Gemstone of the Week: Diamond

Diamonds, known as a girl's best friend for generations, have always taken center stage in the world of engagement rings, not only as stunning focal points but also as dazzling accent stones. Their exceptional qualities set them apart - scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds can only be scratched by other diamonds. Interestingly, diamonds hold the title of being the birthstone for April. These precious gems are unearthed from various continents, including Africa, Russia in Europe, Canada in North America, and formerly Australia. Largely found in alluvial deposits, diamonds make a remarkable journey from their primary sources to coastal regions through rivers. Depending on their mining origin, diamonds are either shallow earth mined if from alluvial deposits or excavated from deep primary source mines, involving costly and labor-intensive operations that can extend hundreds of feet into the ground to retrieve raw diamond material. Some mines boast long-lasting lifespans, while others, such as Australia's Argyle mine, are short-lived yet prolific in producing rare or high value rough. While white diamonds are the most common, diamonds exist in a spectrum of colors - from blues, greens, and pinks to purples, reds, oranges, blacks, browns, and yellows. Notably, most diamonds find utility in industrial applications like tools and lasers, creating a distinction between gem-quality diamonds that undergo thousands of years of formation in the Earth's core before ascending violently to the crust through kimberlite pipes. Contrary to popular belief, all mined diamonds that are sold in the United states diamond market are all confilct free.The Kimberley Process started when Southern African diamond-producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, in May 2000, to discuss ways to stop the trade in ‘conflict diamonds' and ensure that diamond purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments. Uniquely, diamonds are the sole gemstones that reflect light from within, captivating onlookers with a mesmerizing sparkle that emanates through each facet, whether adorning dainty accent pieces or grand, intricately crafted jewelry items, captivating attention with their brilliance from afar.