Diamond is April!

Diamond is my favorite gemstone...mostly because it is my birthstone. A diamond is said to

amplify your spiritual energy which reminds one of their true destiny and purpose.

But, I will say that a diamond is the most versatile gemstone, as it can be set alone as a solitaire

or used as an accent stone for other gems. It is the hardest naturally occurring mineral on earth,

rated 10 on the Mohs scale. So it is the best gemstone to wear everyday! But, I will say, that it is

possible for it to chip, if its “girdle” (circumference of the diamond) was cut very thin. If it does

chip, it is just that...a chip, and should not affect the wear-ability of the diamond. But ask your

jeweler.

I often get asked “What’s the difference between a natural and a lab-grown diamond?” Is a lab grown diamond a “real” diamond? Yes it is, but with some differences. The biggest difference,

which is obvious, is that it is not born of the earth. Both a natural and a lab-created diamond

have a chemical composition of carbon and both require extreme heat and pressure in order to

form a crystal or it would be coal.

A lab-grown diamond does not share the characteristics or inclusions of a natural diamond. A

natural diamond may include minute mineral crystals like garnet or a “diamond crystal in a

diamond”. A lab-grown diamond may show remnants of metallic flux or it may not show any

inclusions at all.

An interesting fact is that a natural diamond crystal grows in a much higher earthly temperature,

while a lab-grown diamond requires somewhat less heat, but only with enough high pressure to

stimulate crystal growth. That little change affects the final shape of a diamond crystal. An

uncut natural diamond crystal has an octahedral growth structure (like two joined pyramids) and

a lab-ground diamond is both octahedral and cubic growth structure (meaning a single pyramid

with a flat base). Fluorescence is also a notable difference between a natural and a lab-grown

diamond. Under UV longwave light, each has their own telltale color of fluorescence. A natural

diamond fluoresces blue whereas a lab-created diamond fluoresces yellow or green. I realize this

is far too much detail, but both diamonds look lovely in jewelry and no one but you would know

which diamond you are wearing!

So for the biggest challenge of deciding which diamond to buy, ask yourself these questions.

How important is the occasion that the diamond will represent? Will it be an heirloom someday?

How important is the size of the diamond...bling factor? What is your price range? A natural

diamond is a naturally occurring phenomena and thus rare. It holds value. A lab-grown diamond

can be reproduced and thus not a rarity, and so its value doesn’t hold as well. It is fair to say that

a natural diamond commands a higher price point and can be “traded up” for a larger size later in

life. A lab-grown diamond offers a substantially larger size with a very reasonable price tag, but

it cannot be “traded up” for a larger size later in life.

Natural or Lab Grown Diamond?... either way...Sparkle on!!