Even those that have taken several trips into the LA Diamond District sometimes have questions about diamonds that haven’t been answered. Understanding these precious stones can help you to develop a greater appreciation for them—and make you sound incredibly brilliant the next time you whisk your beloved into Downtown Los Angeles jewelry stores.
What Exactly is a Diamond Made of?
A diamond is just a diamond, right? Well, not really. And it is not technically a rock, either. When you are browsing the LA Diamond District for a sparkler as the centerpiece for your proposal, or as a meaningful gift for another occasion, you are actually shopping for a very valuable piece of carbon. Just like the graphite in a pencil (despite common belief, you are not actually writing with “lead” when you use a pencil), diamonds are comprised of tightly bound carbon atoms. Unlike the pencil tip, however, diamonds are formed in such a manner that the resulting gem is incredibly hard and can be cut and polished into jewelry.
Can I Fracture or Chip My Diamond?
Diamonds are the hardest substance known on earth. This accounts for their use in industrial applications, and explains why only diamonds can effectively cut diamonds. This is not to say, however, that your diamond is indestructible. You can chip or scratch, even break, a diamond if it is not treated properly. Always store your diamonds away from other gem stones, and ensure that they do not touch each other so that they cannot cause damage to your other jewelry, or scratch other diamonds. Also remove your diamonds if you will be engaging in manual work.
What Does it Mean if a Diamond is “Clarity Enhanced”?
It is possible that on a trip to one of the jewelry stores in Downtown Los Angeles that you saw diamonds that were noted as “clarity enhanced”. This means that any fractures or feathering in a diamond is filled with a glass substance to improve the visual appearance of the stone. Though this treatment can make a diamond much more beautiful, it may not last forever. If the filling comes loose, or other damage is caused, however, it is likely that the enhancement can be performed again to restore the clarity and appeal of the diamond.
What Does it Mean if a Diamond is “Laser Drilled”?
Laser drilling is another procedure that sometimes confuses those shopping for diamonds. This is another approach that is used to modify the appearance of a diamond, in this case any dark inclusions that may be present. A laser is used to drill into the inclusion, which is then lightened even further utilizing a special acid. You can rest assured that any diamond in the LA Diamond District that has undergone laser drilling will be properly identified as such.
What is a Diamond’s “Fluorescence” ?
If you really want to impress a shopping companion, you will discuss a diamond’s fluorescence. This refers to the blue glow that is sometimes emitted by diamonds when they are exposed to ultraviolet, or “black”, lighting. This phenomenon is not presence in all diamonds, and the reason behind the glow is not entirely understood. There have also been reports, most notably in the infamous Hope Diamond, of other colors of fluorescence, including a mysterious red. Fluorescence is noted on many diamond certificates to ensure proper identification.
More Information
Want to learn more? Stop into Icing On The Ring, LA Diamond District family owned and operated favorite. Call 888-565-6750 today for details!
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