarity issues in diamonds graded SI2 or I can diminish the appearance of fire. Both will reduce the sparkle in a diamond.

When should you take your diamond ring to get cleaned professionally?

For your diamond to look all nice and sparkly, it is best for you to clean it once a week as oil builds up and dirt can accumulate. One simple way for you to clean your diamond is to soak it in a degreasing solution and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove oil and dirt.

For it to be cleaned in the best possible way, you should take it to your jeweler’s like Shira Diamonds every six months for it to be cleaned professionally.

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