What is a Gem?
A gem is a mineral that is acclaimed for its beauty, durability and rarity.

What is a diamond?
A diamond is made up of one single element – carbon (in crystallized form).

How did the Diamond get its name?
It has been thought to come from the Greek word “Adamas” which means invincible. 

What portion of the trade of gemstones are diamonds?
90%

Are all diamonds the same?
No.  There are no two diamonds are alike. Diamonds have certain characterisitcs such as inclusions and blemishes or colour hues that distinguish their individuality. 

What is the advantage of a diamond ability to bend light?
This property, known as refraction, allows the light to stay inside of the diamond.  The diamond is cut according to it's superiour refractive index to bounce a beam of light within the diamond.  When the light is release through the top of the diamonds it creates fire, scintillation and an amazing sparkle.

What are industrial diamonds?
Industrial diamonds are diamond rough that is not considered gem quality, that is bought by companies and factories for industrial use. Due to the diamond's superior hardness, diamonds are used to polish, cut and grind metals and other substances with accurate precision, durability and longeviety .  About 80% of all diamond rough is considered industrial grade.  

What are gem quality diamonds?
Gem quaity diamonds are diamonds that are used in the jewellery industry.  A diamond is considered gem quality when it meets certain colour and clarity standarts.  Only about 20% of diamonds are considered gem quality. 

Can diamonds break or crack?
Yes.  Diamonds are considered to be the hardest substance on earth due to the tightness of the bonds within the carbon atoms.  Diamonds are formed under such intense heat and pressure that the atoms bond together like no other substance on earth.  As the tightness of the bonds in the atom make it hard, they do form what's known as 'cleavage plain'. This is a weakness in the bonds that would have been created during the formation of the stone due to a change in environment.  Much like splitting a piece of wood along the grain, diamonds can break along these weaker cleavage plains.

If you break a diamond does it become worthless?
No. If you hit a diamond hard enough that the diamond breaks or cracks it can be refinished the same way, typically by the same diamond cutter. 

Are there any organic materials that can be used as gems?
Yes - Pearl, Coral, Jet and Amber. These substances are considered organic becuase they are a by product of once living organisims such as plants, coral or mollusks.

How does one determine the beauty of a gem?
The beauty of a gem is different depending on what gem you are looking at. It could depend on the transparency, clarity, color or luster.

How many different minerals have been identified?
About 2,000 and out of these 2,000 only about 90 have the qualifications to be considered gemstones.

When speaking diamonds what is durability?
Durability is the amount the stone can resist everyday wear and how well it can keep its beauty.

What gemstones have the highest form of beauty and hardness?
Emerald, ruby, diamond and sapphire.

Do zircons and diamonds bend the same amount of light?
Yes, but the diamonds bend the light in one single ray and the zircon bends the light in two separate rays creating a different look.

Do all jewelers know everything there is to know about diamonds?
No, in fact 75% of the time the average jeweller cant appraise diamonds. Typically jewellers are salesmen not experts about diamonds.

What is a certificate?
A certificate is a report generated by the diamond cutters and appraisers to explain the quality, carat weight, clarity, cut and color of the diamond.

How often should you appraise your diamond?
The average diamond should be appraised approximately every 1-3 years, this depends on the appreciation potential.

Are all diamonds cut the same?
No, diamonds are compared to fingerprints – no two diamonds are ever exactly the same. The diamond you have or are planning to buy will be one of a kind.

Can dry ice be used to test diamonds?
Yes, dry ice is used to check the fluorescence in a diamond. Testers take the diamond and lay it on the dry ice, then the diamond is cleaned off and if there are any fluorescence in the diamond it will show.

Why do people cut and polish diamonds?
By cutting and polishing the diamond it allows the cutter to remove some visible flaws. The purpose of doing so is to increase the beauty of the diamond.

What is a loupe?
A loupe is a very small magnifying glass that is small enough that it can fit into the eye socket or sometimes are attached to glasses. The typical range for a loupe is a 2-20-power and a 10-power loupe is usually a standard tool in all diamond facilities.