Gemgate Blog

A Large Diamond Octahedral Crystal

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:02:10 +0000

Large Rough Diamond Crystal Set in 18K Gold Pendant

Closeup on the Octahedral Face with Trigon Growths

This is a large classically shaped octahedral diamond crystal. This particular specimen is a very low clarity but a great conversation piece. Mounted in a 18K yellow gold pendant. Notice the telltale trigons, triangular growths, formed in the opposite directions of the octahedral face.

Huge Cameo

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:32:10 +0000

Cameo is a salt or freshwater shell. Sometimes it occurs in a translucent state but usually opaque. Common colors are white, gray, yellow brown or orange. Better cameos are layered so the carver can contrast the relief as it goes deeper. The following picture is a very unusual size depicting a strong contrast of colors.

Very large gem quality cameo set in a brooch.

Imitation Diamond or the Real Thing

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:47:44 +0000

Imitation, synthetic or natural diamond?

Don’t confuse the term “imitation” with “synthetic”. Synthetic diamond is a copy of nature down to its molecular structure. A synthetic diamond is the same atomic structure as natural diamond (outside of the crystal growth direction) including the same physical properties. An imitation is a stone that is made to look (or imitate) an authentic diamond such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. Metallic flux inclusions can be detected in synthetic diamond with fiber optic light reflections. If the diamond is inclusion-free look for the typical yellowish to yellowish-green fluorescence in synthetic under long wave ultraviolet light. Internal graining under 10X power may display an hour glass type effect.

One of our products to differentiate diamond, moissanite and cubic zirconia.

Can Diamonds Chip or Break?

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:15:35 +0000

We’ve all heard the old saying “A diamond is forever.” Forever is an overstatement but since diamonds are extremely hard and do resist any kind of scratching, this would be a likely assumption. Diamonds will often break, given the right circumstances. How could an extremely hard substance break? It’s so hard that it’s brittle. Actually diamond’s toughness is rated “good” (not “excellent” like the gemstone jade). Remember that there is a significant difference between hardness and toughness. Hardness is simply the resistance to scratching and toughness is the resistance to breakage, to powdering or to flattening under repeated pounding. While diamonds are suitable for everyday wear, it is important to remember that they are not indestructible. Enjoy them, but treat them with respect. Insurance is also a good idea for pieces that are too expensive to replace should they become damaged.

diamond with severe damage

Welcome to the Lovelady Diamond Blog!

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:35:49 +0000

Our intent at Lovelady Diamond is to keep you the buyer, informed in making diamond jewelry purchases. With accurate information you can buy confidentally and enjoy that special piece of jewelry for years to come. Your feedback is always welcome. Thank you for reading.