Briolette Cut: The Oldest Gem Cutting Technique

Gemstones across the world are cut in different shapes and sizes to reveal their most fascinating aspects like brilliance and fluorescence, with minimum wastage of raw gemstone while cutting. The most popular gemstones are mostly cut with a flat table and pavilion facets. Preferred over other cuts, the crown and pavilion are preferred owing to the maximized beauty and brilliance.

Thus, it is the amount of light that the can pass through the gemstones that make them viable in the market. And it all depends on the cut made. In this play of cuts and shapes, the art of making Briolette gems have regained their importance in the last few years.

How old is the briolette culture?

The first briolette was probably cut in the 15th century for the King of England, Henry V. However, they gained prominence after a special briolette necklace was presented to the French Empress Marie Louise, gifted by none other than Napolean, the Great. Currently exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution, the lovely diamond necklace has 10 briolette gemstones weighing over 40 carats in total.

The Indian Connection:

The mention of the briolette cutting of gemstones finds their origin in India. However, there is no concrete evidence to prove this. The Briolette of India, one of the oldest diamonds in the world was the first briolette to be ever cut.

A colorless diamond, this briolette gemstone weighs over 90.4 carats. It was acquired by King Louis VII’s consort, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Even Koh-I-Noor is believed to have sported briolette cut before it was robbed from the Indian treasury by the Persian invaders in the 17th century.

Why briolette gemstones are hard to cut?

The briolette gems and beads have a unique tear drop gemstone shape that has pointed tip and curved top. It takes many strokes of cutting to derive the shape. Hard to manufacture by hand, even best machines and Laser-cutting tips can’t generate the perfect Briolette gemstones. Relatively soft gemstones like quartz, emeralds, turquoise, aquamarine, oval and chalcedony are cut into briolette shapes.

tear-drop-gemstone

Briolette setting:

Briolette gemstones are mounted on wires and strings by using sandblasting techniques. The procedure increases the overall surface area of the finished briolette, which means that the gemstone will have clear peaks and valleys for superior structural strength.
Adhesives can also be used, but only to fill gaps up to 0.04”.

Modern machines to make briolette gemstones:

The briolette-cut gemstones are usually manufactured by making a cross-drill using laser beam or pin. It requires expertise to make the cut, as briolette gemstones can’t be held together using adhesives. One of the costliest cuts in the market, briolette gemstones are 100% adhesive free and often come with conical caps.

The drilling is done by an Ultrasonic machine that minimizes chipping and prevents breakages mid-operation. The quality of briolette is examined by checking the degree of flatness, tip radius, angle of cut and diameter of the gemstone.

Higher the quality, higher will be the quoted price. Of course, the color and the raw material are primary factors that decide the price of the finished gemstone.

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Topaz Shopping: 5 Factors to Consider

Since ages, topaz has been referred to as a mystic stone owing to its connection with witchcraft, sorcery, and medicine. In ancient times, it was believed that topaz could cure lunacy and intoxication. A protection stone of sorts, the value of topaz has dropped significantly in recent years due to large scale focus on colored transparent gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. However, topaz gemstones still hold a commanding position in the market. Here are 5 factors that buyers must consider before making a deal on topaz gemstones.

1.  The color:

Like a diamond, pure diamond is a transparent gemstone with a slight blue or pink tinge. The tint appears due to a presence of many impurities in the gemstone. A typical topaz exudes vibrant colors like tangerine, yellow, citrine and reddish-orange.

Some topaz gemstones are also available in dark brown, green, champagne and reddish blue shades. Lighter the color of the topaz, older the gemstone’s origin is. For instance, the oldest topaz gemstone is a pale green rock that is at least 200 million years old. Stones older than that age are hard to extract owing to the drastic change in the earth’s crust that has occurred since that period.

2.  Artificial colors and irradiation:

Colored topaz gemstones are very hard to find. In order to meet the demand from the market, natural gemstones are exposed to various heat treatments and artificial color enhancement process. One of them is gemstone irradiation.

According to the latest reports, the topaz is the most commonly irradiated gemstone in the market. Close to 6000 kilograms of topaz gemstones are irradiated each year.

The irradiation process of topaz is done by bombarding the crystal structure of the gemstone by neutrons in a nuclear furnace, under controlled conditions. The process produces the vibrant play of color, mostly close to the blue spectrum.

Topaz gemstones that are irradiated artificially are observed to have smooth color stability and uniform clarity.

3.  Pleochroism:

Topaz gemstones exhibit a very special optical phenomenon called pleochroism. The best way to identify a pure topaz is to look for this particular optical phenomenon under UV radiation.

When held against a constant source of light, the topaz gemstone tends to change its color when rotated along different planes, Blue topaz gemstone
demonstrates the highest level of pleochroism, shifting its color between pale pink and light blue. At certain angles, the gemstone even tends to lose its color and appears as glass/silica structure.

Blue-topaz-gemstone

4.  Best cuts:

Topaz gemstone ranks very high on the Mohs scale. It has a hardness factor of 8.0 which means that it can’t be easily scratched or cut. It is cut only by diamond cutters and abrasive pads. The most preferred topaz gemstone cuts that have maximum resale value are:

- Ovals
- Marquis
- Pear
- Heat briolette
- Emerald Cuts
- Step-cut/Faceted cube

For anniversary and engagement collections, the topaz gemstones with fancy cut are also very popular. The ideal size is usually 10x8 mm which is around 3 carats. Smaller gemstones are usually available in Brilliants and Princess Cut designs.

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How to tell if the Ruby Gemstone you are buying is Genuine & Natural?

Rubies, like all other gemstones, are evaluated on the basis of their color, clarity, carat and cut. Most buyers find it hard to distinguish between a natural ruby and an artificial one. Due to heavy market demands, the gemstone dealers often supply heat-treated rubies to the buyers. The heat treated rubies are brighter and are found to have less natural flaws. However, the healing properties that a ruby is known for are often missing in the artificial varieties.

Thus it is very important to understand what natural rubies look like, and learn how to distinguish them from the synthetic or heat-treated ones.

1.  Hardness test:

Natural rubies are virtually indestructible. With a hardness of 9.0 on Mohs scale, they are closest to diamonds in the gemstone family. They are hardly scratched and remain physically crack-proof for years. If the ruby is scratched by other gemstones, it is definite that the ruby has been artificially polished or irradiated to hide away blemishes.

2.  Asterism:

The rubies show a unique optical phenomenon not visible in other gemstones. Asterism, also called as the “Star effect”, is prominent in rubies cut in cabochons. Considering the fact that the natural rubies are the most stable form of aluminum silicates in the gemstone family, the star effect is rather very prominent. Asterism is mostly seen when a constant streak of light is passed through the gemstone, and it glows like a star. Asterism occurs due to the presence of natural impurities in the rubies. In Blue sapphire gemstones and pink rubies, this phenomenon is largely attributed to the Titanium oxide present in the crystal in the form of needles and rutile. Thus, a pure natural ruby is very hard to find, especially if the buyer is looking for a gemstone with flawless clarity.

Blue-sapphire-gemstones

Synthetic ones reveal only 5% of the star effect that is observed in a natural set.

3.  The size of the rubies:

Rubies are mostly available in standard sizes measuring 5mm x 3mm, 6mm x 4mm etc. However, this is only exclusive to rubies cut in oval shape. Calibrated cuts result in sizeable weight loss, which is often considered as a loss for the dealer. Thus, rubies are left uncut or at most given a round brilliant cut.

The size of the rubies decides the color maximization, brilliance, and clarity of the gemstone. Inclusions are often removed by grinding or faceting along the plane that contains the inclusion.

4.  Color test:

The finest rubies are neither pink nor red. They are more like scarlet shade, resembling the eye of the pigeon to be exact. However, rubies in other colors like red, orange, brown, burnt brown, gray, champagne, golden and tangerine are also found, and highly revered.
Depending on the hue, saturation, and tone of the color, the value of rubies is established.

5.  Misleading terms and genuine certificate:

Buyers are duped by sellers into buying rubies sold with dubious names like balas ruby and rubellite. Some glass crystals, spinels, and quartz are also marketed wrongly as rubies. The heat treatment test is best to identify the pure ruby. However, gem laboratories offer certificate on rubies to benefit the buyers. Always check it.ve

Sapphire Buying Guide: 6 Things to know before choosing a gemstone

The quintessential 4Cs used to define the diamond collection is not necessarily applicable to other gemstones. Sapphire is one of the best examples that showcase the fallacy of 4C principle. Despite sharing similar properties and physical brilliance, the sapphires have mostly stayed away from falling from the 4C charts. Buyers looking for sapphire having no clue about the factors that one must check, so they can use the following 6 pointers with great effect.

1.  Learn the 4Cs:

The 4Cs used to define the quality of diamond are;

- Color
- Cut
- Clarity
- Carat

The 4 Cs can be used for sapphires too, but only sparingly. How?

2.  Decide the Sapphire carats:

Different gemstones have different densities. Sapphires are heavier than diamonds, or for that matter, heaviest in the list of popular gemstones. A 2-carat gemstone will probably outweigh a 6 carat diamond.

A 6 mm sapphire is rated as 1-carat. Large blue sapphires are obtained with a carat weight of more than 50 carats. Smaller sapphires weighing less than 5.00 carat are used in engagement rings and bracelets.


3.  Sapphire clarity:

Sapphires have naturally more inclusions and blemishes than other gemstones. The common inclusions that affect the sapphire clarity are:

- Crystal spots
- Rutiles
- Needles and growth tubes
- Cracks and cleavages
- Color zoning
- Chips and cavities
- Halos

The clarity is also affected by scratches, nicks, and abrasions. The clarity of the sapphire is established by calibrating its level of transparency. The different sapphire categories lie between transparent and opaque levels. The grade of clarity could be flawless, internally flawed and Very-very-slightly included.

modern-Sapphire-gemstone


4.  Sapphire color:

Sapphire’s color is established by studying three factors. They are:

- Hue
- Saturation
- Tone

The hues of the sapphire include colors like blue, green, purple blue and green purple. The saturation of the color makes it gray or dark. The color of sapphire ranges between light and dark blue.

The way a sapphire is cut can amplify the color, enhancing the clarity and brilliance of the surface, Symmetry of the sapphire also plays an important role in ensuring highest clarity. Smooth edges of the sapphire also play a distinct role in producing a flawless clarity.

5.  Sapphire cut:

Like the Round Brilliants and Princess Cut of the diamond, sapphires have no particular “ideal” shape to reckon with. The lack of standardization in sapphires when it comes to choosing a sapphire cut hampers the retail value of the gemstone. Moreover, the gemstone laboratories too don’t promote any particular sapphire cut in particular.

6.  How are sapphires cut then?

The cut of the sapphire depends on the color and clarity exuded by the gemstone. The dark color sapphires are usually cut along shallow angles. This softens the hue and provides uniform saturation. The lighter sapphires are cut deep to magnify the hue.

The table is the most important facet of the sapphire, which is cut flat to provide asymmetric contour to the gemstone. Once the 4Cs are established, the buyer can make a deal.

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The Interesting World of Baroque Pearls

Most pearl buyers vouch for lustrous and shiny white beads. Perfectly round, and absolutely no flaw whatsoever- that is what every buyer demands from the pearl dealer, isn’t it! Going by the current trends in the pearl market, there are other shapes that make more buzz compared to the round ones. And baroque pearls are one of them. Straight from the pearl farms, the baroques are set in enticing neck pieces, earrings and bracelets.

So what are baroque pearls after all? Here is a quick buying guide on baroques.

Any pearl that is unsymmetrical and non-spherical are tagged as baroque. In the gemstone industry, baroque pearls hold a place of significant respect considering the multitude of shapes and sizes available in this category. Most baroques appear in ovoid and lumpy shapes, as if they were extruded from a narrow opening.

In order to understand how baroques are obtained, a buyer has to know the source of the pearl. Baroques are mostly produced from farmed freshwater and seawater molluscs. South Sea and Tahitian pearls are the largest contributors to the family of baroques.

Types of baroques:

Apart from the origin and the location from where baroques are extracted, this pearl category has a huge range of variety. For instance, Keshi pearls which have no centre or nucleus, and look like boiled rice particles. They are completely made of nacre which makes them an invincible item to own.

Another popular variety is the Egg baroque or tear-drop baroque. Owing to their oval symmetry, these baroques are easy to drill through and beaded into necklace.

Baroques resembling coins and dumbbells are also very popular. Fused pearls have an enhanced iridescence, making them an instant sell-out item. Baroques are wonderful collectibles, considering the range of size, shape and of course colour that you can explore.

Baroque grading:

While buying a baroque, you should look for the quality rating of the pearl given by leading gem regulating agencies. In the commercial market, a baroque of acceptable quality is given a rating of AAA-A. It is a combination of American and Tahitian scale of quality rating. AAA represents the nacre thickness of over 0.4 mm, while the suffix “A” highlights the lustre intensity of 95%. Other grades of baroques available in the market are AAA-B, AA-A, and so on.

Hand-crafted or machine processed:

Hand-crafted baroque pearls are stylish items. Owing to the asymmetrical shape, they are difficult to process using machines. Hand-crafted Tahitian baroques are usually set in twisted leather, often preferred by men. Baroques, unlike the Akoya pearls have unisex appeal, and the handcrafted engravings make them even more lovable.

The setting of baroque:

Baroque pearls are set into necklace of different lengths. They are perfect for designs in choker, collar, matinee and opera lengths. Due to their non-uniform shapes, they look rather rustic and have a touch of asymmetry, unlike what you expect in an Akoya or a coin pearl.

Baroques might seem like a rough investment at the first instance, but they are definitely at par with other varieties of pearl.

Pearl grading: Approximate method but proven consistency

Pearls are a classy set of organic gemstones extracted from the bottom of the ocean. Bright and shiny nacre pearls have always been an item of fascination for women. Much before diamonds became a woman’s “Best friend for life”... the tag definitely belonged to the pearls. If you are looking for a lustrous set of pearls in the market, you should know how they are certified for authenticity and clarity.

Why are pearls graded?

Like all high priced items, pearls too have to fulfil the regulated set of characters and factors to make it into the real gemstone market. Certified graded pearls earn higher prices compared to those that have no backing from any certifying agency. Even from gifting point of view, a certified pearl is what most individuals prefer. Ungraded pearls run the risk of losing their dyes, lustre and sheen within a year’s time! And you don’t want to be tagged as a lousy pearl shopper for that reason.

Grading of pearls: The methodology:

Pearls are graded according to the contemporary best practices in the gemstone industry. Agencies like Swiss Gemological Institute (SGI), Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Pearl Science Laboratory of Japan are forerunners in the study of organic pearls and designating them as commercially viable items.

One key thing to know in pearl grading is the fact that there is no universal grading system for them. There are two major grading scales used in the pearl industry.

-  American scale: AAA-A
-  Tahitian system: A-D scale

American scale of pearl grading:

Mostly applied to the Akoya pearls, the AAA grading marks the purest and the most physically perfect sets ever manufactured. According to this scale, the highest quality of any pearl is tagged as ‘Hanadama’.

Pearls with a thickness of 0.4 mm with a diameter of 0.8 mm are considered the purest and most perfectly formed material. And that is the benchmark reference for a Hanadama pearl.

AAA pearls: Pearls with 95% surface lustre intensity, with a nacre thickness of at least 0.4 mm.

AA pearl: Surface lustre between 75% and 90%, there is a visible spotting. The nacre thickness can be between 0.375 and 0.400 mm.

A pearl: Usually unpolished and undyed pearls are placed in this scale, where the surface lustre is less than 45%. Defects are evident and have nacre thickness of 0.25-0.30 mm. Still used for jewellery, but of cheaper quality.

Tahitian scale:

Polynesian pearls are graded based on the lustre intensity of the surface and the uniformity of shade.

A: Best pearl quality with least imperfection and highest lustre intensity
B: Pearl quality with 70% lustre consistency and no defects visible to eyes
C: Pearl lustre intensity at 60% but with significant spotting and minor colour inconsistency
D: Least lustre intensity below 50% with no major defects

According to the Tahitian scale, a pearl with a nacre thickness of less than 0.8 mm is not considered for sale in commercial market.
Both scales are accepted, as they more or less assure the pearl durability and consistency when used for commercial purposes.

Top 4 Factors That Affect the Pricing of Pearl

Let us take a look at factors that affect pricing and shelf life of the lovely gemstone Pearl.

1.  Nacre composition and thickness:
 
Nacre is the ‘mother of the pearl’ and forms the outer shell of the pearl. Harder and thicker the nacre, longer is the shelf life of a pearl. The quality of nacre also gives the pearl its signature iridescence. Nacre is a mysterious composition of biological elements, polymers and adhesive. It is made of aragonite, calcium carbonate, and elastic biological polymers (like chitin). Glued in tight structure by proteins and enzymes, the nacre can withstand a stress force of up to 100 GPa in dry state, making it just as strong as the silicon ball!

Nacre composition is very hard to replicate in lab conditions, and that is why the manufacturers still rely on the organic source to produce it. Pearls with a nacre thickness ranging between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm are considered as invincible in one man’s lifetime. Thicker the nacre, higher will be the price. Not just in terms of strength, pearls with thick nacre radiate an exuberant play of colour when exposed to white light.

pearl-gemstone


2.  Colour and lustre:

With the rise and turn of technology, pearl industry have come up with magnificent colours. White, pastel and pink remain the top contenders in the market, followed by copper and brown.

Here is a list of colours available in pearl industry now in 2016.

-  Creamrose
-  Rosaline
-  Bordeaux
-  Coral
-  Bright gold
-  Black
-  Platinum
-  Charcoal grey
-  Brass
-  Almond
-  Maroon/ Purple
-  Blue
-  Peach

Tahitian pearl oysters bear the most radiant products. If you are looking for pure pearls, opt for lighter shades, as there is a least possibility of them being cured, polished, buffed and dyed with artificial ingredients.


For whatsoever reason other than quality and purity, white and cream coloured pearls command an unconquerable position in the category of coloured gemstones from organic category.

pearl-gemstone


3.  Treatments done on pearls:

All pearls undergo some level of polishing to an extent. Greater the degree of dyeing, lesser will be the price. Irradiation of pearls and subsequent pinking of pearl gives them an enhanced sheen. Watch out for hoax pearls that have poor sheen and spotting, with irregular lustre.


As per international pearl industry guidelines, all pearls have to necessarily carry the details of processing undergone to warn buyers against potential risk of losing the pearl value and life after certain time.

4.  Shapes that sell:

The different pearl shapes available in the market without any sort of processing are:

-  Round
-  Button
-  Oval and Baroques
-  Sticks and tear-shaped A perfectly round pearl is the rarest thing to obtain. Only 1% of the cultured pearls bear a round shape gem. Baroque and button shaped pearls are common and have a significantly high fan following in the European fashion market. Near-round and oval pearls are sourced to Chinese and Indian markets where they generate respectable revenue.

Do this 4-step magnification and you would never be duped in a pearl market ever.

Top 13 Fascinating Facts about Agate Gemstone

The Agate with its fascinating colors and brilliant texture has won hearts of gem lovers from all over the world. The interesting fact about the gemstone is that no agate stones look exactly similar even if they have been carved out of same specimen. Every gemstone has some fascinating and interesting facts associated with it, so here we are going to reveal top 10 interesting facts about Agate Gemstone. Let us get started without further wait:-

1.  It has got its unique name from famous River Achates, Sicily. Its place of origin.  Well, the river’s name was subsequently changed to Drillo River but still it is popularly known by its first name.

2.  Agate is an ancient gemstone. Its use can be traced back to 20000 to 15000 BC. The historical evidence states that stone-age men used this gemstone for making jewelry and beads. 

3.  In the ancient era the gem was extensively used in jewellery. It is one of the rare gemstones that was available in array of colors thus making it a popular choice for jewellery.

4.  Its hardness, sheen, and durability make it one of the first precious rocks familiar to mankind. The stone is available in array of colors. The shades you will come across include Red, Yellow, Green, Pink, Black, White, Gray etc.

5.  In the ancient times, people extensively used the stone for its magical powers. It was believed that it made the wearer friendly, brave and developed intellectual qualities. All these helped him to have bigger horizon in life.

6.  In most of the ancient culture it was treated as a protective stone. The travelers and explorers always kept it with them to save themselves from potential danger. The Persian used Agate to keep storms, earthquakes and other natural calamities at bay.

7.  Agate has wonderful healing properties. It is very effective in treating skin diseases, depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, stress etc.

8.  The Persians and Arabs loved wearing ring studded with Agate. The unique thing is that the agate contained carefully carved out verses or symbols from Holy Koran. It is believed that it will save the wearer from any hazard.

9.  Agate gemstone beads studded jewellery comes up as the first choice for gift for 12th & 14th wedding anniversaries.

10.  Ladies wear the gemstone during pregnancy as it protects the mother and child. It keeps both away from any medical complication related to pregnancy. It ensures both the mother and baby are hearty and healthy.

11.  According to its color the agate has different properties. The array of colors available in the Agate gemstone allows the wear to select a gemstone according to its properties or the results one desires.

12.  The modern jewellery designers are coming up with agate gemstone beads studded jewellery designs that smartly blend with your dressing style.

13.  The king of Pontus was so fascinated with Mithradates that he had more than 3000 bowls made from Agate Gemstone. Even you can find some of the collection with royal families.

Top 15 Fascinating Facts about Emerald Gemstones

The deep green colored Emerald is one of the most loved gemstones in the history of mankind. There are lots of interesting facts and stories related with the gemstone that adds to the beauty of the rare gem. Let us take a look at top 15 interesting facts related to Emerald.

1.  It is one of the most precious gemstones found in the earth crust. The others are sapphire, rubies, and diamonds.

2.  The stone is found almost everywhere in the world but the main suppliers of emerald gemstones are China, Brazil, America, Switzerland, Spain, Afghanistan, etc.  The leading supplier of the Emerald in the world is Colombia.

emerald-gemstones

3.  The square cut is the most common shape that you will come across in Emerald. Although, it can be given any shape according to jewellery.

4.  The name Emerald is driven from Green Word Smaragdus, which eventually means green.

5.  The Romans believed that Emerald represented The Goddess of Love – Venus. It was the favorite stone of couples and lovers. Wearing emerald beads studded jewellery means cupid will strike soon in your life soon.

6.  There is always some inclusion in Emerald but if you come across an emerald without any kind of inclusion then surely it is synthetic.

Emerald+Gemstone+beads

7.  Generally, emerald has some kind of scratches on its surface, it is the reason in more than 92 percent case it is treated. In the ancient times, resins and oils were used to take out the scratches and give it a stunning look. 

8.  In the ancient civilization, it was considered as a stone of truth. The stone was very popular in 800-250 B.C. The messenger of God- Hermes believed to have spread the message to wear the stone to connect themselves with the Almighty.

9.  Well, these stones are never found alone, you will usually found them near deposits of quartz.

10.  Here comes another fascinating piece from ancient times.  In 1200 – 15000 A.C. these green stones were called the “Stone of Earth”, because of its fine green color. They built statues studded with Emerald and Jade. They believed it brought good luck and fertility.

11.  The stone is a favorite of people from the creative field. Actors, painters, singers, etc are seen adoring emerald beads studded jewellery as it helps them to be more creative in their respective field. It fills them with energy and new ideas, making sure that they always remain ahead of their counterparts. 

12.  The success of a person depends on a lot the way he communicates with himself as well as others. If you are feeling low or not able to express thoughts in a candid way then wearing emerald beads in the ring will help you come out of the problem instantly. It is known as a stone of communication.

13.  In the medical astrology, the stone is widely used for treating nervous disorder, skin allergies and speech difficulties.

14.  The stone is very useful for the student as wearing emerald improves concentration significantly.

15.  The stone is related to Mercury, hence it brings good luck and fortune.

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A Look at Top 11 Stunning Facts about Diamond

Diamonds are the most precious and expensive gemstones found on the earth. The sparkling and radiant gemstone is a favorite of women all over the world. It comes up as the first choice for wedding and engagement ring. The sparkling diamonds are the birthstone of people born in the month of April. Hence the ladies born in the month of April has a significant reason to ask the dazzling diamond as a gift. Here we are going to tell you some very interesting facts about the most loved gemstone – Diamond.

1.  The Greeks believed that diamonds were tears of Gods. It is the reason they looked so stunning. The story famous with Greeks is that it’s the fragments of stars that have fallen on the earth. Well, surely their beauty may make you think that they are glittering stars.

2.  The Romans thought the tip of the Cupid arrow was made of diamond. That is really romantic, perhaps that is the reason there is a strong connection between diamond and romance. Don’t forget to tell your girl this interesting tit-bit before gifting her diamond. 

3.  There is an interesting bit of story behind its name Diamond. It is given by Greeks and derives from the world “Greek world Adamas”, which means something that cannot be every destroyed.

4.  Some of you would be astonished to know that diamonds are made from only a single element that is Carbon. It is 100 percent carbon, because of tremendous heat and pressure beneath the surface of the earth, the carbon atoms stick together in a unique way resulting information of diamond. These beautiful rocks have a crystalline structure.

5.  In many ancient cultures, it was believed that diamond was supernatural stone. It contains immense superpowers. It was the reason kings and warriors wore it as armor when fought battles.

6.  In the ancient era, diamond was seen as the great healing stone. It was used for treating every kind of illness from injuries sustained in the war to normal fever.

7.  Diamonds are very hard. They are counted amongst the hardest natural substance. Only a diamond can scratch a diamond.

8.  It is believed that diamonds were found thousands of years ago. The people at that time too knew the value of the stone. They considered it precious. There is evidence of diamonds being traded in the third and fourth century.

9.  These marvelous rocks are formed around 100 miles underneath the earth’s surface. Some of you may wonder then how it comes up to the surface of the earth. Well, it reaches the earth’s surface due to volcanic eruptions. 

10.  India was considered the major source of diamond, but things changed after 1800’s. The supply of diamond from India declined but still it is a place where you get high-quality diamonds. Today the major source of diamond includes mine located in Russia, Canada, Namibia, Brazil etc.

11.  Here comes up the most amazing piece of fact. In 2004, scientist discovered a planet that is made up of mostly carbon. Well, you got it it's almost 1/3 pure diamond. It was named 55 Cancrie.