Have you ever wondered how the spectacular diamond is actually formed in nature?
To start, we have a fascinating overview from a Rio Tinto geologist who explains the process:
“The story of all diamonds begins deep within the Earth at least a billion years ago (about twice as old as life on dry land). Diamonds form from carbon which has been subjected to extremely high temperatures (around 1,100 degrees Celsius) – and pressures over long periods of time. These conditions exist only at depths of 120-250km beneath the surface of the Earth. All diamonds start as white, but certain conditions – like pressure and stress – change their colour. Pink diamonds are even more extraordinary because there’s a very small window when the heat and pressure turns them into the magnificent fancy pinks, reds, purples and blues Argyle is famous for. And right at that moment a volcanic eruption has brought them to the surface.”
Also known as canary diamonds, yellow diamonds are the second most common type of coloured diamond. ‘The Incomparable’ is a striking yellow diamond which weighs 407.39 carats, making it the third largest polished diamond in the world.
The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning invincible or indestructible. This is fitting because diamonds are the hardest natural substance on the planet. The only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond.
The oldest diamonds ever discovered are estimated to be over 4 billion years old, but most are closer to 1 billion to 3.3 billion years old.
Discovered in a Western Australian dusty creek bed in 1979, the Argyle diamonds and (mine that subsequently opened), virtually doubled world diamond production overnight and became the world’s largest producer of coloured diamonds.
In 2007, tennis player Amélie Mauresmo won the Proximus Diamond Games for the third consecutive year. This accomplishment won her the world’s most expensive tennis racket trophy, which is awarded to anyone who can win the tournament three times within five years. Made of 18-carat gold and studded with 1,700 diamonds, the trophy has a value of $1.3 million. Raising the bar on that, the FIFA world cup trophy is made of more than six kilograms of gold, and is valued at over $20 million.
Lesser known fact about diamond anniversaries – there are actually two of these. The 60th and 75 wedding anniversaries are both considered diamond anniversaries.
Diamonds have many other fascinating uses, as well as being the jewellery gemstone of choice. Diamonds are routinely used in high end speakers, due to their ability to vibrate rapidly without suffering from deformation and without affecting or damaging the sound quality. The reason? Diamonds are strong enough to vibrate at a very high speed. Therefore, music lovers believe diamonds are the ultimate material to use if you’re looking to have the best quality sound. Diamonds are also used in the needle of record players as well as in DJ equipment.
Our highlight piece this month is the Diamond Ornament Halo Ring. A brilliant cut diamond sits at the center of this bespoke diamond wedding ring, encircled by a further 21 round brilliant cut diamonds in a pave setting. Pave set diamonds on the shoulders of the ring add to the ornamentation and decadence. This solid gold and handmade ring is truly special.
Sources:
https://geology.com/diamond/colored-diamonds/
https://www.brilliantearth.com/news/15-amazing-facts-about-diamonds/
https://www.australiandiamondbrokers.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-fancy-coloured-diamonds/