Diamonds are a rock. They are a rock that is made of carbon. Carbon is very common. So, you might be thinking why are diamonds so expensive if they are just a rock, and they are made of a common material?
Like the value of anything it all boils down to supply and demand. Even though the chemical composition of diamonds is that of a very common element diamonds themselves are relatively rare. They are composed of carbon atoms that are arranged in a special crystal structure. This structure only occurs in nature at extremely high temperatures and pressure. It is the impurities in the surrounding soil that give each diamond a bit of color and uniqueness. This happens far beneath the surface of the Earth. Over time some of these diamonds that have been formed are pushed close enough to the surface of the Earth that we are able to mine them.
Still we have to move mountians to find even a few diamonds. This is one of the main reasons that diamonds are so expensive.
Mohs scale of hardness is a 1-10 scale that geologists use to determine the hardness of rocks an minerals. Ten is the hardest on the scale and is also what a diamond rates at. This is a second part of why a diamond is expensive. Unlike cotton candy which is soft and lasts a day, diamonds are extremely hard and resist breakage. Diamonds are meant to last a lifetime.
Cubic Zirconia is a "diamond like" stone that is manmade. It looks like a diamond and is nearly as hard (9.25 vs/ 10). Cubic zirconia has a completely different chemical composition. It is made of cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).
It is more brittle than a diamond. It's most unique characteristic is that it is manmade. It can be made very cheaply when compared to moving huge quantities of the Earth that diamonds require. It is a nive alternative to diamonds for casual jewelry; however, a diamond in an engagement or wedding ring has a completely different symbolizm. For more on CZ visit here.
Where do you find diamonds?
Diamonds are found in many parts of the World. The most famous, largest deposits, and most heavily mined areas are in South Africa. The politics in South Africa have been so violent at times over diamonds that some people have gone so far as to personally boycott diamonds. There is something about the sparkle and allure of diamonds that has kept any such boycott from being successful.
It is said that there are larges stores of diamonds that have been mined but are carefully being released into the open market at a rate so as not to "flood" the market and cause the value of diamonds to plummet. This may or may not be entirely true. It does not seem impossible as we have all witnessed OPEC controlling oil prices in a similar manner.
For you as an investor, or simply a diamond buyer for personal enjoyment, this means that there sould be a stability in your investment. And if it is not true, then it simply means that there really aren't very many diamonds available so you have invested in something that is rare and of value. - return to top -
An uncut (rough) diamond found in nature doesn't really look like much. It does not sparkle but instead is more like a lump of dull jello. It takes the skill and art of a trained diamond cutter to bring out their beauty. The following video shows a diamond cutter at work.
The diamond cutter will try to make the largest stones possible from a single rough diamond. This takes a keen mind as there are many different shapes that are possible, and the value of each must be considered. Some cuts are more desireable than others but some of these very same cuts are more wasteful.
- return to top - Is a diamond a good investment?
The answer depends on whether you are investing in the diamond itself, or in what a diamond represents.
Diamond prices have been steadily increasing for the past 20 years, and diamonds tend to hold their value. Given this, it is extremely unlikely that diamonds will ever entirely lose their value, in spite of how the market may change in the future. However, no one can predict, with absolute certainty, which way the market will swing and, in general, we do not recommend buying up high-quality diamonds as a main part of a financial/retirement plan.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a source of beauty and a symbol of eternity and everlasting love, there are few objects you can choose that will surpass a diamond's perfection. Diamonds have inflamed man's passions since the first moment at which they were discovered, and their power over our emotions and desires has only grown since then. As a timeless and beautiful gift to yourself or as an emblem of your commitment to another, a diamond is an excellent investment.
Ultimately, whether you choose to consider it an investment, a symbol, or a unique work of art, you can be certain that by buying your diamond from Mondera, you are always getting a beautiful diamond and an excellent value for your money. - return to top -
Is it safe to receive a diamond in the mail?
Yes, with the caveat that you are purchasing from a trusted source. We have decided that it is worth paying Amazon.com to handle all of our shopping cart transactions as they are known Worldwide. - return to top -
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