Gemstone Love: Diamond

Birthstone month: April
Color: Ideally colorless, though many diamonds have a hint of yellow or brown
Family: Diamond
Moh's Hardness: 10
Transparency: Transparent

Typically, gem-quality diamonds are colorless or nearly colorless. When the discoloration in a diamond is intense enough to be viewed as an entirely different color, though, these diamonds are intentionally marketed for their color and inclusions. Yellow diamonds, blue diamonds, black diamonds, gray/salt and pepper diamonds, champagne diamonds, and cognac diamonds are all variations valued for their non-standard look.

Here's an example of a raw, uncut diamond:


Diamonds are unusual in that they are the only gemstones that are comprised of a single element: carbon. Diamond crystals grow deep underground, around 100 miles below the surface, in high temperature, high pressure conditions. They are the hardest material on Earth, and can only be scratched by another diamond.

Diamond is the traditional birthstone for April, and is also the gemstone for 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.

Prized for engagement rings because of their sparkle and durability, diamonds are an excellent choice for jewelry that you intend to wear for a lifetime.

xo,
Christine

Sources:

Natural Diamonds | Diamond Stone – GIA, www.gia.edu/diamond