How the world got diamond engagement rings all wrong
Diamond engagement rings have a household presence when it comes to the subject of jewellery. But did you know that there are several beliefs out there that turn out to be incorrect?
Read on and find out the truth about the diamonds and their presence in engagement rings that the rest of the world ought to know.
1. Diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth
Most people grew up hearing it takes a diamond to cut a diamond. Well, not anymore.
About ten years ago, diamond lost its title of being the hardest substance on this planet to wurtzite boron nitrite and lonsdaleite. Though the debate goes on and on.
Here's what to know about diamond's tough rivals:
Wurtzite boron nitrite - Volcanic eruption create this substance. It's theoretically 18% harder than diamond. However, there aren't enough large quantities existing in the world to test this theory.
Lonsdaleite - This mineral forms when meteorites containing graphite hits Earth. Simulations reveal it's 58% harder than diamond. Like wurtzite boron nitride, sample are too rare to be given multiple test for strong proof.
2. The bigger the diamond, the better
Big isn't always great.
When choosing a diamond engagement ring, there are multiple factors that come into play. These include the Four C's, the set of standards for choosing diamonds, which are carat, colour, clarity ,and cut.
Size doesn't begin wit C
Big diamonds don't necessarily have the best colour and cut. A lot of things change once a stone goes under the lens of a master jeweller.
It also help to be familiar with the various cuts such as cushion, pear and oval cut engagement rings. Knowing what shape best suits the look of your hand will make shopping easier.
3. Man-made diamonds aren't real diamonds
Aren't they? It depends on the process.
Man-made diamonds are classified either as simulants or synthetic stones. Simulants looks like diamonds but have different properties, Synthetic ones, on the other hand, have the same chemical and physical compositions as natural diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds fall under the synthetic category. They were grown through a sped-up process, unlike the mined ones that the take millions of years to form. Nonetheless, they are of the same properties.
Man-made diamonds don't make engagement rings cheap.
Not all real diamonds come from mines. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They just didn't come from mines.
The takeaways for all exhausted diamonds engagement ring shoppers? Don't stress on ideas that have no truth in them. Overthink or believe in research. You choose.
