Here is a summary of the main stages in the formation of natural diamonds:

1. Geological conditions: Diamonds form in the Earth's mantle where the pressure is 45 to 60 kilobars and the temperature is 900 to 1300 degrees Celsius.

2. Crystallization: Under these extreme conditions, the carbon atoms bond to form a cubic crystal structure, characteristic of diamond. This may take millions or even billions of years.

3. Transport to the surface: Diamonds are transported to the Earth's surface by violent volcanic eruptions which form kimberlite or lamproite pipes. These volcanic rocks often contain diamonds and allow their extraction.

4. Mining: Once on the surface, diamonds are extracted by mining methods, either by mining kimberlite pipes or by using alluvial methods where diamonds are recovered from sedimentary deposits.

5. Processing: After mining, rough diamonds are sorted, cut, polished and graded before being used in jewelry or for industrial applications.

Besides natural diamonds, there are synthetic diamonds that are produced in the laboratory using methods such as high pressure high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These techniques reproduce the natural formation conditions of diamonds, making it possible to create stones with properties similar to those of natural diamonds.

Cut

Cut refers by to a diamond's shape as well as its quality. It’s considered the most significant factor affecting a diamond’s beauty and brilliance and is influenced by proportions, symmetry and polish. Of the 4 Cs, the cut is the one factor based exclusively on human elements, especially cutting skills. 

Cut shapes range from the most popular round brilliant to a broad range of fancy shapes including princess, marquise, pear, heart, oval, emerald, radiant and cushion.

Carat

Diamond weight is measured in carats. A one-carat diamond is subdivided into 100 equal parts called 'points.' While Carat weight is written in decimal numbers, more frequently fractions are used for greater comprehension. 

Color

Most people look for diamonds with little to no color. A 12-letter alphabetical scale from D to Z is used to determine color. Diamonds on the lower spectrum of the scale have the least amount of color, with D considered a colorless stone. Diamonds closer to the Z end of the scale have deeper tones. 

In special cases, diamonds with intense coloring beyond the Z grading enter another category. These are considered "Fancy Color" diamonds. Often the value of a Fancy Colored stone can surpass that of colorless diamonds. This is especially true for diamonds with rare or deep coloring including bright yellow, pink, blue, green, orange, purple, red, champagne and others.

Clarity

Most every diamond has tiny imperfections. Clarity is the term used to reflect the visibility of these characteristics. Because flawless diamonds are so rare, and costly, most diamonds have some imperfections. These “inclusions” can include anything fro tiny white points to dark dots, cracks or scratches. The fewer inclusions found, the more valuable the diamond. 

1. Choose your diamond resource wisely

Always purchase from a jeweler with expert training, years of experience and an open approach to answering questions and offering advice. Working with a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist or other accredited jewelry professional provides assurance that you are buying from a knowledgeable expert who can explain differences between stones and compare diamonds within your budgetary parameters.

2. Understand the 4Cs affecting a diamond’s quality, value and price.

Diamonds are evaluated using the 4Cs. This includes Diamond Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight. When choosing colorless stones, the less color the more desirable the diamond. Clarity measures internal inclusions and external blemishes. Grading ranges from Flawless to Included, which may contain many imperfections. Cut refers to proportion and arrangement of facets, which can be seen in the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Lastly, the larger the Carat weight the more expensive the stone. However, the other three Cs also influence quality and price.

3. Always request a Diamond Grading Report

Before you buy, choose an unbiased source for your Diamond Grading Report to provide lab-verified proof of your purchase. This report will provide indisputable verification of your diamond’s quality.  

4. Appraise and insure your diamond

To further protect your purchase, be sure to have your diamond appraised and then insure it.  You may also want to consider laser-inscribing your diamond with its Diamond Grading Report number, assuring another layer of verification if it is ever lost or stolen.

By following these tips you can be sure you are getting the best diamond value for the price.

The advantages of collecting diamonds as an investment include:

• Diamonds and other fine jewelry are looked upon as a globally accepted form of portable wealth.

• Diamond investments transcend lack of confidence in banks and other financial institutions.

• Many women consider diamonds and other gems as security assets.

• Diamonds are often an emotional or family investment purchased for special occasions so they are more highly valued.

• There is less competition for diamond investors compared to other forms of investment: cars, real estate, art, etc.

What kinds of diamonds have the best investment value?

• Stones that can be worn frequently so you get continuous enjoyment from the investment.

• A single stone may offer more liquidity than a pair or collection of stones in a ring – and may cost less to set.

• While round diamonds never go out of style, many investors are attracted to the distinctive look and cuts of fancy shape diamonds. 

• Some fancy-colored stones, such as the pink, blue, red, purple, yellow and orange diamond, appeal to investors because they are more rare and may dramatically increase in value – but only if held for many years. 

• Buying a non-traditional “Ideal Cut” diamond may be a better investment than most round diamonds if it fits the new GIA and AGS best cut standards.

Diamonds are a delight to view and wear. However, it isn’t advisable to buy a stone with the express purpose of reselling for a profit. Enjoy your diamonds and always buy from a trusted and knowledgeable vendor like EveryDiam. That way, should you consider the possibility of trading up to another diamond in the future, you’ll reap the best rewards.