Real diamond lovers are well known for seeking out unusual, as well as, one-of-a-kind characteristics in a gem; oftentimes searching near and far until the jewel of their dreams is found . One of the most interesting and rare type of diamonds that can be found, are known as chameleon diamonds. This name is derived from the fact that, depending on temperature and various types of light exposure, this diamond is subject to changing color; ranging from a soft yellow to unusual shades of green.

Remember the mood rings of the 1980’s, and how they would change from black to various other colors? Well, think of this as being a similar type of reaction, but on a more expensive level.

These types of diamonds are so rare, that most of us will never have an opportunity to even see one. Those of us who are fortunate enough to see one, will note that the best way to observe this unusual phenomena is to, at first limit its exposure to light for a few days, then later bring it again out into the open, and allow it to experience the change. The change often will not be a dramatic one, but, although subtle it should, at least be a noticeable one. In reality, for the vast majority of us, the price of a diamond of this kind is cost prohibitive and more of a curiosity than anything else.

Genuine diamonds of this type are accompanied by a GIA certificate, and will have a designation of “chameleon“ noted in its authentication documents. If it is the unusual you seek, this may just be the change you may be looking for.

Diamonds: Interesting facts

Diamonds are the symbol that we use to show are undying love for someone. They are the traditional icon of romance and love. Most people may be surprised to learn that the majority of diamonds that are mined today are used for industrial purposes and not for jewelry.

Historians believe that diamonds may have first been used for industrial purposes not for their brilliant sparkle and allure. Peter Lu a Harvard physicist and his colleagues discovered that in the late Stone Age the Chinese used diamonds to polish ceremonial burial axes. Today about 80% of mined diamonds are used for cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing.

Most people might be surprised to know that diamonds are not the hardest substance on Earth. Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral substance, but they are not the hardest substance known to man. A substance called Aggregated Diamond Nonorods is about 11 % harder than a diamond.

The first diamonds were discovered by Indians over 3,000 years ago. Diamonds didn’t get associated with love and romance until the 1940′s when the De Beers Company began to advertise diamonds as the perfect item for a wedding or engagement rings. They did an all out media campaign and soon people were buying diamond engagement rings all over the world.

It is believed that most diamonds are over three billion years old and most are formed more than 100 miles below the surface of the earth. Before the sixth century, India was the only known source of diamonds and was the predominant source for over 2,000 years.

The Romans believed that diamonds had the power to ward off evil and wore them as talismans. It is believed that they inherited this belief from Indian mythology. In France in the thirteenth century it was decreed that only the king could wear diamonds.

The Gemological Institute of America was founded in the 1950′s. It was the first internationally accepted diamond grading system. This system applied uniform criteria to grading the quality of polished diamonds. The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Diamond Grading Report is the benchmark for the international gem and jewelry industry.

The Cullinan diamond was the largest rough diamond ever found and was 3,106 carats. It was discover in the Premier mine of South Africa in 1905.It was cut into nine major stones. The largest of the stones is the Star of Africa and is 550.20 carats. It is housed in the Tower of London and mounted in the British Royal Scepter.  The most recent diamond discoveries have been in the Northwest Territories of Canada and in Colorado. Explorers found diamond pipes in both locations in 1990.

It wasn’t until the late 13^th century that diamonds were used in European jewelry. Diamonds were initially used for engraving other gems including sapphire cameos. They were also used for drilling holes in hard stone beads.

Diamonds have been around forever and are cherished by all. Diamonds have an exciting and lively history. These are just a few of the fascinating facts associated with diamonds.

Photo by jurvetson

Probably a fake diamond.

Pretty, isn’t it? But is it real? It sparkles, it flashes, it behaves like the real thing…but is it? In view of some of the most recent scientific and technological advances, sometimes it can be extremely difficult to distinguish a real diamond gemstone from a synthetic, lab-created stone. However, with a bit of detective work, it can be done. When an investment is made for such a costly purchase as an engagement ring or wedding ring, peace of mind can, and should be of utmost importance.

One way to determine whether or not a diamond is genuine, is to weigh it. Synthetic diamonds weigh about 1.5 more than the “real thing.” This can easily be determined by having it verified on a gram or carat scale. Another simple thing would be to examine the stone externally f

or any obvious scratches or blemishes. Diamonds are among the hardest substances found in nature, and can usually only be scratched by another diamond. Also, by taking a look at the depth of the brilliance, one can be given clue as to whether or not it is the “real thing.” With a genuine diamond, light is more refractive, and will cause the diamond to sparkle from all sides, whereas most synthetic stones will have a sparkly surface and no depth…all “razzle dazzle” with no substance. Heat is also rapidly dispersed with a genuine diamond, and so a heat probe can also flush out any fakes in almost no time at all.

However, if you want to be absolutely, 100% sure, a trusted jeweler, or professional gemologist (Gemological Institute of America, GIA) can provide a certificate of authenticity.

It is a very exciting time isn’t it? The prospect of buying an engagement ring for your love of a lifetime. You begin to think it only reasonable that such a perfect love be symbolized with a perfect diamond engagement ring. But, have you done your homework?

Please keep in mind that diamonds, real diamonds are created by nature; and are prone to having at least a few blemishes, or inclusions. Because of this, the industry has developed a grading scale. This scale is called the GIA clarity grading scale, and is based on what can be seen under a 10X loupe magnification. A “perfectly clear”, or colorless diamond would be one without obstructions blocking any light passing through it; the result being one of extraordinary brilliance. As you may have already guessed, these types of diamonds are fairly rare and can be quite costly.

Yes, engagement and wedding rings are to be chosen carefully, and should be expected to be beautiful. Not to worry…If an absolutely perfect and flawless diamond is out of your budget reach, there are a number of in-between grades that you may find to be almost equally as beautiful, quite acceptable, and to your liking. For instance: In the case of a multi-stone diamond ring, you may choose to have a larger, more visible stone be of a finer quality than any smaller companion diamonds surrounding it.

Again, since selecting an engagement or diamond wedding ring is something that one does not do on an every day basis, it is good to seek the advice and expertise of a reputable jeweler, who will be more than happy to assist you in being clear with your selection.