Diamonds have been in the news a lot lately. Just today I received a clipping from an article in The Wall Street Journal about how the natural diamond industry is responding to the threat of lab grown diamonds. Naturally, the diamond industry on every side has a stake in promoting why their diamonds are the best and why we should buy them. At RUMMELL, we work with both natural and lab grown diamonds on a daily basis and regardless of where they originate from, we love them. Here’s why.
Exceptional Durability
I have worked with many types of gemstones over the years, and the only one that doesn’t make me sweat when setting it, is a diamond. Diamonds are the kings of durability. They are the world’s hardest material, meaning that the only thing that can abrade, cut, or scratch a diamond, is a diamond. They are also exceptionally tough, meaning that they do not easily crack, break, or chip. While not invincible (I have seen diamonds break on occasion), compared to all other gemstones, diamonds can endure extreme amounts of pressure (see this picture of my anvil where I tried to break a .10 carat diamond with a steel hammer).
Superior Sparkliness
I’m sure that is not the technical way to put it, but the point is there. Diamonds exude the nicest sparkle of any gemstone on the market. I know that technically there are a couple of gemstones that “scientifically” are more brilliant, but when I compare them with diamonds on a daily basis, the depth of the diamond’s sparkle is just more pure.
Easy Maintainance
Because diamonds are created under such high temperatures and pressures, they are the easiest to maintain. Diamonds have a high affinity for oils, so they will naturally get coated in oils from lotions, soaps, or our own skin. We recommend a little household ammonia and ivory soap to bring the sparkle back. Additionally, after years of wear, prongs begin to wear down and need rebuilding. Diamonds are able to endure the process of welding/soldering new metal on top of the prongs better than other gemstones. Be sure to get yours checked yearly, it’s easier to repair a prong than to replace a lost stone!
Enduring Legacy
We have been fortunate to work with some incredible diamonds. While we enjoy working with new diamonds, both natural and lab grown, it really is special to work with a diamond that has been handed down through multiple generations and has maintained its beauty. Even though the sources from which we get diamonds changes, it truly is a blessing to work with our clients to create heirlooms of their own which will endure throughout their lives, and on through the lives of their children and grandchildren.