The diamond

The ultimate symbol of purity and eternity, the diamond has a rich and fascinating history. For millennia, it has captured the imagination of men, used as a talisman, an object of worship, and above all as a symbol of luxury and power. The first references to the diamond date back to ancient India, where it was revered for its rarity and beauty. Over the centuries, it has crossed continents, becoming a symbol of royalty and opulence in many cultures around the world.

Origins of diamonds

Diamonds are formed beneath the Earth's surface, at extreme temperatures and pressures, from pure crystallized carbon. They take millions or even billions of years to form under specific geological conditions, including kimberlites and lamproites, deep volcanic rocks. The main sources of diamonds are in Africa, Russia, Australia and Canada, although deposits have also been discovered in other parts of the world.

Gemological characteristics

Diamonds are distinguished by their exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest natural substance known. Their brilliance and sparkle are incomparable, resulting from their ability to refract and reflect light in spectacular ways. Diamonds are evaluated according to the 4C criteria: color, clarity, cut and carat weight, which determine their value on the market.

3/ Caractéristiques gemmologiques

Les diamants se distinguent par leur dureté exceptionnelle, classée à 10 sur l'échelle de Mohs, ce qui en fait la substance naturelle la plus dure connue. Leur éclat et leur brillance sont incomparables, résultant de leur capacité à réfracter et à réfléchir la lumière de manière spectaculaire. Les diamants sont évalués selon les critères des 4C : la couleur, la pureté, la taille et le poids en carats, qui déterminent leur valeur sur le marché.

The 4Cs of diamonds

Carat (Weight)

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Color (Color)

La couleur d’un diamant est classée sur une échelle allant de D (incolore) à Z (teinte jaunâtre). Les diamants incolores sont extrêmement rares et donc très prisés. La couleur peut affecter la façon dont un diamant reflète la lumière, et les nuances subtiles peuvent également influencer le prix. De plus, certains diamants, comme ceux de couleur rose, bleue ou verte, sont évalués selon des critères différents et peuvent atteindre des prix très élevés en raison de leur rareté.

Cut (Size)

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Clarity

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A 5th C exists: Certification (Certificate)

In recent years, a 5th C has appeared: the Certificate. This is the diamond's identity card which certifies the authenticity of the diamond by noting the 4Cs.

At Maison Naomie Richard, our diamonds are of minimum HSI quality. Upon request, we can source a diamond according to your specific criteria.

All diamonds over 0.3 carats are accompanied by a laboratory certificate: GIA (Gemmological Institute of America), HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant – Diamond High Council), IGI (International Gemological Institute) or LFG (Laboratoire Français de Gemmologie).

Beliefs and astrological signs

In astrology, diamonds are associated with the signs of Aries and Scorpio. They are said to symbolize strength, courage, and clarity of mind, offering protection and balance to the wearer. In many cultures, they are also considered a symbol of purity, everlasting love, and invincibility. Some even believed that they possessed healing powers and protection against evil forces. Today, diamonds remain the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, representing the eternity and indestructibility of human relationships.

Le saviez-vous ?

Le diamant le plus célèbre au monde, le « Hope Diamond », est réputé pour porter malheur à ses propriétaires. Ce diamant de 45,52 carats, d'un bleu profond, a une histoire tumultueuse, ayant appartenu à plusieurs propriétaires illustres, dont le roi Louis XVI de France et la célèbre actrice américaine Elizabeth Taylor. Selon la légende, tous ceux qui possédaient le diamant auraient rencontré des tragédies, alimentant ainsi le mythe de sa malédiction. Aujourd'hui, il est exposé au Smithsonian Institution à Washington, D.C., où il continue de fasciner des milliers de visiteurs chaque année.

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