Diamonds have long been valued for their hardness and incredible brilliance.
Chemically a diamond is pure carbon, just like the graphite used in pencils.
Diamonds' hardness is the result of extremely strong chemical bonds between the carbon atoms.
Although most people think of diamonds as colorless, they actually occur in almost every color.
Learn more about diamond coloring by clicking on the Color Link to the Left.
THE SHAPE OF A DIAMOND
The precision and delicacy with which your diamond is cut will determine it's brilliance, it's fire, and it's ultimate beauty.
The shape you select is a matter of individual taste and today your choice is only limited by the skill and imagination of the cut craftsman.
The Round Brilliant
is the most popular shape, but there is a wide variety of others that range from the more tradidional
Marquise,
Pear,
Emerald,
Oval
or Heart
shape to the more fanciful and creative.
Diamonds were viewed as talisman by the ancient Hindus in India, which is where diamonds were first discovered.
The most powerful stones were thought to be naturally occurring octahedrons of exceptional clarity that exhibited fire. These stones would bring the owner power, wealth, everlasting youth and good fortune.
During the first century AD prominent Romans wore uncut diamonds set in rings also as talismans. The first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy by Maximillian in 1477.
