The Allure of Diamonds**: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Gemstone

Defining Diamonds**

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, making them highly durable and resistant to scratches. They are composed of pure carbon and exhibit exceptional brilliance and fire due to their high refractive index.

Property	Value
Chemical Composition	Pure Carbon
Crystal Structure	Face-Centered Cubic
Mohs Hardness	10
Refractive Index	2.42

Cut	Shape	Number of Facets
Round Brilliant	Round	58
Princess	Square/Rectangular	58-76
Emerald	Rectangle	50-58

Benefits of Diamonds**

Exceptional Durability: Diamonds' exceptional hardness makes them virtually indestructible in everyday use, ensuring they retain their luster and brilliance for generations.

Benefit	How to
Scratch Resistance: Use a soft cloth for cleaning and avoid contact with abrasive materials.
Shatter Resistance: Avoid sudden impact or temperature changes.

Unmatched Brilliance: Diamonds' high refractive index and exceptional cut allow them to reflect and refract light, creating a mesmerizing sparkle.

Benefit	How to
Fire: Choose a well-cut diamond with optimal proportions and symmetry.
Brilliance: Consider the carat weight and clarity of the diamond.

Stories of Diamonds**

The Hope Diamond: One of the most famous diamonds in the world, the Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat blue diamond currently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution.

The Cullinan Diamond: The largest diamond ever found, the Cullinan Diamond weighed 3,106.75 carats in its rough form. It was cut into nine major stones and many smaller ones.

The Pink Star: Sold for a record-breaking $71.2 million at auction in 2017, the Pink Star is a 59.60-carat pink diamond considered one of the rarest and most valuable gems ever found.

How to Choose a Diamond**

Consider the 4 Cs: The four most important factors to consider when selecting a diamond are carat weight, cut, clarity, and color.

Factor	Description
Carat Weight	Measures the size of the diamond in carats.
Cut	Determines the diamond's shape, symmetry, and proportions.
Clarity	Refers to the number and size of inclusions (imperfections) in the diamond.
Color	Ranges from colorless (most desirable) to light yellow or brown.

Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a diamond before you start shopping.

Budget	Average Carat Weight
Under $1,000	0.25-0.50 carats
$1,000-$5,000	0.50-1.00 carats
Over $5,000	1.00+ carats

The Allure of Diamonds**: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Gemstone