A diamond, the most sought-after stone in the world, doesn’t just appear in luminous, perfect form ready for use in jewelry. Diamonds actually take quite a journey in order to become elegant, dazzling engagement rings, sparkling necklaces, and other jewelry. Read below for an interesting overview of the journey of a diamond.

The Diamond Industry

First, the diamond industry can be broken down into two categories: the industrial diamond industry and the gem diamond industry. Each industry actually operates much differently from the other. In fact, the typical gemological characteristics sought after in the gem industry are irrelevant in the industrial counterpart - characteristics such as the four C’s, including cut, clarity, color, and carat. While these characteristics are extremely important in the gem category of the diamond industry, other characteristics such as hardness and heat conductivity are more important for the industrial side. Because of this - cover your eyes ladies - 80% of mined diamonds are considered unsuitable for use as gemstones and are utilized on the industrial side. Industrial use of diamonds can include embedding them in drill tips or saw blades, or grinding them into a powder for use in grinding and polishing applications. Other industrial applications of diamonds include use in laboratories as containment for high-pressure experiments, high-performance bearings, and limited use in specialized windows.

Enough of that - let’s get back to the gem industry, since that is what is most appealing. The production and distribution of diamond gems is largely consolidated in the hands of a few key players. In other words, the diamond supply chain is controlled by a limited number of powerful businesses and is highly concentrated in a small number of locations around the world. The biggest and most widely recognized player is Antwerp, where 80% of all rough diamonds and 50% of all cut diamonds are handled. Because of this, Antwerp is considered the world diamond capital. Historically diamonds were known to be found only in and around southern India. However, now diamonds are all over the world, including South Africa, Australia, Russia, Angola, Brazil, and many other countries. Diamonds can even be found right here on United States soil, in states such as Arkansas, Colorado, and Montana. In general, diamonds are mined, sorted, then sent away for production, distribution, and supply.

Rough Diamond Production

When diamonds are mined, they are referred to as rough diamonds. Rough diamonds that will be used for gemstones must go through a process involving cutting, cleaning, polishing, and shaping the diamond for suitable gem uses. This process is difficult. It is both an art and a science. It involves careful study and examination of each individual diamond and there are several considerations when preparing a diamond for use as a gem. The choice of cut, for example round, princess, or square, is considered. The choice of cut is often decided by the original shape of the rough stone, the location of inclusions and flaws that are to be eliminated, the preservation of the weight, the popularity of certain shapes amongst consumers, and many other considerations. The choice of cut is just one consideration. The process from mine to ring actually entails several different steps, including marking, sawing, cleaving, girdling, faceting, and polishing the diamond. Faceting and polishing a diamond involves blocking, cross-working, and brillianteering.

Once a diamond has been through the entire tedious process, it is ready for use as a gemstone. Currently, gem production totals nearly 30 million carats (6,000 kg) of cut and polished stones annually. These cut and polished stones are sold individually and are made into beautiful diamond engagement rings, sparkling pendants, elegant bracelets, stylish necklaces, and other jewelry. You can find outstanding diamond jewelry here at David & Sons Jewelers. We offer an outstanding collection of the finest high-quality diamonds, excellent customer service, beautiful custom-designed San Diego engagement rings, and various diamond jewelry services. Feel free to stop by any of our San Diego jewelry stores or contact one of representatives for more information.