Some of the real and original diamonds have a history that is not as well-known and clear, and they only add to the romance and mystique surrounding them. But this is not the case in synthetic diamonds. There is something so exciting about the synthetic diamonds. They have well-documented histories and we know where they came from, and who produced them and when.

The motivation to create man-made synthetic diamonds resulted from the desire of scientists and researchers to improve technology at a much lower cost than the expensive mined real diamonds. The synthetic diamonds are a cheaper and more readily available solution when compared to the real diamonds. They are a boon to both the world of gemstones and the world of technology.

Synthetic diamonds look like real diamonds but do not have all the same properties as real diamonds. It is extremely difficult to differentiate the characteristics such as chemical composition, hardness, weight, brilliance, luster and some of the light handling characteristics of real and synthetic diamonds with the naked eye. Synthetic diamonds have some properties such as durability similar to the real or mined diamonds.

In the past cut glass was probably the first material used to simulate a diamond. It is readily available, easy to cut and polish. The synthetic diamond made of cut glass looks good when seen from a distance, and is extremely low cost.

The use of cut glass has widely been replaced by the most popular diamond alternative, cubic zirconium. Cubic zirconium has been the most widely used material for synthetic diamonds since 1976. Its low cost, durability and light handling characteristics have made it extremely attractive in producing low cost jewelry. The light handling characteristics of synthetic diamond made of cubic zirconium is so close to that of a real diamond. The annual global production of cubic zirconium diamond reached 50 million carats by 1980. Cubic zirconium diamonds weigh about 1.7 times more that of real diamonds, and have the hardness rating of 8.5 to 9 which is bit less than the real diamond.

Henri Moissan is the first one to create a man-made diamond using moissanite or silicon carbide in a laboratory in 1892. Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that is a little softer than real diamonds but has almost all of the other properties of a mined real diamond. Charles and Colvard introduced gem-quality moissanite jewelry in 1998. Moissanite has almost the same thermal conductivity as a diamond. You need a highly specialized equipment to differentiate a moissanite diamond and a real diamond. JamesAllen.com states that synthetic moissanite diamonds made from silicon carbide gained widespread use beginning in 1999. These fakes are so good that standard thermal conduction testers used by jewelers cannot detect them. They also sell for nearly as much as the real thing. There is a key to identify a moissanite synthetic diamond - You can see double facets or a doubled table reflection, when you look this synthetic diamond through a 10x loupe. The synthetic moissanite diamonds have a greater density, weighing more than a comparable diamond.

The only way you can be sure to differentiate between a genuine diamond and a high quality synthetic diamond on the market is based on the citification and some simple and more conclusive tests.

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There’s something so exciting about these incredible diamond stones. Sometimes they have well-documented histories and we know where they came from and who owned them and when. But others have a past that’s not as well-known, and that only adds to the romance and mystique surrounding them.

The French Blue Heart Diamond is a spectacular diamond. It has also been called the “Eugenie Blue” Diamond, although it’s uncertain that the Empress Eugenie ever owned this particular stone. It was cut in Paris between 1909 and 1910, but the stone’s origin is unclear. It is believed to have it origin in Africa or India. Some reports refer that a French cutting firm Atanik Ekyanan of Neuilly in Paris cut this blue heart diamond, sometime between 1909 and 1910. The enormous heart-shaped, blue diamond weighs about 30.82 metric carats and is of a rare deep blue color. In 1910, a jeweler Cartier purchased the diamond and sold it to an Argentinian woman named Mrs. Unzue.

Then it changed hands among famous jewelers Van Cleef & Arpels in 1953. They set it in a pendant of a necklace valued at $300,000 and sold it to a European titled family. In 1959 Harry Winston bought the gem and mounted it in his ring. Five years later, he sold the precious blue heart diamond ring to Marjorie Merriweather Post. Finally Mrs. Post donated the blue heart diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. where it remains there with other famous blue diamonds, such as the Hope Diamond and the Heart of Eternity Diamond.

The current setting of this Eugenie Blue Diamond placed among other diamonds in the Smithsonian’s collection, is in a platinum ring, surrounded by white diamonds. The Blue Heart Diamond has not yet been classified, but some experts categorize it as either Fancy Vivid Blue or Fancy Deep Blue.

However, a French link does exist because the cutting firm of Atanik Ekyanan of Neuilly, Paris cut this heart shape. Since there are reports clearly describing that the blue heart diamond was cut in Paris, it is clear that the Blue Heart Diamond Ring was originally part of the French Crown Jewels. Before the medieval era, diamonds were worn rough, or cut and polished only on their upper surfaces. It was in this form that diamonds were used in ornaments, temples, goblets, reliquaries, and crowns.

This great blue heart diamond is perhaps the most notorious gem in French Crown Jewels, and has left behind a trail of many unlucky owners as seen above. The different French Blue diamonds were stolen together with all of the French crown jewels. Some of the gems taken in this robbery were recovered, but not the Blue Diamond of the Crown. It is expected that the Blue Heart Diamond is a part of the crown. There are reports that the stolen diamond was re-cut to its present size. The diamond was originally not only a part of the French Crown jewels but may have also included in necklace, comb, belt buckle, and earrings, all made of emeralds and diamonds set in silver and gold.

The books ‘The National Gem Collection’ by Jeffrey E. Post, ‘Famous Diamonds’ by Ian Balfour and ‘Diamonds - Famous, Notable and Unique’ by GIA, and some other related web sites also give other evidences that the French blue heart diamond was originally part of the French crown jewels.

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There are so many colors, styles and shapes when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond ring. Diamond rings are today available in many designs although the traditionalists still opt for solitaire diamond ring that has never gone out of style. The cut of the diamond ring is also important. There are princess cuts and round cuts. There are elongated shapes such as oval or marquise, pear-shapes and square shape. There are also the romantic heart-shaped diamonds and several other unique shapes.

There are some who prefer a cluster of diamonds as opposed to the solitaire diamond ring. Then there are several colors to choose from when shopping for a perfect diamond ring. As most of you are aware, yellow gold, white gold and silver are the most popular diamond ring metals. Some women buy a diamond ring that would blend well with their other favorite jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, pendants, necklaces, etc. Many diamond rings come in a set of matching jewelry.

Buying the set may be prudent because there is a lot of money saving. Consider the lifestyle and type of work the prospective does with his/her hands. A tall stone with prongs could tear the dresses one is wearing and a fussy ring could be annoying most of the time. The perfect diamond ring is of superior quality and remains comfortable for the person to keep wearing it all of the time. No matter how costly or sparkling the diamond ring is, if it is not wearable all the time, the wearer may feel disappointed.

The high-quality aspects of a perfect diamond ring are also determined by the setting. Prong settings, better known as claw settings, should have at least four strong prongs although many opine six prongs settings to be stronger. For a more secure setting, opt for a bezel, end or bar setting. These types of settings have more metal encasing the diamond providing a firmer hold to prevent the diamond from falling out. You must remember that nine-carat gold is harder to bend than eighteen-carat gold.

Titanium can withstand quite a bit of abuse, but due to its hardness, these rings can never be resized or repaired. In the final analysis, it is the personal taste and budget that determine the color and number of diamonds in a ring. There are almost limitless combinations of different sizes and stone colors depending on the type of design. The buyer of perfect diamond ring should look not merely for color, cut, and clarity but also for wearing comfort and visual beauty.

The most popular types of diamond rings include Solitaires that are single, simple rings with one focal diamond or gemstone; Ethnic style that are designs crafted to honor different cultures such as Celtic or Jewish rings; Art Deco considered flamboyant and colorful style using bright diamonds and bold metals; Vintage styles that are either antiques or designed to mimic antiques with period styles and designs; Contemporary styles that are sleek modern styles frequently done by most jewelry designers; Custom-built styles that are personalized styles. When examining different diamond rings, it is important to consider multiple characteristics to find the best ring.

The setting, metal, and stone choice all contribute to the overall style to make it a stunning ring attracting wide attention. Another option to add individuality without sacrificing tradition is to choose a diamond ring with a large central diamond flanked by smaller gemstones. A mixed-stone ring captures the traditional beauty of diamonds while expressing personal meaning and sentimentality through colored gems.

Make the most important decision of buying engagement ring with jamesallen.com; we are here to offer you guidance and education to select the perfect diamond ring for your loved one. Make this monumental task simple by exploring our site!