While diamonds are a spectacle to look at, all of them are different in their own way. Some demonstrate apparent variations, while others could be very subtle. These differences mainly lie in how they are formed or their appearances.
If you’re planning to buy a gift for a loved one and want to know your options, or you are eager to learn more about these captivating gemstones, you’ll surely find this article beneficial.
Types of diamonds according to their origin
When talking about their origin, diamonds can be classified into two general groups: natural diamonds and non-natural diamonds.
Natural diamonds, which are known as the hardest natural substances on earth, are those that are formed hundreds of kilometers beneath the surface of the earth where the temperature and pressure are very high. These diamonds were created one to three billion years ago.
These diamonds are naturally shaped by high pressure and temperature. The carbon atoms are bonded in the same way in all directions, and the result is usually a tough yet colorless gemstone.
Natural diamonds make their way to the surface of the earth through volcanic eruptions, but they are also dug up in diamond mines. However, there are only a few high-quality natural diamonds that you end up seeing in luxurious jewelry, most of which get used in industrial equipment instead.
With this definition, non-natural diamonds are automatically those that are created in different means. They are also called synthetic diamonds and are usually formed in two ways:
- The HPHT process is where the carbon is placed under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond crystal.
- Chemical vapor deposition is the process wherein a small piece of natural diamond is used as the base of a new layer. This piece, which is called a “seed,” is placed in a chamber where it will grow layer by layer.
Types of diamonds according to their colors
One of the ways to determine a diamond’s quality is through its color. Colorless diamonds are among the most precious of all gemstones and are in the D grade. However, some seemingly colorless diamonds have a little color to them, such as a slight yellow or brown tinge. As these tinges become intense, they go down the scale from D to Z, with Z being a low-quality diamond.
It's another story when the colors become so intense that it goes beyond the Z grade. The diamonds with such colors are referred to as fancy diamonds, and they are also rare and highly valuable like colorless diamonds.
Fancy diamonds come in almost any color you can imagine. The two most common fancy colors are yellow and brown, while the rarest colors are red, green, purple, orange, pink, and blue. There are also black and gray fancies.
It helps to know more about the different types of diamonds before browsing through your gemstone options to find that perfect gift for a loved one or yourself. Now that you know that colors are one indication of a diamond’s quality, you can make better decisions and pick the jewelry that is genuinely worth your hard-earned money.
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