Rough Diamond

Overview

Rough diamonds are raw, uncut stones that display natural beauty and unique characteristics. These diamonds are assessed based on several important specifications, which influence their potential value and appearance after cutting. From color to clarity, rough diamonds reveal fascinating features that make each stone unique.

Color

Rough diamonds come in a variety of natural colors:

• White: The most common color for rough diamonds, offering a classic look.
• Blue: Rare and highly sought-after, blue rough diamonds are prized for their unique hue.
• Black: Known for their bold appearance, black rough diamonds are often used in statement jewelry.
• Pink: Among the rarest colors, pink diamonds are especially valuable due to their beauty and scarcity.

Shape

Rough diamonds typically form in irregular shapes, though the octahedron—a two-pyramid shape—is the most common. The shape of a rough diamond significantly impacts how it will be cut, influencing the overall appearance, brilliance, and potential of the finished gemstone.

Size

Rough diamonds are sorted into categories by carat weight, affecting their value and suitability for different types of jewelry:

• Smalls: Diamonds weighing 0.65 carats or less.
• Grainers: Diamonds ranging from 0.66 to 1.79 carats.
• Large Stones: Diamonds weighing between 1.8 to 10.79 carats.
• Special Stones: Rare diamonds weighing 10.8 carats or more, often reserved for high-end pieces.

Clarity

The clarity of a rough diamond indicates the presence of any internal or external characteristics, such as blemishes or inclusions, which can affect its appearance. High-clarity rough diamonds are rare and typically yield stones with exceptional sparkle and brilliance once cut.

Cleavage

Cleavage refers to a rough diamond’s natural tendency to split along certain planes. Understanding a diamond’s cleavage is essential in cutting, as jewelers must avoid potential breakage that can reduce the stone’s brilliance or integrity. Proper handling of cleavage ensures the best possible outcome for each unique stone.