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Rough diamonds

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About rough diamonds

Types of rough diamonds

Rough diamonds, referred to as uncut or raw diamonds, have become very popular in the current world. These natural gemstones in their natural form have not been shaped or polished, and they possess unique characteristics and types that provide variety and an option for personalization.

However, they can also be put into different categories based on a key feature: color. It can be argued that color is one of the diamond's most aesthetically exciting features because it is a significant reason why some people get attracted to certain diamonds. Below are the types based on color.

  • Colored rough diamonds are one of the most striking types that exist. They are caused by the presence of certain elements in the diamond's structure. For example, nitrogen leads to yellow, boron gives blue, and hydrogen can produce pink or red. These diamonds have a stark and rich color saturation, making them look unique compared to any other diamond. Colored diamonds are often used in high-end jewelry to give that touch of luxury and sophistication.

  • Water Blue rough diamonds, on the other hand, are rare and moderately saturated in color. They derive their name from their unique blue color, usually a faint blue or a more profound, vivid blue. The predominantly blue diamonds are one of the most sought after, and the dark or pure blue diamonds are still predominantly blue. This color saturation significantly adds to the diamonds' value and beauty.

  • Clear rough diamonds are the traditional image people have of diamonds. Clear diamonds are found in various forms, such as fancy cuts and brilliant cuts. These diamonds are grade one and exhibit exceptional clarity and brilliance once they are cut. They are still the most common and widely used in diamond jewelry despite the rise in demand for colored rough diamonds.

  • Pink and red rough diamonds are some of the rarest in the entire world and are prized for their amazing color and unconscious value. The exact cause of the color in pink diamonds is still not completely understood, but it is believed that deformation in the crystal structure during the mining processes contributes to their pinkish hue. Red diamonds are even rarer and are only found in very small sizes; however, both kinds of colored diamonds command exceptionally high prices in the jewelry market.

Designs for rough diamonds

Rough diamonds are blended into stunning jewelry pieces by innovative designs that preserve their natural beauty. Jewelry designers seeking inspiration and a direction for creativity often discover a variety of design styles that can complement the uniqueness of raw diamonds.

The raw and uncut nature of diamond jewelry makes the antique style famous among contemporary designers. Usually, the designs are lavish and embellished with intricate details and ornamentation. Antique-style diamond jewelry is designed with a focus on the diamond's raw shape and uses metals like golden yellow gold or tarnished silver. With this combination of stone and style, the jewelry is an innovative fusion of historical influences with the current desires for rough-cut gems.

Therefore, organic settings are ideal for rough diamonds because they feature shapes and designs inspired by nature. In this case, materials are shaped without adding any changes through processes like carving and shaping them to fit the natural environment. These diamonds are often combined with other natural elements such as wood, feathers, and even pearls, which are integrated into the overall design. Ocean-inspired designs with waves and marine creatures as the diamond's holder are the best examples of organic jewelry holder designs.

Geometric designs are another design popular among rough diamonds. Here, the diamonds are either set in stark contrast to clean lines and geometric metal shapes or incorporated with complex metalwork that resembles modern shapes such as triangles, squares, and hexagons. These designs are targeted at people who like contemporary art and fashion, thus bringing out the multidimensionality of the rough diamond.

While rough diamond engagement rings used to be less preferred, they have recently gained much popularity, especially among brides who wish for something unique. Instead of the standard clear cut, these rings feature raw diamonds in various shapes, sometimes even including inclusions and irregular facets. Such qualities are meaningful, albeit unmodified, and help create the designs filled with stories and personal significance. Rough diamonds are usually placed in warm-looking metals like rose gold or vintage-style settings with many detailed metalwork.

How to choose rough diamonds

For the best quality of rough diamonds, several factors should be considered. Of course, the selection process is complicated since the cut or setting of the diamond will determine the choice of rough diamonds.

The diamond cullar rule is a known aspect in the rough diamond choice. Diamonds with exposure to less or no heat typically have a better facet and color quality than those that have been heated. Diamonds that have not been exposed to heat usually show better light and have natural color tones that are lavish and richer. unheated diamonds are ideal to use on fine jewelry that is very valuable.

The diamond carat weight should also be considered when choosing rough diamonds because it significantly influences the eventual look of the diamond once transformed. Larger rough diamonds are challenging to work with due to larger pieces requiring more skill to cut appropriately. In terms of carat size, rough diamonds are regularly sourced in various sizes to satisfy various jewelry pieces.

Diamond color has a universal value regardless of whether it is in its rough state or in the processed state. While color is a crucial factor in most clear diamonds, for rough diamonds, the skilled craftsman has a significant role in deciding what the clear diamonds will look like at the end. Among colored diamonds, the shade and color are prominent aspects since the colored diamond's raw beauty can't be altered.

Inclusion, which is caused by natural imperfections, is an inherent characteristic that all rough diamonds will have. Some diamond owners will prefer inclusions to be kept in the diamond in order to keep its natural state, while others will want all the inclusions to be removed before any cutting is done. Which inclusions are acceptable will depend on personal choice, as well as how the inclusion will potentially enhance the diamond's beauty.

How to use and DIY

Certain precautions and procedures must be taken and followed when using rough diamonds. Rough diamonds are not to be considered ordinary stones; hence, users should be fully aware when handling and wearing them. Also, they have to do some homework to maintain their best condition.

It is well known that rough diamonds are precious stones that require every piece of jewelry that contains them to be worn with great care. The best way to wear rough diamond jewelry is to avoid putting on other items made of metals or stones because this will increase the chances of scratches. Piercings and rings should also be stored and kept in separate compartments to reduce the chances of them touching, thus causing scratching or chipping.

In addition to exercising caution when wearing the jewelry itself, rough diamonds also require regular cleaning to preserve their natural sparkle. Blot diamonds should be cleaned regularly using soft linen or cotton and mild detergent or cleaning liquid. It is also advised not to use any cleaning wash with ammonia or any other harsh chemical, as they will damage the metal holding the diamond.

DIY projects for rough diamonds are likely to be challenging. It is naturally advisable that cutting and shaping be left to an expert who understands what he/she is doing and thereby relying on professionals to perform any task that pertains to rough diamonds, including cutting and polishing. However, if there are plans for DIY, they must be conducted after observing all safety protective measures, including wearing safety glasses and mouth covers, and ensuring they are working in an area without flammable substances.

When using adhesives, the correct types of glues suitable for this kind of project must be used. The glue should not spoil the diamond or leave a sticky residue on its surface that was impossible to clean because this will affect its beauty. Avoid using super glue on this metal because super glues leave a sticky surface, which can be unappealing and damaging to diamond surface.

If there is going to be any attempt to change the state of a rough diamond using heat or chemicals, then it is necessary for someone without experience in this matter to consult with a professional diamond cutter or jeweler, as they can help preserve the original characteristics of the diamonds as well as help avoid accidents in the course of carrying out the process.

Q&A

Q1. Is a rough diamond a real diamond?

A1. Yes, it is. A rough diamond is a natural diamond in its uncut and unpolished state. It is a real diamond, but it has not been shaped or enhanced like the polished ones.

Q2. What are rough diamonds used for?

A2. Like all diamonds, rough stones are frequently made into jewelry pieces such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. They are also used in industry for various cutting and drilling tools.

Q3. Do rough diamonds break easily?

A3. No, diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth, and while they can chip if struck at the right angle, they do not break easily.

Q4. How are rough diamonds obtained?

A4. Mining is mainly used to source rough diamonds, either from kimberlite deposits underground or alluvial deposits in riverbeds and ocean shores.

Q5. Do rough diamonds have any inclusions?

A5. Yes, rough diamonds may contain inclusions and other natural imperfections. Some people like it this way because it adds character to the stone.