Diamond jewelry manufacturing
What is so special about the design and production of diamond-studded jewelry? It seems that the expressiveness behind these intricate and beautiful jewelry designs is certainly fascinating and extraordinary.
This goldsmithing craft is undoubtedly marvelous, and not everyone is able to master it. When precious stones are set with precision and care, whether they are white diamonds or black diamonds, magic is created and a new piece of jewelry is created that surpasses in beauty any other artistic expression.
Diamonds – then and now
While gold jewelry is considered the crown jewel of goldsmithing, diamond jewelry – such as a diamond ring and diamond earrings – is the one that has been perceived as the rarest and most desirable, and a source of pride for centuries. Part of world history is described by some of the most famous diamonds in the world, for example:
- The Hope Diamond – It is the most famous diamond in the world. It weighs 45.52 carats and has a VS1 clarity. It is the largest blue diamond in the world and one of the most magnificent, earliest and most famous colored diamonds ever discovered by humans. The Hope Diamond is set on a necklace and is surrounded by a halo of 16 diamonds. The jewel is currently on display at the Smithsonian.
- Wallis Simpson’s Panther Bracelet – This aristocrat was well-known for her exquisite jewelry. When talking about famous diamond bracelets, it is impossible not to mention her unique and sensational Panther Bracelet, which is a perfect example of an unforgettable piece of jewelry. And this is not necessarily because of the size or rarity of the diamonds, but because of the artistic and ingenious design of the panther. This bracelet was recently sold at auction for $6.2 million, and is considered the most expensive bracelet ever sold in the world.
- Princess Diana's engagement ring - a sapphire ring surrounded by 17 brilliant, round diamonds, and over the years has become an iconic piece of jewelry. Later, the diamond-encrusted ring was passed down from Diana's son, Prince William, to his wife, Kate Middleton, and became a royal family heirloom.
Why are diamonds so expensive?
By nature, anything that is rare is also valuable. Diamonds, formed deep within the earth billions of years ago, became rare because only a few of them managed to survive the perilous journey from the depths of the earth to the surface of the Earth.
In fact, it is estimated that fewer than 350 tons of diamonds have been mined in recorded history. And of the diamonds mined today, only about half are considered quality enough to be used as gemstones. And even fewer are large enough to be cut into diamonds slightly larger than a match head.
Even with the advanced technology of the 21st century, it is difficult to convert the relatively small amount of diamonds available into gem or industrial quality. In order to produce a 1-carat polished gem-quality diamond, approximately 250 tons of ore from an average Kimerlite pipe must be mined and processed.
A few words about kimberlite pipes – these are carrot-shaped volcanic pipes that rise from deep underground to beneath the Earth’s crust. Kimmerlite pipes are formed by the eruption of high-pressure kimberlite magma. When this magma reaches the Earth’s crust, it expands and fractures the rock. Kimberlites often contain diamonds, which are formed by extreme amounts of pressure.
The stage of discovering the beauty of diamonds
Raw, untreated diamonds are like stones that most of us would pass by without noticing. It is the skills of the diamond polisher that reveal to the world the fiery beauty of the diamond, which lies within it. The knowledge required to perform this demanding art has been passed down from generation to generation over many years.
And why is it such a precise and demanding art? Because the diamond polisher cannot afford to make even the smallest mistake. Since any miscalculated step could put the diamond in danger, this work can take anywhere from a few hours to several months, depending on what is required in terms of cutting and polishing the entire diamond. During this long process, each diamond loses an average of 50% of its original weight.
The beauty of a diamond actually depends on the way it reflects light. Therefore, the cutter must shape it in such a way that the cut allows light to penetrate through the top of the stone, so that the light bounces in and bounces back upwards. Such a cut will allow maximum light reflection, and the diamond will dazzle and radiate shine and sparkle.
The places where the raw gemstones are found, and the places where the skilled craftsmen who handle the gemstones and reveal their beauty are located, are usually thousands of kilometers apart. This means that the diamond industry is truly an international industry.
There are many places where professionals cut diamonds, but the most significant places are New York, Antwerp, Tel Aviv, and Mumbai. For example, about 4 million polishers are employed in the cutting industry in India, and about 12,000 polishers are employed in Israel.
After the diamonds are cut and polished, they are passed on to the jewelry maker and their team of skilled designers and artisans, who create the settings that will showcase the diamonds in the most magnificent way. They will use precious metals, such as gold and platinum, which provide a wonderful contrast to the icy glow of nature's most precious gemstone.
Diamond quality grading stage
To choose your diamond jewelry correctly, it is important to understand the four Cs, the differences between the different qualities of diamonds, and how these differences affect the price.
The 4 C's in diamonds are:
- Diamond cutting – Cut
- Diamond Color – Color
- Diamond Clarity
- Carat weight – Carat
When looking for a diamond-studded piece of jewelry, don't expect to find 'the real thing.' Quality comes at a price. Long-established jewelry manufacturers value their good reputation and will help you choose the highest quality diamond.
Diamond Jewelry Design Stage
Jewelry designers, experienced and creative, are knowledgeable about the components of jewelry, and invest creativity and precise drawing skills in their designs. Using precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum and with the help of various shapes of diamonds (round, heart-shaped, oval, etc.), they integrate their drawing skills into beautifully tailored designs, and imbue the soul of the artist that beats within them into the jewelry they have designed.
Working with diamonds to design jewelry (e.g., diamond rings or necklaces ) involves several sophisticated activities, including:
- Formulating original ideas by preparing hand sketches or designing using a computer and a 3D printer.
- Preparing the patterns of the decorative details that will adorn the jewelry.
- Blending the diamonds with different jewelry patterns, engraving and finishing.
- Correct setting of diamonds, for example to design a black diamond ring .
- Working with different metal textures.
- Assembling, soldering, and polishing the finished jewelry components.
- Calculating the costs of the metal, diamonds, and the work itself.
Jewelry manufacturers – who do they work with?
Independent diamond jewelry makers and designers often establish relationships with clients, stores, and suppliers that will allow them to establish themselves as skilled and reputable artisans. They tend to establish regular contact with various galleries, provide advice to suppliers, participate in exhibitions, launch their own collections, and participate in various events related to their profession.
Original jewelry designers, with a love and passion for jewelry, can successfully run a diamond jewelry design business and build a solid customer base for themselves. This is mainly thanks to the Internet, which allows anyone, anywhere, at any time, to come and take a look at the jewelry that designers offer on their online sites.
