The word diamond originates from two Greek terms: “adamas”(indomitable) and “diaphanes” (transparent). Its use dates back to 1000 D.C. in India, which was when the stone began to be cut and people started to appreciate its beauty, created by the light reflected by its facets. Over time, a diamond mounted on a ring, due to the inalterability of the stone, assumed the meaning of marriage and the eternity of the bond of love. A diamond is judged by four different characteristics, which can be combined in many ways and thereby determine the value of the gem.
The colour of a diamond is perhaps its most obvious characteristic, distinguishable even with the naked eye. In general, the whiter the diamond, the more light passes through the stone, easily reflecting towards the observer. The colour of a diamond greatly affects the value of every single stone, contributing significantly to its price.
Diamonds classified according to the GIA scale as “colourless” (D-E-F) are exceptionally rare and difficult to distinguish without directly comparing them to those of the following bands (G- H).
Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystallized carbon, the element from which they originated. Many of these traces are not discernible to the naked eye and need to be enlarged to become visible. They are called inclusions and are the natural fingerprints which make each diamond unique.