Diamonds: Properties, Value & Applications

There is more to diamonds than the fact that they can elevate any jewellery piece. They are a symbol of history and each natural diamond dates back billions of years.

This makes diamonds a very popular choice in the jewellery industry, as they are so rare and elegant.

But how are diamonds valued? What are their properties? And where can you buy and sell diamonds? In today's blog post, we will cover all of this, so let's take a look.

Key Properties of a Diamond

Diamonds are tough and can't be scratched by almost any other material apart from another diamond, which makes them a very popular choice thanks to their durability. Diamonds can scratch and cut through almost all materials, making it a popular choice for tools too.

Diamonds have a very high melting point because of their strong carbon structure. The carbon covalent bonds have to be broken down throughout the structure of the diamond before any melting begins to occur.

The MOHS Scale

Diamond ranks 10 on the MOHS scale. The MOHS scale is used to measure the hardness of materials and minerals, and the scale was created in 1812 by geologist Friedrich Mohs.

The scale starts with the softest material talc at number 1, which can be scratched by a fingernail. Number 5 on the MOHs scale is Apatite, which can just about scratch glass and can be easily scratched by a knife, making it too soft to be used as a gemstone in a jewellery item.

At number 9 on the scale is Corundum, examples of corundum include sapphires and rubies. These minerals can only be scratched by diamonds; however, they can’t scratch diamonds.

4C’s of a Diamond

The 4C’s determine the value of a diamond as well as market demands and trends. The shape and proportions of a diamond can impact its appearance and value.

Certain diamond shapes, such as round brilliant and princess cuts, are more popular and may have higher prices due to their timeless appeal and sparkle. Let's take a look at what each of the 4C’s are and what they mean:

1: Cut

The cut of a diamond is one of the most important parts and can play a big part in determining the value of the diamond.

The cut of the diamond will determine how ‘sparkly’ it appears and how light hits it and refracts out. A poorly cut diamond affects the way the diamond looks, which can make it appear dull compared to a well-cut diamond.

2: Clarity

The clarity of a diamond affects how it appears; a poor clarity diamond can appear cloudy or may contain natural blemishes which can affect its shine.

Diamonds with fewer blemishes will be valued higher as they are of higher quality and rarer, therefore, making them more expensive.

When purchasing a diamond, you should look closely at any visible flaws or spots on the diamond; however, it is important to remember that all flaws aren't visible to the naked eye, which is why you should always choose trusted sellers.

3: Colour

Some diamonds are bright and clear, while others can appear yellow depending on their natural colour.

The clearer the diamond, the higher the price tag, as they allow more light to seep through making the diamond shine.

The colour of a diamond is measured in letters. These letters range from D-Z. if you are looking for clearer and more high-quality diamonds, look for letters closer to the start of the alphabet.

Below is a table representing the different letters and classifications for the colours of diamonds:

4: Carat Weight

And finally, the weight of the diamond. Of course, higher carats have a higher value as they weigh more.

One carat is equal to 0.2 grams; however, size isn't always the main factor that determines the value of a diamond.

A diamond could be 3 carats but have a poor cut, colour and clarity and be valued less than a 1-carat diamond with the highest cut, colour and clarity.

Diamond Uses

There are more ways diamonds can be used than you may think. Let's take a look at some diamond applications.

Jewellery

Most commonly, diamonds are used in jewellery to elevate and enhance jewellery pieces, especially engagement rings.

The shine and durability of diamonds make them a great choice amongst regular jewellery wearers. Diamonds are great for everyday wear because they don't scratch.

Industrial Use

Diamonds are also great for industrial use, and small diamonds are embedded into certain tools like saw blades and drill bits to increase their ability to cut through hard materials like stone and metal.

Diamonds are also great at giving things a shiny appearance and they are used in polishing compounds for things like lenses, glass and even car paint.

Technology

Diamonds might seem too fancy for electronics, but they're actually really useful! They're used in things like semiconductors and computer chips because they can handle high temperatures and conduct electricity very well.

Looking for Diamond Jewellery?

Here at Miltons Diamonds, we have a range of diamond jewellery for you to choose from, listed on our website and in-store.

As spoken about in today's blog, a diamond is a very hard mineral, meaning it is high quality and will last you a lifetime. This is why it’s such a good choice when it comes to jewellery buying.

Our collection showcases a variety of diamond pieces, from necklaces, and bracelets to rings and more. So, if you are looking for a new everyday or occasion jewellery piece, you will be sure to be spoilt for choice.

Get in touch today, and our diamond specialists will be happy to help you and guide you through the diamond buying process, answering any questions and queries you may have when it comes to diamonds.