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Diamond

An extremely hard, highly refractive crystalline form of carbon that is usually colorless and is used as a gemstone and in abrasives, cutting tools, and other applications.

The diamond is the hardest natural substance known. It is found in a type of igneous rock known as kimberlite. The diamond itself is essentially a chain of carbon atoms that have crystallized. The stone's unique hardness is a result of the densely concentrated nature of the carbon chains. Like other igneous rocks, kimberlite was formed over the course of thousands of years by volcanic action that occurred during the formation of the earth's crust. Kimberlite is located inside these former spheres of volcanic activity—often near mountain ranges—in vertical shafts that extend deep inside the earth. Inside the kimberlite are intermittent deposits of diamonds, one of several minerals present. However, not all kimberlite contains diamond. Other stones often found with diamonds are mica, garnet, and zircon. Kimberlite may be blue-grey in hue—thus termed blue ground—or if exposed to air it may have a yellowish cast and is called yellow ground.

Mineral composed of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance known and a valuable gemstone. Diamonds are formed deep in the Earth by tremendous pressures and temperatures over long periods of time. In the crystal structure of diamond, each carbon atom is linked to four other, equidistant, carbon atoms. This tight crystal structure results in properties that are very different from those of graphite, the other common form of pure carbon. Diamonds vary from colourless to black and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Most gem diamonds are transparent and colourless or nearly so. Colourless or pale blue stones are most valued, but most gem diamonds are tinged with yellow. Because of their extreme hardness, diamonds have important industrial applications. Most industrial diamonds are gray or brown and are translucent or opaque. In the symbolism of gemstones, the diamond represents steadfast love and is the birthstone for April.

Diamonds are tough but they aren't indestructible. These tips will help you clean and care for your diamond jewelry:

Don't wear your diamond when you're playing sports or doing rough work.

Don't let your diamond come in contact with strong chlorine bleach. It won't hurt the diamond, but it can pit or discolor the mounting.

Don't jumble your diamond pieces in a jewel case. They can scratch other jewelry and each other. Place them in a small plastic bag, a pouch or wrap in tissue paper.

Do see your jeweler at least once a year to have your precious jewelry checked for loose prongs and any signs of wear. S/he will usually give them a professional "shine up" at the same time.

Clean Your Diamonds:

A solution of one part ammonia and six parts water can be used to clean diamond jewelry at home. If cleaning by hand, gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should loosen most dirt and greatly increase the brilliance of the diamond, but be careful not to scratch the metal of your setting. Once a year, it is a good idea to have your diamond cleaned and have the security of the setting checked.

Detergent Bath - Prepare a small bowl of lukewarm suds using any mild liquid detergent and water. Brush the pieces with an eyebrow brush or soft toothbrush while they are in the suds, then rinse them under running water. Pat dry with a soft lint less cloth.

Cold Water Soak - Make a half-and-half solution of cold water and household ammonia in a cup. Soak the diamond pieces 30 minutes. Gently brush with an old soft toothbrush and swish in the solution once more. Rinse and dry as mentioned before.

Quick-Dip Method - Buy one of the brand name liquid jewelry cleaners with its kit, choosing the kind most useful to you. Read the label and follow its instructions. Don't touch your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle jewelry by its edges.

Ultrasonic Cleaner - This is a small machine consisting of a cup which you fill with water and mild detergent. When turned on, a high-frequency turbulence creates the cleaning action. Read the instructions for the machine very carefully before use.

Storing Your Diamonds:

All diamond jewelry should be stored individually in soft cloth pouches when not being worn to prevent the diamond or diamonds from scratching or dulling other jewelry.

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