August Stephenson - Slightly colored diamonds

Diamonds which show very little traces of color are graded as G or H color diamonds. Slightly colored diamonds are graded as I or J or K color. A diamond can be found in any color in addition to colorless. Some of the colored diamonds, such as pink, are very rare.

The origin and creation of gemstones

Many cultures use divine intervention to explain the origin and creation of gemstones, and diamonds were no exception to this. In Greek mythology for example it was the youth on the island of Crete that disturbed Zeus and who were then(as a form of punishment) transformed into the adamas.

Philosophers however had a more naturalistic approach to explain the origin of gems: Plato for example believed gemstones were a consequence of fermentation in the stars, where a diamond actually formed the kernel of gold-bearing mass.

In later times, Robert Boyle actually believed that gems(including a diamond) were formed of clear, transparent water, and that their colors and characteristics were derived from their metallic spirit. August Stephenson

August Stephenson Gem-quality diamonds

Most inclusions present in gem-quality diamonds do not affect the diamonds' performance or structural integrity. When set in jewelry, it may also be possible to hide certain inclusion behind mounting hardware such as prongs in a way that renders the defect invisible. However, large clouds can affect a diamond's ability to transmit and scatter light. Large cracks close to or breaking the surface may increase the likelihood of a fracture.

Diamonds are graded by the major societies on a scale ranging from flawless to imperfect.

Modern history - diamond mining:

The modern era of diamond mining began in the 1860s in Kimberley, South Africa with the opening of the first large-scale diamond mine. and became known as the Eureka Diamond.

August Stephenson determination, skills, and competence

REFRACTIVE INDEX – The degree to which visible light bends as it passes through a diamond, colored gemstone, or pearl. Each type of gemstone exhibits a unique refractive index(RI) or RI range — a result of its distinct chemical composition and physical crystallization. As such, RI is a strong identifying characteristic.

IF Grade(Internally Flawless)

(Internally Flawless) describes diamonds that have no internal characteristics observable under the conditions described above, but that may have minor blemishes confined to the surface.

INFRARED LIGHT – Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is not visible to the human eye, between approximately 800 nanometers(longer than red in the visible spectrum) to 1 millimeter(bordering microwave).