What is a Diamond?
A diamond is truly one of nature's most beautiful and compelling creations. Each diamond is formed when carbon precisely crystallizes under intense heat and pressure. Over twenty million years ago, this incredible transformation occurred under the most exacting conditions, in a relatively thin layer of our planet between 75-125 miles below the surface of the earth.
So how does a diamond find its way from many miles deep inside the earth to you? Over the millennia, the diamonds worked their way toward the surface through a series of cataclysmic geologic events. Eventually, man discovered diamond deposits both underground and near sources of water. These sources yield diamonds of industrial as well as cuttable quality (gem quality), with the majority of diamonds mined being industrial quality. Approximately 5 tons of ore must be mined and processed from the average diamond-bearing locality in order to produce a one-carat rough diamond of gem quality. Even more astonishing, of all gem quality diamonds in the market approximately 85% are below M color grade (See page 8 for color grading explanation).
An uncut diamond resembles a pebble that most people would pass by without a second glance. It is the skill of the expert diamond cutter that unlocks the fiery beauty that lies within. For centuries, only kings wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage, and invincibility. In fact, the word diamond comes from the Latin adamas, which means unconquerable. Over the centuries the diamond has acquired the status as the ultimate gift of love. From North America to Europe, Africa to Asia, Aucoin Hart searches the world for the diamond cutters' uncompromising works of art and then brings back only their greatest creations. A diamond must possess a combination of superior brilliance, fire, and value to be designated an Aucoin Hart diamond.
