Unearthed to Perfection: How is a Diamond Made
One of the things that most people don’t realize is that diamonds aren’t just perfect sparklers. They are mined and turned into perfection! Lets start with how diamonds are even created, no it is not a man-made job, diamonds are found in the Earth’s mantle. This is about 150km below the surface and it is a scolding, hot intense pressure zone. The crystals of pure carbon that form in the mantle are highly pressurized with heat and then usually during volcanic eruptions or changes in the Earth’s surface, the now crystalized carbon make its way close to the Earth’s surface, and of course mined.
The Mining Process:
Mining isn’t like what you see in the movies, it is much more industrial. De Beers, one of the largest diamond mining plants in the world gives an in-depth look at the strategies of mining and the process of creating the perfect diamonds. De Beers uses four different types of mining. The first is pit mining which is the most common. It is exactly how it sounds, giant holes are made into the Earth’s surface and miners get to work on finding diamonds. The second is Underground Mining, where miners go underground to find diamonds. Marine Mining, underwater mining. and Alluvial Mining which is finding diamonds along riverbeds.
After the Mining:
Once a rough diamond has been discovered it is usual sold to a diamond cutter. Depending on the shape of a rough diamond will distinguish the way it will be cut. Now the diamond cutting and polishing step is one of the most important processes. The four C’s founded by GIA: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight will be determined by the cut. The cut will either show off the diamonds color and clarity or dim it. The cut will also show symmetry. The most important, carat weight. If the diamond carat weight is cut too small then there will be a small diamond which is worth a lot less money.
After Cutting:
The diamond is sold to various brokers all over the world. There are diamond capitols of the world. The biggest one is Antwerp in Belgium. There is also Israel, and New York City. Diamond brokers sell the diamonds to various jewelry stores and companies. If it is a big luxurious diamonds it may be given to auction. For example, Christies is auctioning off in October a 3.37ct fancy pinkish-purple diamond. Now the size isn’t that tremendous, but finding a pinkish-purple diamond is by far the rarest sighting for a diamond!
Sold:
Diamonds are then placed in engagement rings, wedding rings, pendants, earrings, and more! Retailers design beautiful settings for these natural substances, and like many other things find the perfect home!