GEMSTONE GUIDES

Diamonds are considered to be one of the most precious gemstones in the world. Their crystal clear appearance and high sparkle makes them a popular choice for jewellery and their timeless appeal means they've maintained their position as the most popular gemstone for centuries. 

Diamonds have been a symbol of love and commitment for centuries due to their popularity in engagement and wedding rings. Diamond engagement rings are considered to be the most popular choice for many couples, with natural diamonds still holding the number one spot over lab grown diamond rings. 

They are also associated with qualities such as purity, perfection due to their crystal clear appearance and strength due to their hardness and toughness. Diamonds are also the birth month for April, so these precious gemstones hold a special place in the hearts of those born in that month.

Diamonds are famous for being super hard – like, really, really tough! Diamonds are in fact the hardest natural substance on Earth, so they are a great choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces that are worn daily. Interestingly, diamonds are also used in industrial tools like saws and drills and aren't exclusively limited to beautiful sparkly jewellery. Unsurprisingly, diamonds land at number 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they rank the highest out of all gemstones.

Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory, as opposed to being formed within the earth. The only difference between a synthetic diamond and a mined diamond is the way it is created, natural and lab grown diamonds hold exactly the same chemical composition and physical properties as each other. 

Lab-grown diamonds offer a more sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds, as they require less environmental impact and do not involve issues like labor exploitation or conflict associated with traditional diamond mining. Plus, they're often more affordable too! Discover more about lab-grown diamonds by exploring our dedicated lab diamond guide.

While some natural diamond mines adhere to strict ethical and environmental standards, others may lack adequate oversight and regulation. Ultimately, whether natural diamonds are deemed ethical depends on individual perspectives and priorities regarding environmental impact, labor practices, and social responsibility within the diamond industry. At Jessica Flinn we always ensure that we only work with suppliers who source from conflict free countries such as USA, Sri Lanka, Australia and Botswana.

The "4Cs" – cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight – play a crucial role in assessing a diamond's value. A well-cut diamond with excellent clarity, little colouration and larger carat weight will have a higher price due to their rarity and appeal. With diamonds, the market is forever changing and fluctuating, meaning the market price of diamonds can change even from hour to hour. Take a look at our 4 Cs guide to learn more about how they affect the overall quality and price of a diamond.

Diamonds generally tend to hold their value in the long term. However, it's important to note that individual diamonds may vary in their value based on factors such as market trends, specific characteristics, and the overall condition of the diamond.

Overall, diamonds are not considered a rare stone, however they are often found in very small amounts and rarely hold the characteristics desired for fine jewellery. The desired carat weight, cut, clarity and colour (the 4Cs) are very hard to come by naturally, so these gems will be priced higher than those with less desirable characteristics. So, while diamonds aren't considered rare, finding a suitable natural stone can be challenging.

Natural white diamonds are found in various locations around the world, including countries like South Africa, Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia, and Angola. Through mining operations, natural white diamonds are extracted from these geological structures and then cut and polished to reveal their stunning brilliance.

Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under intense heat and pressure over millions to billions of years. They begin as carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure, subjected to extreme conditions about 100 miles below the Earth's surface. The heat and pressure cause carbon atoms to bond together in a tightly-packed arrangement, forming diamond crystals. These crystals slowly move closer to the surface through volcanic eruptions or other geological processes, where they are eventually mined and extracted. It's this remarkable journey through time and geological forces that gives natural diamonds their unique beauty and rarity. Take a look at our guide which goes into depth on where natural diamonds come from and how they're made. 

Natural white diamonds can exhibit colours ranging from icy, colourless hues to faint tints of yellow or brown. The allure of these diamonds lies in their remarkable ability to refract and reflect light, creating a dazzling play of brilliance and sparkle. This means that stones with a duller colour or ones that hold more inclusions will have a harder time refracting light and will therefore be visually less brilliant. Choosing a diamond is all down to personal choice, as some might find the character of inclusions and hints of colour more appealing than opting for a crystal clear diamond. 

Natural diamonds also come in a stunning spectrum of colours, ranging from pinks, reds, greens, blues and even black. These diamonds, also known as fancy coloured diamonds, are far more rare than their colourless counterparts and are among some of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Our dedicated coloured diamond guide delves deeply into the allure of these extraordinary gems if you are interested in finding out more.

Caring for your diamond jewellery ensures its longevity and brilliance. Here are five steps to maintain its beauty:

Regular Cleaning: Gently clean diamond jewellery with a soft-bristled brush (a baby toothbrush works fine) and mild soapy water to remove dirt and oils. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid Chemicals: Keep diamonds away from harsh chemicals, such as chlorine and bleach, which can damage the metal settings and dull the gemstone's sparkle.

Safe Storage: Store diamond jewellery separately in a fabric-lined jewellery box or pouch to prevent scratches and tangling with other pieces.

Wear with Care: Remove diamond jewellery when engaging in activities like household chores or sports to prevent accidental damage or loss.

If you think your jewellery needs a refresh by a professional, book in for our repair and refresh service!

While we primarily work with lab grown diamonds here at Jessica Flinn, we are always able to collaborate to ensure you leave us with your dream ring.  We have the capability to ethically source and provide responsibly mined diamonds, thanks to our extensive training and partnerships with top suppliers. Our commitment lies in ensuring that every diamond we offer has been ethically and responsibly sourced, reflecting our dedication to ethical practices and providing you with the perfect piece of jewellery.

Read our Ethical Pledge to learn how we operate on an ethical level.