Are you wondering about raw diamonds? Do you know what they are and how you can find them?
Raw diamonds are referred to as 'rough' or 'uncut' diamonds. To determine whether the stone is a diamond, perform a brief visual examination to exclude other gemstones.
Raw diamonds, also known as raw diamonds, are a mystery to some, as they are rarely shown. They can be created in the laboratory but are more frequently mined naturally, and they come in various sizes. Generally, these gems are less costly than cut diamonds.
While raw and rough-cut diamonds lack brightness, their unique forms and muted glitter make them ideal for people with a more understated sense of style.
This article will contain everything you need to know about raw diamonds. Let’s get started.
Rough Diamonds In A Nutshell
Contrary to popular belief, coal does not contribute to the formation of diamonds. Carbon is the sole element found in a diamond crystal. Other substances may exist in trace amounts.
Rather than that, high heat and pressure deep inside the earth force carbon atoms to fuse in an exact form.
These are then rapidly cooled, resulting in the formation of crystals. These are the crystals referred to as raw diamonds.
Rough diamonds are classified into two types: gem-quality and industrial-quality. There is a third, but these are essentially the lowest grade industrial diamonds that end up as dust in super-abrasive applications.
Generally, rough diamonds resemble pale-coloured glass lumps. They are frequently greasy and lacklustre. Only a small percentage of rough diamonds are gem-quality.
Only those with the palest of hues or those who are colourless will pass.
raw diamond
What Is A Raw Diamond Used For?
Raw diamonds are categorised according to three distinctive categories;
Approximately 20% of the world's raw diamond output is used in jewellery. These are gem-quality stones, while the remaining 80% are destined for industrial usage.
Additionally, raw diamonds are employed in oil, mineral, and gas exploration. Diamond grains are a component of the drill bits' metal tips. Additionally, they are employed in other components of the drilling equipment, such as the ream shells, where they aid in the device's hardening.
Do Raw Diamonds Sparkle?
Unsurprisingly, diamonds are the world's most popular and valuable jewels. Diamonds are unmistakably eye-catching owing to their unmistakable glitter and radiance.
They are prized for their beauty and brightness and may fetch thousands of dollars for one, yet many people are unaware of the diamond's manufacturing process. The diamonds we are familiar with are often found in retail jewellery stores, ready to be purchased.
Raw diamonds, also known as rough diamonds, are a surprise among some, as they are rarely exhibited. The way a diamond is cut can affect how it sparkles.
Light can leak through the stone's bottom if the depth is too great. If the diamond is too shallow or too thin, it may also lose light, lose its sparkle, and seem dull.
According to the official GIA website, researchers have discovered that the brilliance of diamonds grades lower on the D-to-Z colour scale declines. Similarly, clarity concerns in diamonds rated "SI2" or "I" might detract from the look of fire.
Both of these methods will diminish a diamond's brilliance.
Diamond grinding
Is An Uncut Diamond Worth Anything?
Even though an uncut diamond lacks sparkle, this does not mean it is worthless. The reality is that the quality of the rough diamond has a significant influence on the end product's worth and quality, as shown on your jewellery.
Uncut diamonds are priced according to their carat (size), clarity, and colour.
Carat
Generally, the bigger the carat weight, the more expensive the diamond. This presumes that all other characteristics are the same. A more petite, clean rough may be more expensive than a big yellow rough with numerous defects.
Clarity
Diamonds nearly invariably have imperfections (referred to as inclusions). The fewer inclusions in a diamond, the better the clarity grade earned. A perfect raw diamond is likely more valuable than a cut diamond with a poor clarity grade.
Colour
Most colourless (or white) diamonds have naturally occurring yellow or brown tones. The more colour a diamond has, the duller and less glossy it appears. The more colourless a diamond, the more valuable and uncommon it is.
The rough's design
This is another element that might affect the value, especially if you want to chop it. Occasionally, a considerable rough has a strange form, and they must remove a considerable amount of material to create a single little polished diamond. This would devalue it compared to a smaller rough with an attractive symmetrical form.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a Raw Diamond
As we all know, everything has a good and a wrong side. Raw diamonds are not any exception. There are some noticeable pros and cons of buying a raw diamond.
Pros:
They cost a lot less:
The most significant appeal of purchasing a rough diamond is that they are often less expensive than cut diamonds. You can find an uncut,1-carat diamond ring for a few hundred dollars versus a few thousand for the same sized cut ring.
They're conflict-free:
Uncut diamonds are always conflict-free since they require a Kimberley Process Certificate to be imported or exported. The Kimberly Process does not control a diamond once it has been cut and polished.
They're artsy and unique:
Uncut diamond jewellery is uncommon and will stand out. Rough diamonds have an almost quartz-like appearance.
Cons:
There is no sparkle! Consider moissanite or white topaz if you're seeking a stone that appears similar to a cut diamond but is less costly.
They are frequently dark in colour and contain faults and imperfections. Generally, when diamonds are mined, the most promising stones are sent to be cut and polished, while the lesser-quality stones are left uncut.
A raw diamond is not always of gem quality, which means it can be carved into something acceptable. Additionally, you will lose half of the diamond's original size after cutting and polishing it.
Not to mention that finding an expert to determine whether the stone is gem quality and someone to cut it is not inexpensive. It may cost up to $400 per carat.
