Get to know all you need about diamond – the history, facts, quality factors, treatments, imitations and much more here at GIA.
The world’s love of diamonds had its start in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century BC.
Diamond’s characteristic chemical composition and crystal structure make it a unique member of the mineral kingdom. Diamond is the only gem made of a single element: It is typically about 99.95 percent carbon. The other 0.05 percent can include one or more trace elements, which are atoms that aren’t part of the diamond’s essential chemistry.
Diamond Most diamonds formed more than a billion years ago! They form about 100 miles (161 kilometers) below the earth’s surface, where the temperature and pressure are just right. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth. They stand for fearlessness and invincibility, and are a symbol of love.
The Hope diamond, perhaps the world’s most legendary gem, arrived at its present home at the Smithsonian Institution on Nov. 10, 1958 via the U.S. mail – albeit registered first class! The Uncle Sam Diamond To date the Uncle Sam, discovered in 1924, is the largest diamond ever found in the U.S.
The GIA Diamond Origin Book presents the country-centric story of a diamond from diamond formation to the good diamonds do in that country. Books are available as listed.
Diamond is available in a range of sizes and qualities to fit every consumer's tastes. One of the first things most people learn about diamonds is that not all diamonds are created equal. In fact, every diamond is unique. Diamonds come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and with various internal characteristics. All polished diamonds are valuable. That value is based on a combination of factors ...