Diamonds high value, rarity and beauty are the products of intense natural forces

Dallas, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/22/2014 -- The Diamond Broker shares facts about the formation of the titular precious stone to help buyers learn more about the value, history and importance of their investment. In addition to the Four Cs that determines the quality of the stone, it's important for the buyer to know a bit about the natural process behind diamond creation and why they've become a symbol of eternal commitment in the modern era. The fascinating process takes millions of years and occurs far below the surface of the Earth. When one sees a diamond, one sees carbon in its most concentrated form, the same carbon that accounts for 18% of the weight of the human body. Around the world there is no other gemstone as cherished as the diamond, but in truth they are no less common than many other precious stones.

Carbon is one of the most common elements in existence, and is essential to the occurrence of life. The atmosphere that condenses into breathable air that keeps living things alive contains traces of carbon. Carbon is also found within the Earth. Formations in the Earth called Archean cratons are common places for diamonds to form. There, temperatures can reach up to 1,652 F (900 C). These stable, horizontal geological formations are billions of years old, and have been unaffected by major tectonic events, leaving them free to pressurize carbon into diamonds. Archean cratons are found near the central, core masses of continents.

Diamonds as we know them form about 100 miles below the surface of the Earth, in the molten layer called the mantle. Here, the exact conditions of pressure and heat react and combine to transform carbon into the clear crystal we call the diamond. To successfully create a diamond, the source carbon must experience at least 435,113 psi (pounds per square inch), or 30 kilobars, of pressure. Temperatures must reach at least 752 degrees Fahrenheit (400 Celsius). If these conditions are not met, or if either of these factors is decreased in any measure, graphite is created instead. Naturally, at a depth of 93 miles (150 km) and further, pressure builds to around 725,189 psi (50 kilobars) and heat can exceed 2,192 F (1,200 C). To learn more about the fascinating history and nature of diamonds and how to choose the perfect stone, visit The Diamond Broker online at www.thediamondbroker.net.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/dallas-diamond-broker-shares-facts-about-diamond-formation-524210.htm

The Diamond Broker provides helpful tips on selecting a diamond ring of quality and value

Dallas, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/18/2014 -- The Diamond Broker of Dallas, Texas has provided a helpful breakdown of tips every diamond buyer should know when getting ready to take the plunge. Buying an engagement ring is an important investment and it's important to choose the right stone and setting that communicates the depth of the commitment and reflects quality. The most important characteristics that display a diamond's quality when measured against other stones are contained in a list of criteria called "The Four Cs." These characteristics inform anyone ready to purchase a diamond as to the size, quality and value of the stone in question. It's also important to inquire as to the source of the stones when browsing diamond selections, to ensure that the stones are humanely and legally sourced. The 4Cs are used around the world to classify the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds possessing a combination of the highest ratings are more rare and expensive. No single one of the four criteria is more important than another, and it's important to remember that none of these criteria will decrease in value over time.

Carat is often confused with size, though in practice it refers to the weight of the stone. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are less frequent in nature, placing them at the rarest level of quality on the Diamond Quality Pyramid, meaning a 1-carat diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2-carat diamond, depending on that stone's color, clarity and cut. Artistic cutting and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller) than its actual weight.

Clarity refers to the appearance of flecks or imperfections in the diamond, called "inclusions." Their natural creation ensures each stone is unique. Inclusions are naturally-occurring identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures that appear during a diamond's formation in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. The position and frequency of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. Flawless diamonds are very rare in nature and are more valuable. Some inclusions can be concealed when in mounting, reducing the effect on a diamond's beauty.

Color can vary widely. Diamonds are found in almost every color of the rainbow, with white, or clear, stones being the most popular. Color differences are very subtle and difficult to see, and are graded by trained specialists under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. Truly colorless stones, or D-grade diamonds, are extremely rare and of the highest quality. Color choice is a matter of personal taste, with certain stones matching certain settings, skin tones, eye color, etc. The rarest of all diamonds are colored red and are highly treasured.

Cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond and how it is cut into its ideal shape by a master cutter, who can reveal the stone's true brilliance and quality. Cutting is done according to established scientific formulas so that each stone internally reflects light from one mirror-like facet to another before dispersing it through the top. The result is referred to as "brilliance" or "fire" and leads well-cut diamonds to a higher placement on the overall quality index. Cut also refers to final shape, whether round, square, pear, princess or heart. A round cut diamond's symmetry allows light to be reflected to a high degree of brilliance.

To learn more about the selection of the prefect diamond, visit The Diamond Broker online at www.thediamondbroker.net.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/dallas-diamond-broker-offers-guidelines-to-selecting-the-ideal-engagement-ring-520819.htm