A Chocolate Diamond is a rare, naturally brown coloured diamond. While you might think the cute nickname is simply due to its signature colour.
Simply put, a Chocolate Diamond is a brown diamond. Brown diamonds are more affordable than colourless diamonds!
Chocolate Diamonds are deeply saturated and dark brown; the colour of chocolate. The darker and richly colourful a Chocolate Diamond, the more rare and valuable it is.
Lighter coloured brown diamonds are beautiful, especially when they have good clarity and minimal inclusions. However, if they are light coloured they are not a Chocolate Diamond.
Does that matter? Not necessarily. Choosing the colour of a diamond is completely subjective, and the name of the diamond is actually irrelevant if you love the diamond itself.
Browse our collection of beautiful brown diamonds to find the perfect stone for your jewellery!
“Triple X” is a trade term for diamonds that have triple the excellence (Excellent cut, Excellent polish and Excellent symmetry grades). Of the three Xs and the 4Cs, cut is one of the most important. This trio of diamonds demonstrates why. These diamonds have cut grades of Excellent, Good and Poor, from left to right. Which diamond do you like best? Learn more about cut, diamond craftsmanship and Triple X diamonds here https://australia-diamonds.com.au/the-5-cs-of-diamonds/
CORONAVIRUS is forcing us to wash and disinfect our hands, avoid touching surfaces in public, and even banning us from shaking hands, but what about our jewellery?
Corona Virus Chain
It might be time to give that engagement ring an extra polish after an Australian nurse shared a post on Facebook advising us all to be disinfecting our jewellery. It makes sense that our precious chains and gems harbour bacteria, and could put us more at risk of catching the virus. How do we clean our jewellery to avoid coronavirus?
Using soap and water and alcohol-based hand sanitiser is well and good, but what about the accessories you use to adorn those hands and wrists?
The nurse said: “I will admit I am a bit of a clean freak and germaphobe… but I am a nurse and so hand hygiene is huge for me.”
She went on to recommend using disinfectant and antiseptic wipes on your rings, bracelets, and watches every single day.
How do you clean your rings?
You can clean it with the swabs before you put it back on, the gaps in jewellery could pick up bacteria very easily.
While this gentle cleaning method is a good choice for most gemstones and jewellery, there are a few important exceptions. Porous gemstones (such as coral or turquoise) and delicate pearls (natural or cultured) should always be kept away from any chemicals. Caution must also be used when cleaning most treated gems. Each gemstone has its own specific cleaning needs.
How can I keep my hands clean amid coronavirus?
We all know the drill, wash your hands as often as you can and carry sanitiser with you but when is it most important to disinfect?
We used it before and after toilets and eating mainly, but it’s also important to keep your sanitiser within reaching distance, as rummaging through your bag with dirty hands is problematic.
What other items do I need to keep clean?
We’re all attached to our mobile phones and we need to disinfect these as well as to our our clothes when we get home.
Over the years, a diamond has remained one of the most spectacular gemstones of all time. But what exactly makes the diamond so fascinating? Not only does a diamond have the ability to captivate a person’s heart in just a few seconds, but the gemstone remains remarkable for the fact that they were formed before the age of dinosaurs. Today, a diamond is still known as the ultimate symbol of love making it the ideal gift for anniversaries, birthdays and special celebrations. Here are 10 fascinating facts in a nutshell that will make you fall in love with the magical gemstone even more:
A CANDLE FLAME CONTAINS MILLIONS OF SMALL DIAMONDS
Small diamonds can be found in candlelight
Throughout time many poets have compared the flickering flame of a candle to the gorgeous effect of a diamond. Of course, creative writers weren’t too far from the truth. According to Wuzong Zhou, a professor of chemistry at the University of St Andrews, around 1.5 million diamond nanoparticles can be found in a candle’s flame. Therefore, proposing during a candlelight dinner has even greater meaning.
SCIENTISTS CAN TURN THE REMAINS OF A LOVED ONE INTO A DIAMOND
If you’re looking to have an everlasting connection with a loved one who has passed away, there’s an option to compress their ashes and turn it into a man-made diamond. This way you will be able to cherish them forever.
Turn your loved one’s remains into a diamond
DIAMONDS WEREN’T ALWAYS MINED
Diamonds were found in riverbanks before they were mined
Today, the majority of diamonds on the market are mined underground or undersea using heavy machinery and high-tech equipment. However, before diamonds were mined below the earth’s surface they were found by miners alongside or at the bottom of rivers. This type of mining activity is known as alluvial mining.
THE EUREKA DIAMOND WAS DISCOVERED BY A 15-YEAR-OLD BOY
One of the largest diamonds were found by a 15-years-old boy
The beautiful Eureka diamond was first discovered in South Africa by a 15-year-old boy named Erasmus Stephanus in 1867. The 21.25 carat rough diamond was found near Hopetown on the Orange River. Today, the polished diamond weighs 10.73 carats.
A DIAMOND IS ONE OF THE HARDEST NATURAL SUBSTANCES ON EARTH
A diamond is 58 times harder than anything in nature
Diamonds are considered to be one of hardest natural materials known to man; according to researchers a diamond is up to 58x harder than anything you will find in nature. Therefore, the only object or piece of equipment that would be able to cut through a diamond would be another diamond.
THERE’S A DIAMOND IN THE SKY CALLED, ‘LUCY’
A massive diamond in the sky was named after a Beatles song
In 2007, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics announced the discovery of a 10 billion-trillion-trillion carat diamond in the sky called, Lucy. The star was named after the Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and is located fifty light years from Earth.
NOT ALL DIAMONDS ARE WHITE IN COLOUR
There’s a variety of diamonds available in nature
Did you know not all diamonds are colourless? In nature you will find a variety of natural fancy colour diamonds; the extremely rare diamonds come in different shades of red, blue, pink, yellow, brown, black, orange and green.
DIAMONDS WERE ONLY AVAILABLE TO THE ELITE
Diamonds weren’t always available to the public
Diamonds weren’t always available to the general public. During the twentieth-century France laid down a law, which indicated that only the King was allowed to wear diamonds. If a peasant or non-royalty member of the community was seen wearing the fascinating gemstone they would be dealing with serious consequences. Around this time, diamonds were exceptionally rare. It was the discovery of diamonds in South Africa that changed the world diamond industry forever.
THERE ARE DIAMONDS IN SPACE
There’s white dwarf stars in space with diamonds
Scientists revealed that there are white dwarf stars in space that each contain a diamond core. But what’s even more fascinating is that the largest diamond in the universe weighs a whopping 2.27 thousand trillion tons and holds up to 10 billion carats in weight.
A DIAMOND LOSES UP TO 50% OF ITS WEIGHT DURING THE CUTTING AND POLISHING PROCESS
A diamond loses up to 50% of its weight during the cutting and polishing process
In order for a rough diamond to reach its full potential it will undergo a cutting and polishing process; during which, the diamond will lose up to 50% of its original rough carat weight on average. The trade off? A diamond cut to perfect proportion and symmetry will display the ultimate combination of fire, brilliance and scintillation.
In the
1953 movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” iconic actress Marilyn Monroe
sings, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friends.” Indeed, diamonds
and jewellery are very good “friends” when it comes to marking major
life milestones, such as engagement, marriage, and birthdays, or even an
investment. With their unique shimmer and sparkles of light, often enhanced by
special cuts, diamonds are always captivating and moving. There is nothing like
diamond jewellery to express commitment, appreciation, and especially love.
Marriage proposal – the ideal time for an engagement ring
The
traditional target audience for purchasing diamonds is couples who plan to
marry. Traditionally, when a man proposes marriage he presents his would-be
fiancé with an engagement ring. The ring symbolizes the connection between
them, building a new life, and possibly another link in the chain of
generations by a couple who is establishing a new family. The ring is proof of
the couple’s love and serious intentions with regard to their shared future.
The
wedding ring is usually made of gold, but it is customary for an engagement
ring to be a gold ring studded with diamonds, or at least one diamond. The link
between marriage proposals and diamond rings, especially solitaire diamond
rings, can be traced back to a 1930s ad campaign by De Beers, which still
resonates today. Tiffany & Co. took the campaign a step further, cementing
the status of the solitaire diamond as the ultimate engagement ring.
Diamond jewellery – not just for brides
It is customary worldwide to gift the bride with jewellery to celebrate her engagement and wedding, but other occasions are also marked with the gift of jewellery, such as for anniversaries, especially the “silver” anniversary marking 25 years of marriage, the “golden” anniversary marking 50 years of marriage, and the birth of children or grandchildren. These are significant events in every person’s life, and they are traditionally marked with the gift of jewellery, that will always remind the woman who wears them of the special occasion on which she received them.
Jewellery
is also purchased on other special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day or
celebrating the New Year and, of course, birthdays, which are another wonderful
occasion to celebrate with jewellery.
Purchasing diamonds for investment purposes
Diamonds are also purchased for investment purposes, similar to gold. The diamonds most sought after as investment instruments are large, unique and rare diamonds. Coloured diamonds are rare by definition, and are therefore more popular, especially when weighing 3 carats and over. But transparent diamonds, especially with high grades of colour and clarity, are in demand for investments.
You can find diamonds of various types and sizes at Australia-Diamonds, which offers a wide selection of white and coloured diamonds in a variety of cuts and clarity grades.
Across the breadth of 1.6 billion years, journeying from the crucible of the earth, emerges the most intriguing diamond in history. Revered for its exquisite beauty and provenance, the Argyle pink diamond is coveted as the most esteemed diamond in the world.
While natural fancy coloured diamonds are scarce, Argyle pink diamonds are inherently so. So rare are they that less than an entire year’s worth of supply over half a carat would fit in the palm of one’s hand, while the number of red, blue and violet diamonds can be counted on one hand alone. The finest of each year’s discoveries, just 50-60 of these rare natural treasures are brought to life as polished masterpieces and offered for sale each year as part of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.
The Argyle Diamond Mine is the world’s only consistent source of pink diamonds, accounting for more than 90 percent of the world’s pink diamond supply; although this treasure trove will not continue in perpetuity.
As awareness around their rarity deepens, Argyle pink diamonds are increasingly sought-after – acquired by collectors and connoisseurs around the world for their personal holdings and bespoke jewellery creations.
The Argyle Diamond Mine
Since 1983, Argyle Diamonds has mined from this remote region, the world’s most exquisite natural coloured gems. Yet none are more rare or beguiling than the Argyle pink diamond.
Prior to the 1980s, production of pink diamonds had been sporadic, and limited to international mines. Argyle pink diamonds, from a certifiable source and of a depth and range of colour never seen before, have commanded the world’s attention since their discovery.
Unearthing these treasures, formed at a depth of over 160 kilometres below the earth’s surface, is a challenge both in size and complexity. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, the Argyle underground mine comprises an intricate network which comprises two underground crushers and around 40 kilometres of tunnels, facilitating the access of diamonds from the furthest reaches of the earth.
It will take over a year and many careful hands for a rough Argyle pink diamond to journey from the mine to its final destination as a polished gem.
Wishing all our customers, clients & friends a very Merry Christmas!
We would like to thank all of our customers for their continual support that allows us to be able to do what we love as our jobs and wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Their sparkle has mesmerised the world for generations. about one million years ago -long before the existence of life on earth as we know it – diamonds formed far beneath the surface, under the very special conditions of high pressure and relatively low temperatures. 75-100 miles above those diamonds was a surface covered with ocean, as the continents had not yet formed. There the diamonds sat for millions and millions of years, until they were thrust toward the surface by molten kimerlite a mere 55 million years ago. Rock and ash were blasted into the air in an explosive cloud, engulfing parts of redwood forest. The debris collapsed back into the ground and, once cooled, formed a conical “pipe”. Over the millions of intervening years, the remaining redwoods and the volcano tops were scraped away by erosion – the most recent of which was due to receding glaciers transporting bits of kimberlite miles away. The challenge for explorers was to trace those dislocated pieces (the indicators) back to the source.
Most diamonds are found in kimberlite, but not all kimberlite contains diamonds. Worldwide, there are roughly 5,000 known kimberlite deposits, but only 1% are considered to be worth mining. For centuries, miners panned rives and stream beds, hoping to find diamonds. These gems were actually far from their original home, due to millions of years of erosion. Not until the 1800s did geologists discover kimberlite to be the diamond’s source.
Kimberlite, a dark, carbon-dioxide-rich rock, provides geologies a glimpse of what lies beneath. Embedded in it are a variety of heavy mineral calls indicators, which include distinctive olivine, garnets, and chrome diopside. Explorers use these minerals as “breadcrumbs” of sorts, following the indicator trail with the hopes of locating diamond-laden kimberlite pipe.
Carat weight is likely to be the 5C in which most customers are more familiar. It is also the easiest characteristic to describe and present to your customers since size differences are more easily discernible. Furthermore, carat weight plays an important part in the overall value of a diamond because larger diamonds are more rare and therefore cost more. However, just because a diamond might be bigger, does not necessarily mean it will be the best choice for your customer. Overall diamond quality is determined by all of the 5Cs combined, and diamond jewellers should make it clear to their customers that larger diamonds can magnify cut, colour and clarity for the better and sometimes for the worse. As a diamond retailer, describing the pros and cons of a larger diamond, based on that particular diamond’s combined characteristics, will allow your customer to determine which qualities are most important to them and if that particular diamond is what they are looking for.
Defining Carat Weight The term “carat” is the standard unit of weight for diamonds and other gemstones. The name originates from the carob seed, which was the original unit of measure for diamond traders. In 1913 the United States implemented the modern metric carat, which is equal to 0.2 grams, and other countries soon followed. Today, a carat means the same thing everywhere in the world. A carat can be further divided into 100 points, allowing for very precise measurements. This is critical for jewellers as even a very small weight difference can have an impact on the overall diamond value and pricing structure.
Diamond Carat Size Comparison Just as two people, one who is tall and thin and the other who is short and stout, might weigh the same on the bathroom scale, two diamonds that appear to be different sizes might actually have the same carat weight. That’s because variations in shape and cut make diamonds of similar weights look different. Since carat weight is distributed over the entire diamond, other measurements are needed to describe the overall size: Crown Area – this is the total surface area of the top of the diamond (measured in mm2). It shows the size of the diamond as it appears face up, similar to how we view a diamond when set in a ring. Cut Proportions – if two diamonds are the same carat weight and shape, but one carries a larger percentage of its weight in its depth, then the table percentage (flat section at the top of the diamond) and overall crown area will be smaller, giving the impression that the diamond is smaller from the top. The photo (right) shows two 1 ct. round diamonds, but the diamond on the left is cut deeper and therefore has a smaller table percentage across the top. Shape – diamond shapes such as oval or marquise have elongated lengths, resulting in the appearance of a larger size per carat weight. Sometimes this size difference can be real, however, it can also be just an illusion based on perception. It is important to explain to your customers how these different factors affect the perception of diamond size. A diamond with a higher carat weight is likely to be more expensive, but may not look that much larger than a smaller carat weight diamond once set in jewellery. Help your customer find a diamond that gives the largest perception of size for the jewellery setting they like, while staying within their budget.
Carat Weight, Rarity, and Pricing The larger a diamond is, the more rare it is, so as the carat weight of a diamond increases, the diamond’s price can also increase exponentially. In addition, diamond prices jump at the full-and half-carat weights. Not only is there an overall price hike, but as the carat weight increases, the price-per-carat climbs as well. Diamonds just below these cut-offs cost considerably less, and, because carat weight is distributed across the whole diamond, small size differences can be difficult to detect. Before buying or selling any diamonds, always check that you are getting or setting the right price. The industry’s primary source for diamond price information, shows exactly how much a diamond should cost based on size, shape, colour, clarity and cut.
Conclusion It is important for your customers to understand that carat is a measure of weight and not the physical size that the eye sees. Carat weight can have a large impact on a diamond’s value and for some customers this will be an important factor. However, for others, what really matters is the size a diamond appears to be from the top, once set in jewellery. As small changes in carat weight can have little impact on the overall size appearance of a diamond, but yet still impact the price, you should guide your customers to find the right cut and setting to reflect the desired diamond size within their budget.
3 Things To Remember When Planning The Perfect Proposal
The Perfect Proposal
You agree on the decision for kids, careers, lifestyle. You know how to communicate even when you fight and are comfortable with each other! All that is now left is to put a ring on it! But wait, there’s more to a marriage proposal than you think. Here’s how you can pop the question without embarrassing her or yourself!
Do not propose without an engagement ring! A recent survey conducted on more than 19,000 couples by The Knot, an online authority on all things related to weddings, found that proposing without a ring is probably the worst thing that you could do! If you are planning to spend the rest of your life with her, it’s important that you do it right. At Carat Smart Australia, we can help you shop for the perfect engagement at affordable prices. You could choose one from our online collection, or design your own ring by sharing your ideas with our artisans!
Make it meaningful Even if you aren’t one of those sappy sentiment types, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is one of the most noteworthy moments of your relationship. You could either take her somewhere that’s special for the both of you – a place where you first met, kissed, or shared your first ‘I love you’. Is your beloved close to her family? Asking her father/mother for his (or her) child’s hand in marriage is a sweet way to include the family!
Don’t forget to get down on one knee Agreed, times have changed. But women still find it charming when the man drops down on his knee and asks her – ‘will you marry me?’ After all, weddings are all about time-honored traditions – putting your knee on the ground is a sure way to make it momentous.
There’s no such thing as the perfect proposal. Don’t put yourself under too much pressure to get everything right. Make it a memorable, special experience for both you and her!
Tags: engagement rings, design your own ring, diamond ring Category: Engagement Rings
