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The use of cut glass has widely been replaced by the most popular diamond alternative, cubic zirconium.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.

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Anything that is rare to obtain is also understandably expensive and diamonds are valued highly as they are rare gemstones. The diamond is so attractive and unique that all men and women want to possess it. The diamond is not only precious and elegant, but it is also available in various colors. People fond of diamonds need to know that there are diamonds which have some relation to colors and as a buyer you should be aware of this factor if you want to get the right type of diamonds.

Fancy colored diamonds are priced higher as compared to the colorless ones. There can be marginal variations in the price of diamonds depending on the place from where the diamond is obtained and the color. Pink is considered to be one of the most expensive colors. There are various subcategories under color and these are ranged based on the variety of factors like regular diamonds, light diamonds, vivid diamonds and intense diamonds.

You should know that it is very difficult to obtain a fancy colored diamond compared to the regular white or colorless ones. Because of its scarcity, it has become very popular and people clamor for the pink diamonds instead of the colorless diamonds. If you want to know the rarest diamond color, then the pink version is the one most difficult to obtain and hence the most expensive. There are red diamonds as well that carry a higher price but they are seldom available in the markets.

If you are determined to buy a fancy colored diamond and not the standard white one, then you need to have a price range in mind so that your decision becomes easy. Your options should always be open so that you make the right choice without any compromise.

Many diamond lovers believe that yellow diamonds are of inferior quality and that the true quality diamonds are supposed to be completely colorless. Fancy yellow diamonds usually come in a broad range of yellow shades ranging from pale yellow to a rich canary color. There are also shades of deep lemon, orange or deep-orange. Popular names for different shades of yellow diamonds are amber, canary, and champagne. It is said that the Tiffany Yellow is one of the largest yellow diamonds available and its shade is described as orange-yellow.

The Hope Diamond is the most infamous blue diamond and there is a superstitious belief that this diamond brings bad luck to its owner. A standard blue diamond engagement ring might be the traditional gift for the bride.

Pink, Red and Purple diamonds are closely related to one another and are the most expensive diamonds because of their rarity. The Steinmetz Pink is the largest immaculate pink diamond hitherto known. If only you can afford the price, a pink diamond engagement ring is a difficult to resist dazzling piece of jewelry any bride will be proud of.

Black diamond is also one of the most sought after colored diamonds. Translucent or semi-transparent Black Diamonds are rare. Among Black diamonds, there are many different shades known as charcoal pale black, gun metal bright black and ink dull black, jet, midnight, onyx and pitch etc. Black diamond, as engagement ring, certainly adds a touch of class and elegance to the wearer.

Natural color diamonds are indeed rare and therefore prohibitively expensive. This has made diamond treatments commonplace in the market to enable more and more diamond lovers to buy .and own a color diamond. You will not be wrong if you assume that any fancy color diamond has been treated in some way to enhance its color and other characteristics. You will do well to demand a lab certificate to verify the authenticity of any color diamond marketed as natural.

When we buy a diamond, we spend considerable time studying diamond characteristics to find a real gemstone with a combination of qualities to suit out style, our needs, and within our budget. The color of the diamonds always plays an important role because color shadings are preferred as white diamonds are not favored.

Most of us want fancy color diamonds to be packed with vibrant hues and these gems come in a range of colors - yellows, reds, pinks, blues, greens, purples and all shades in-between. Synthetic colored diamonds are another affordable version of diamonds if you desire diamonds of vibrant hues. Synthetic diamonds are genuine, but they are created in a laboratory and their origins should always be disclosed.

Color is one of the components that affect the value of a diamond. You need to know that diamonds with the least amount of color, graded D, E, and F, are scarce and command higher prices than diamonds with yellow or brownish tones. Again, vivid fancy color diamonds are still more unique carrying huge prices in conformity with their rarity. So it is but natural that the jewelry industry has devised methods to artificially treat diamonds to present color diamonds the buyers demand. Turning yellow and brownish diamonds into gemstones with visual appeal has been practiced by gem merchants for a long time.

But you must understand that coatings applied to change a diamond’s color are impermanent and are mostly resorted to defraud the buyer. Diamonds are sometimes coated with a substance that masks yellowish tints. Though it is heat treated, the coating will, over a period of time, disappear with normal wear and cleaning. Irradiation, coupled with a high heat treatment, can turn brown and yellow diamonds into fancy colored diamonds. The color is usually permanent, but still could possibly change if high heat is applied during subsequent repairs.

High Pressure High Temperature Treatment (HPHT) is a type of treatment that was earlier used to turn yellow diamonds into fancy colored diamonds, but now it is also used to transform some unpopular brownish diamonds into more expensive colorless diamonds. Many analysts claim HPHT is not a treatment but a technique and this attitude, coupled with the fact that the process is difficult to detect has made HPHT a controversial topic. HPHT will remain a controversial topic, with grading labs trying to explore ways to detect this process so that consumers can receive full disclosure report about the diamonds they purchase. The HPHT diamonds definitely look gorgeous, but the choice between HPHT and natural diamond is a personal one.

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As many of you might be aware, Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth and as such cannot be damaged by heat or scratching. As a matter of fact, Diamonds can be cut or polished only by another diamond. This does not mean Diamonds are indestructible -an extremely hard blow to the girdle can cause a Diamond to chip.

By having the diamond set in a relatively protective setting, and being aware of its presence on your ring, you can preserve your Diamond safely forever. However, continuous exposure to household chemicals like chlorine and hairspray and other atmospheric impurities can accumulate dust particles that will affect the radiance of your Diamond. Like any other article, a Diamond’s surface can also become dirty, especially if you wear it continuously while doing household work or physical labor. But this should pose no problems as your Diamond can be cleaned without harming its basic qualities and characteristics. Make it a point to regularly clean the Diamond for it to retain its sparkle and brilliance.

Diamond specialists aver that a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water can be used to clean diamonds at home. If cleaning manually, you should gently scrub the Diamond with a soft brush to loosen the dirt before washing the Diamond. This will increase the brilliance of the Diamond, but you must take care not to scratch the metal of your Diamond setting. Soak your diamond jewelry in warm water containing mild liquid detergent. Ivory dishwashing liquid is an ideal choice but any other mild detergent is good enough. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and dust particles. Never use a brush with bristles that are stiff enough to scratch your jewelry’s metal setting. Swish the jewelry around in the cleansing solution, then rinse it thoroughly again in plain warm water. Always make it a point to dry the jewelry with a lint-free cloth. Whatever method you choose to clean any piece of jewelry, remember you must protect its weakest element. If your jewelry includes other gems, then use a cleaning method that is suitable for the less durable stones.

Diamonds are the hardest substance known, but coatings and other materials used to enhance their brilliance can peel off by harsh cleansers and vigorous scrubbing. Once a year, it is a good idea to have your diamond cleaned and have the security of the setting checked. To get it really shining, a professional cleaning is recommended as they will use specialist cleaning products that will ensure a beautiful and sparkling finish.

In fact, once a diamond is cleaved from its original crystal and then cut, the internal and external qualities and characteristics of the Diamond permanently remain, unless subjected to very high temperatures. For this reason, do not neglect the Diamonds when you are not wearing them but carefully store them individually in a soft cloth pouches to prevent the diamond or diamonds from scratching one another or dulling the metal in which it is set.

There are certain very important points you need to know and remember if you want to safely preserve your Diamonds. Never let your diamond come into contact with chlorine bleach when you are doing household chores. It may not damage the diamond, but it can pit or discolor the mounting. Diamonds need constant care to retain their sparkle. Avoid wearing your diamond when you are doing any crude type of work. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow particularly along its grain. Do not mix your Diamond pieces in a drawer or inside a jewelry pouch. Diamonds can scratch one other and also scratch other jewelry. Make it a point to take your diamonds to your jeweler for a routine check-up as they will check the jewels for loose setting and signs of wear.

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White diamonds are produced by mines all over the world in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There are also available white diamonds with secondary pink color that priced higher per carat. When people discuss diamonds the visual mage that readily comes to mind is one of clear, white diamond. Colored diamonds, however, represent another segment of the diamond market and they are not less popular. The white diamond will display slight to bold flashes of pink when viewed from the top.

It is said that Diamonds are a girl’s best friend or that is what the message the famous Marilyn Monroe song conveyed. White Diamond, with its relationship to romance and love, offers many women the elegance and extravagance they crave for. Even to this day, diamond lovers are enamored of the typical round, white diamond of yesteryears. Immaculate pure quality diamonds are transparent and colorless and often referred to as a white diamonds.

Diamonds are generally available in several colors including steel gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, brown and black. The price of a colored diamond is fixed differently compared to the price of a colorless or white diamond. As far as white diamond is concerned, the lighter the stone the higher the quality whereas it is the reverse for a colored diamond. Diamonds are found in nature in a variety of hues. The colorless or white color diamonds are the most common, whilst some tinted stones, colored diamonds, are extremely rare and valuable.

All diamond experts agree that white diamonds are magnificent. There are so many jewelry possibilities that include the use of white diamonds. White diamonds sparkle prominently when used in necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, rings, and even toe rings and belly button rings.

The next consideration in white diamonds is color. The color has its own scale ranging from D to Z. Diamonds appear white but often have yellowish or brown tints. The more these tints are visible, the lower the quality and cheaper the price. A diamond that is close to the D rating is the most preferred white diamond. Diamonds are expensive and knowledge is needed to make a wise purchase that will retain or even increase in value over time. This means understanding how diamonds are classified. There are four different ‘C’ parameters for buying diamonds and they stand for cut, color, clarity, and carat. Each has its own set of very precise rules when grading a diamond.

A professional diamond examiner will be able to spot several blemishes on the surface of the white diamond. Some diamond blemishes are a natural part of the stone and others occur when the gemstone is cut and polished. These blemishes can lessen the clarity and value of the diamonds although they do affect the sparkle of the diamonds. If scratches are found on the surface, they may invariably disappear when the diamond is polished. At times a portion of the diamond gets chipped away and these are called nicks. Small nicks are sometimes repaired by polishing them to create an extra facet. Sometimes there may be tiny holes in the diamond surface and they can affect the diamond’s clarity.

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All diamonds exhibit a wide range of transparency and color. Transparency may be defined as a measure of the amount of light that passes through a diamond and not what is being absorbed. Colorless diamonds, known as White diamonds are colorless diamonds - but diamonds in a variety of colors such as green, blue, red, orange, yellow, and brown also are known.

Brilliant diamonds explode with light, adding elegance and glamour to a woman’s whole being. Diamonds, like beautiful women, come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing the right type of diamond is truly a matter of personal taste.

If girls are enamored of well-cut polished old diamonds, then a man’s favorite choice is a cultured white diamond. In earlier times, pearls were always obtained from nature. As time passed, scientists discovered that genuine pearls can be made cultured in a laboratory to simulate the natural pearls. Today, a stage has come when 95% of the pearls available are cultured in laboratories.

It is now believed that diamonds are going to be likewise cultured in laboratories. Scientists claim that they can create diamonds in the labs and they will be cheaper then the original ones got from mines. In their anxiety diamond manufacturers are attempting to condemn lab-created diamonds as fakes although that is untrue. As a matter of fact, even professional gemologists will be hard put to differentiate a natural diamond from a cultured one. The cultured diamonds now also have tints of color in them like yellow, blue and pink

This is going to be great news for a lot of diamond lovers as diamonds will become more commonplace and available to many. People clamor to wear diamonds as its sparkle boosts their confidence. Wearing of diamond jewelry is a status symbol and the hallmark of the elite and this is one more reason people seek diamonds. There is also a widespread belief that you will be able to command better respect among fellowmen when they see diamond jewelry on your person. Diamond, by its sheer brilliance and high cost, has become a symbol of authority. Larger diamonds are found relatively infrequently in nature and are therefore more valuable and bought only by persons who wallow in wealth.

Speaking astrologically also, diamonds denote confidence and success. Venus is the planet associated with diamonds and Venus is the brightest planet as sun and moon are more stars than planets. Venus is also allotted the office of a minister in the nine planets Solar system, thereby signifying power and confidence.

The wearing of diamond has all along been considered as a harbinger of good fortune by poets, artists, actors and even by celebrities. People have traditionally believed that wearing diamonds saves a person from ominous occurrences and protects him from evil spirits such as witches, ghosts, black magic etc. Wearing diamond gemstones also has medicinal values and offers cure for diseases like epilepsy, impotency, rheumatism, shortage of semen and other sexual diseases.

Merely buying and wearing diamonds will not do. You should learn to properly maintain diamonds as unclean diamonds can affect your personality. For cleaning diamonds, do not use anything abrasive but a soft tooth brush. There are cleaning cloths made specifically for diamond jewelry available in the market.

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Diamonds are available in an array of colors that range from icy whites to warm summer whites. As a matter of fact, diamonds are graded on a color by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) which lists diamonds from (colorless) to Z category diamonds. Bright colored diamonds look irresistible particularly when set in yellow gold and icy white diamonds look breathtakingly beautiful when set in platinum.

What can draw your girl closer to you than four marquise-cut diamonds in dramatic platinum setting – a piece of jewelry of unparalleled charm? For those of you who may not know the Marquise is a slender striking and proportioned cut and widely favored in designer pieces. The Marquise was one of the most sought-after shapes for two decades from 1960 to 1980 and like the Emerald is a traditional shape. This is one of the four top ranking shapes along with the Round, Princess and Oval.

The striking feature of Marquise is it appears visually bigger and your girl is sure to be baffled by the size. She may even over estimate its price. It has a unique finish that can be felt running up and down the finger and so is an excellent option if you want to gift a seemingly big piece glowing radiantly.

The Marquise Cut was inspired by the bewitching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and ordered to be made by the Sun King, France’s Louis XIV, who wanted a Diamond to match her smile. So, the Marquise Cut you would offer your girl will unfailingly fetch you a similar radiant smile.

It is said that the standard number of facets of a Marquise Cut gemstone is 58 and embedded in costly platinum, the invaluable gift will keep your girl inseparably close to you for 58 years – tat is quite a long time. The setting or mounting of a diamond also plays a role in how the diamond looks on a woman’s hand. A heavier, more elaborate setting, for instance, would not appear graceful on a smaller hand. You must pay attention to settings if you want to impress your lady-love.

The Marquise Cut is also known as the Navette shape and looks like a long oval that has been stretched out to a point at each end. The optimal ratio of length to width is 2:1, although a length-to-width ratio between 1.75 and 2.25:1 looks perfect. Marquise provides good brilliance and color and becomes gorgeous when set in platinum.

This unusually majestic shape and added sparkle will constantly remind your girl of her lover. What will specially appeal to your girl is this fancy-shaped Marquise Cut diamond on platinum makes the fingers appear long and slender enhancing their elegance.

Platinum with Diamonds make a fabulous match ideal as a lovely engagement or wedding ring. Imagine a ring featuring a marquise-cut diamond in a prong setting accompanied by rows of 30 channel-set tapered baguette-cut diamonds in polished platinum setting. This will surely make your girl swoon in your arms. Imagine what your girl will tell you: “I am wearing the ring you gave and have been dying to tell you how GORGEOUS it is. Every time I catch a glimpse of the diamond it reminds me of you”.

When looking for exciting engagement ring or other jewelry all you need to do is to surf jamesallen.com site and locate the best for your loved one.