Author: Admin DCLA

Overall resistance to wear and damage, considering both hardness and toughness. Diamonds are the hardest gemstone on earth, but are not the toughest – they have directional hardness.

The bonds between carbon atoms that make up a diamond are stronger in some planes than others; this means that diamonds are marginally harder at some angles than at others. Diamonds thus have certain planes of weakness along which they can fracture, split or break. Directional hardness is related to the toughness and durability of diamonds.

Minute particles of diamond, usually used as a high-quality abrasive for diamond polishing or industrial grinding, sawing, and filing.

Organisation of diamond industry members. The main purpose of a diamond bourse is to provide an environment for the trading of diamonds within a set of ethical business practices. All diamond bourses have a legal, ethical framework to enact regulations for members and protect consumer confidence. Also referred to as a ‘Diamond Club’.

Mineral composed almost exclusively of crystallised carbon. Carbon, when subjected to extremely high temperature and pressure, changes form and crystallises into diamond. Only approximately 20% of natural mined diamonds are of gem quality; the remaining 80% are industrial grade diamonds.

Total depth expressed as a percentage of the diameter.