25 Facts About Diamonds | Diamond Grading System

Trilliant Cut Diamond

1. The universal diamond grading system is based on the Four Cs: carat, color, cut, and clarity. This grading system was invented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) . 
2. A diamond gemstone is rated the highest on the Mohs scale . The Mohs Scale measures the hardness of various minerals from 1 through 10 -  one being the softest and ten the hardest. 
3. The most expensive cut type of diamond is the round brilliant cut. More about gemstone cuts read Quick Guide to Gemstone Cutting Styles.
4. For a diamond to create naturally it takes 1 to 3.3 billion years.
5. The origin of finding diamonds dates back to the 4th century BC.
6. A diamond's meaning is know for a symbol of strength and everlasting love.
7. The most expensive diamond in the world is the Koh-I-Noor . It came from India’s alluvial mines. The Persian translation for Koh-I-Noor  means "Mountain of Light". The Koh-i-Noor diamond weighs 105.6 carats and is on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
8. The highest producing gem quality diamonds in the world are mined in Botswana and Russia. Australia produces the most industrial quality diamonds. The US, Brazil, China, Canada, and Siberia also mine diamonds. 
9. Diamonds can break and burn under certain conditions.
10. A diamond is the birthstone for the month April - more  Birthstone colors & meanings.
11. In 2000 the diamond industry started taking measures against the trade in blood diamonds. Since their efforts the supply of blood diamonds has decreased.
12. Diamonds come in a variety of colors - blue, brown, black, green, gray, orange, pink, purple, red, violet, white and yellow. 
    
13. The 10th anniversary gemstone is a diamond.
    
14. A diamond is one of the four precious gemstones. The other three are sapphire, ruby and emerald. A precious gemstone means it has a high value due to its rarity.
15. A 1 carat diamond with a G color, VS2 clarity costs about $5,030.00.
16. Since the 15th century the process for polishing diamonds includes grinding the rough gemstone on a polishing wheel coated with a mixture of diamond dust and olive oil.
    
17. A diamond is a solid form of one element, carbon. Its atoms are arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic. 
18. The largest rough diamond in the world was found in 1905 in South Africa weighing 3,106 carats. Today, it is on display in the tower of London.
19. Blue diamonds are extremely rare along with green, orange, and red diamonds. These are often referred to as Fancy Diamonds. 
    
20. The highest clarity grade for a diamond is called flawless - for more diamond grading information see the GIA Diamond Grading Chart below.
21. The most common diamond inclusions are dark blemishes called carbon spots. Most of these carbon spots are black colored.
22. Hand cutting a diamond takes anywhere from 1 week to 6 months. 
23. Before a diamond is cut, polished and faceted the gemstone in its natural state is clear with brown and yellow hues.
24. Diamonds are magnets for grease, therefore cleaning them weekly is ideal. Clean your diamond jewelry with mild soap and warm water. Using ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe with diamonds. 
25. Although a diamond is the hardest substance it can be scratched by another diamond. 

Clarity

A diamond's clarity contains 11 grades from Flawless (F) to Included (I) with several grades in between. From highest to lowest grades include:  F, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, and I2. Also, some grading labs may use  SI3 and/or I3.