The 4 Cs of Buying A Diamond

The Diamond’s Journey: From Ancient Legends to Modern Luxury—April’s Birthstone Unveiled The history and stories behind April’s birthstone, the most sought-after gemstone in the world, the Diamond. Diamonds begin their journey deep within the Earth and eventually emerge as the ultimate symbol of beauty, wealth, and devotion. However, long before diamonds became ‘a girl’s best friend,’ diamonds were highly sought after by ancient civilizations for both their mythical and healing powers. Discover more about diamonds and how they are cut in our piece on Single Cut Versus Full Cut Diamonds. Diamond’s Role In Ancient Practices and Beliefs Belief in the diamond's mythical and healing properties spanned multiple civilizations. Its pivotal role and symbolism transcended cultural boundaries and continues to influence modern spiritual beliefs and ceremonies to this day. In Ancient Indian culture, the diamond was held in high esteem as a talisman to assist the wearer in warding off evil spirits and danger. Small diamonds were often ground into a fine powder and consumed during ayurvedic medicine ceremonies, believing that it would purge the body of toxins while restoring harmony and balance.  The Ancient Romans associated diamonds with the powers of invincibility and strength and believed that wearing diamonds would grant them the courage to face their fears. Along with strength and bravery in battle and combat, the Romans thought diamonds could help cure various ailments and illnesses. As an integral part of their chi-balancing practices, the Chinese believed that diamonds could assist with not only improving general health and wellness and redirecting energy flows within the body, but also restoring balance and harmony. The Symbolism of Diamonds The color of gemstones is essential in their connection to the world around them and their symbolism to different religions and cultures. While diamonds are often associated with dazzling colorless brilliance, they naturally occur in a range of colors—including pink, yellow, green, and even red. However, it was the classic colorless diamond that held deep symbolic power for ancient civilizations across the world. Throughout history, white or colorless stones—diamonds included—have been linked to celestial forces. Their light-reflecting properties made them symbolic of both the moon and the sun. The moon’s ethereal glow gave diamonds an almost mystical connection to nighttime energy and the unknown, while their inner fire aligned them with the life-giving power of the sun. In some cultures, moonlight and full moons were believed to unleash malevolent forces or provoke madness, and diamonds were worn as protective talismans to guard against these harmful influences. Their clarity and strength made them symbols of purity, resilience, and spiritual fortitude—shields against unseen forces and evil spirits in a world guided by superstition and myth. Mythology and Ancient Stories There are hundreds of ancient stories of diamond cities and rooms overflowing with these precious stones, but some stand out more than others. One example is the Kalpa Tree of the Hindu religion, which was a symbolic offering to the gods and was described by many Hindu poets and scholars as a ‘glowing mass of precious stones.’ It featured large pearls hanging from its branches, with vibrant green emeralds as new shoots and fiery red rubies as its fruit. The tree’s roots were sapphires, and the entire base of the trunk was encrusted in diamonds. On his visit to India between AD 629 and 645, the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Heuen Tsang spoke about the legendary story of the ‘Diamond Throne,’ which, according to legend, stood near the Tree of Knowledge where the Gautama Buddha was believed to have received the revelation of truth. The throne was believed to have been constructed during the ‘Kalpa of the Sages,’ and its base measured close to 100 feet in circumference. It was built entirely from a single large diamond. Regardless of how big a storm or earthquake was, the large throne couldn’t be moved. Thousands of Buddhas of the Kalpa were said to have meditated in divine ecstasy upon the Diamond Throne. However, since the world passed into the present and final age, soil and sand have covered the Diamond Throne, leaving it hidden from the human eye. If you need assistance picking out the perfect piece of diamond jewelry or want to create your own custom diamond jewelry, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our experienced team at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry. Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.  

The role of cut and clarity and how it affects light refraction in diamonds. Even under dark, overcast skies, diamonds continue to shine with their own inner fire. Just as raindrops refract light to create rainbows, diamonds act as nature’s ultimate prisms—bending and reflecting light in dazzling ways.  Explore the science behind diamond brilliance and how cut, clarity, and light refraction work together to create the breathtaking sparkle we all love. If you want to learn more about the 4 Cs of buying a diamond, check out the 4 Cs of Buying A Diamond: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. Light and How It Interacts with Diamonds The cut and clarity of diamonds are essential to the way light reflects from the diamond, resulting in the brilliant fire diamonds are so well known for. Facets are small, flat, polished surfaces that are carefully cut and arranged on the surface of diamonds. These precise cuts both reflect and refract light, giving diamonds that sparkle we've all fallen in love with. Diamonds primarily feature two main types of facets: crown facets and pavilion facets. Crown Facets – These facets allow light to enter the diamond. The angled surfaces are designed to capture light, and as light enters through the crown, it is bent at different angles. Pavilion Facets – The role of the pavilion facets is to reflect light back through the crown. The angled surfaces are located at the bottom of the diamond, and as light hits these facets, it is redirected back up to the viewer.  The Length and Angle of Facets and Their Impact on Light Both the angle and the length of the facets on the diamond strongly impact how much light passes through the diamond. Different configurations play a vital role in the light performance of the stone. Here are some examples of how the length and angle of facets influence light performance:  Poor Light Reflection – A diamond with excessive depth (over 65%) and a large table (over 65%) struggles to reflect light properly, resulting in a dull appearance. Average Light Reflection – A diamond with a depth of 63% and a table of 58% will still appear quite attractive but lack the brilliance of a perfectly cut diamond. Great Light Reflection – A round diamond with a depth of 61.5% and a table of 56%, in conjunction with a well-proportioned crown and pavilion angles, will display the maximum amount of brilliance and reflect light perfectly, creating the ultimate sparkle. Key Terms When Discussing Light Performance When it comes to how facet angles and lengths affect the light performance of a diamond, some of the key terms you’ll encounter include: Scintillation – Refers to the sparkle a diamond produces when it’s moved, and light reflects off the different facets. The length, depth, and angle of the facets all play a key role in how much light the diamond absorbs and reflects. Brilliance - Refers to the brightness of the diamond, which is a result of the light reflected on its surface. A diamond with well-cut facet angles maximizes brilliance. Fire – Refers to the dispersion of light into various colors, which creates a dazzling rainbow effect. Refraction is the most significant driving force affecting a diamond’s fire, as the light is bent and passes through different facets. Achieving scintillation, fire, and brilliance relies on expert craftsmanship when cutting and polishing the many facets present on the surface of a diamond. Perfect cuts ensure that the diamond captures even the smallest amount of light and that light then exits the diamond in a way that maximizes visual appeal to viewers. If you need assistance picking out the perfect piece of diamond jewelry or want to create your own custom diamond jewelry, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our experienced team at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry. Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces.  Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.  

Sailors, Saints, and Scholars: The Fascinating Lore of Aquamarine The lore and history behind March’s gem of the month, the Aquamarine, the ocean’s gemstone. Aquamarine is part of the beryl family, which includes the very well-known emerald, and its color ranges from a beautiful pale blue to an almost translucent light green. With its name coming from the Latin words “aqua,” which means water, and “marine,” which means seas, it’s no surprise that sailors believed that possessing or wearing a talisman made from aquamarine would grant them protection on the water and ensure a safe voyage. A Gem of Myth, Medicine, and Maritime Protection Dating back over 4,000 years, it was believed that mythical mermaids living beneath the sea’s surface collected aquamarine as a unique treasure. Thanks to its color, name, and where it’s commonly found within the ocean, it’s not a massive leap for sailors and mariners to claim the aquamarine as a protective talisman while on the water. Sailors believed that by wearing or carrying aquamarine, mermaids that valued the stone would protect them during a storm or accident while at sea. Other uses for aquamarine included as a purifying tool by the Ancient Romans. Wealthy merchants, aristocrats, and royalty would have goblets crafted out of aquamarine as they believed the gemstone would remove impurities from drinking water and protect against poison and illness. Along with its water-purifying abilities, Ancient Roman doctors also utilized aquamarine to help those suffering from poor digestion, edema, and eating disorders. At the same time, Ancient Egyptians wore aquamarine jewelry for good health and pain relief. During the Middle Ages, William Langland mentioned that aquamarine was an antidote for poisoning. With so many members of courts and royal families being poisoned, aquamarine quickly became a well-known and sought-after protective talisman. Religious Symbolization  Throughout history, civilizations have sought symbols of vitality, renewal, and the preservation of youth. The Hebrews, Egyptians, and Sumerians all revered aquamarine for its association with happiness, longevity, and spiritual purification.  In ancient Egyptian culture, aquamarine was often buried with pharaohs to ensure their safe passage into the afterlife, as its serene blue hues were believed to carry the soul peacefully across celestial waters.  The Sumerians, one of the earliest known civilizations, regarded aquamarine as a sacred stone of divine favor, using it in their temple offerings and carvings dedicated to gods associated with wisdom and the sea. Within Christianity, aquamarine carries deep spiritual significance, often linked to the apostle St. Thomas, the patron saint of scholars and travelers. St. Thomas was known for his long and treacherous voyages across the seas, particularly his missionary journeys to India in the 13th century, where he spread Christian teachings. The aquamarine has been referenced as one of the twelve stones adorning the High Priest’s breastplate in the Old Testament, further emphasizing its sacred nature. In medieval times, Christian monks and clergy often set aquamarines in their rings and rosaries, believing that their clarity and brilliance reflected the purity of the divine.  Even today, the aquamarine remains a cherished gemstone in Christian iconography, symbolizing faith, enlightenment, and the cleansing of the soul. Ancient Stories and Mythology Writers in the Middle Ages believed that aquamarine was one of the most powerful and influential ‘oracle’ crystals and, when cut into a crystal ball, was the most effective gemstone for fortune-telling. While much emphasis has been placed on the aquamarine and its relationship to the sea, it also helps create a strong connection with the sky and how it is reflected on the sea’s surface. It was believed that its reflective properties could enable the wearer to uncover hidden abilities within their souls while allowing them to see different aspects of reality. Other stories have been told about aquamarine’s ability to aid decision-making, responsibility, and perseverance while giving the wearer clearer reasoning abilities and empowering them to make smarter, more informed decisions.  If you need assistance picking out the perfect piece of jewelry or want to create your own piece of custom aquamarine jewelry, please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry. Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces perfect for that special proposal. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.