(Metro) -- Nicole
Kidman -- movie star, mom and fashionista -- is inarguably a
trendsetter. That's why when Kidman wore a stunning, 195-carat natural
green rough diamond necklace designed by L'Wren Scott for Bvlgari to the
76th Academy Awards, people took notice.
The stunning necklace
truly showcases Mother Nature's true beauty as the stones are left in
their original rough state before they are polished and set. Natural
diamonds have so many inherent qualities that make them not only
fashionable but also extremely desirable. Each natural diamond is
different, with tiny inclusions or birthmarks that are invisible to the
naked eye but unique to each stone. The process of turning these
miracles of nature into jewelry is a difficult process, requiring the
handiwork of skilled artisans. Learn just how diamonds have risen to
stardom.
BIRTH OF DIAMONDS
One of nature's
greatest miracles, the story of the dazzling gem began more than 3
billion years ago when diamonds formed as pure crystals of carbon
resting deep within the earth. Under extreme heat and pressure, these
carbon formations were brought to the surface in hot magma, where they
solidified into igneous rock known as kimberlite.
Mining and processing
these Kimberlite deposits requires hundreds of people and sophisticated,
advanced technology. Since only one in 200 Kimberlites will yield enough
diamonds to continue the recovery process, exploring potential mining
sites is difficult and laborious. And mining these deposits is only the
beginning: to recover the diamonds, the Kimberlite goes through many
stages of crushing and processing.
WHO
MAKES THE CUT?
Diamonds are next
sorted and valued into over 16,000 categories, based on shape, quality,
color and size. Then, to reveal their true beauty and brilliance, the
diamonds are cut and polished. The skill of diamond cutting has been
passed down from generation to generation by highly skilled artisans. It
is a painstaking process that those with such knowledge and capability
take seriously.
JEWELRY SHOWCASE
Now, the most
glamorous part of a diamond's journey begins. It's time for the diamond
to find its place in a jewelry design. Like diamond cutting, the art of
jewelry design is centuries old. Today's designers offer intricate
detail and styling that appeals to all generations. Diamond jewelry is,
as always, a cherished gift.
A good online
resource for diamonds is
www.adiamondisforever.com. The site offers valuable tips and
information about buying diamond jewelry.
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