Diamond Terms A

Abrasion

Tiny nicks along diamond facet junctions, that produce white fuzzy lines instead of sharp, crisp facet edges.

Abrasive

Diamonds of Industrial grade are used as abrasives for tools such as drill bits and grinding wheels. Smaller particles may also be used for polishing.

Adamant Research Laboratory

Established by DeBeers in 1956 to research diamond synthesis. De Beers produced their first synthetic in 1958.

Adamantine

Refers to the surface luster of a diamond.

Adamas

The word diamond is derived from the ancient Greek word Adamas. It means unconquerable.

Africa

Africa and De Beers dominated production through the 20th century. Mining activity was centered in Botswana and South Africa. Although Africa is still a large source of diamonds, Several other sources have been discovered in places like Russia, Canada and Australia.

American Gem Society (AGS)

According to it's website, AGS was established in 1934 with a vision to create an association of fine jewelry retailers dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest possible standards for business ethics and professionalism in the jewelry industry.

Anglo American Corporation

Founded in 1917 by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer to exploit the Gold Mining potential of the East Rand. Owns approximately 45% of De Beers.

Amsterdam

Major Diamond Cutting Center in the 19th century. Amsterdam lost a significant portion of their diamond cutters in the pre-war years, due in part to strict working conditions imposed by labor unions on the Dutch Diamond cutting factories.

Allnatt

A 102 carat "Cushion Cut" Diamond certified by the Gemological Institute Of America (GIA) to be a "Fancy Vivid Yellow" color Diamond with a VS2 clarity rating.

Alluvial

Diamonds that have been washed into and remain in a deposit of clay, silt, and sand left by flowing water in a river valley or delta. Alluvial diamonds are usually Gem Quality.

Angles

Angles determine a diamonds proportions and symmetry. Cutting angles to the proper-specific formula will help achieve maximum fire and brilliance.

Angola

Diamonds were first discovered in Angola in 1913. This country is rich with Gem Quality deposits. A long outbreak of Armed Conflicts have hampered it's diamond output for many years. 2002 brought some relief to the armed conflicts and Angola could become a larger supplier of diamonds.

Anniversaries

De Beers invented and promoted the anniversary band and eternity ring concepts.

Antwerp-Antwerpen-Anvers

A Major International Diamond trading center. In existence since about the 1300's.

Antwerp Diamond Bank

Antwerp Diamond Bank was founded in 1934 by three leading Belgian Banks and a holding company owned by De Beers Group, called Henfin. It currently has offices in Antwerp, Geneva, New York, Hong Kong, and Dubai.

Antwerp Diamond Bourse

One of Several Bourses for diamond dealers to trade in mostly polished diamonds.

Antwerp Rose

A hexagonal rose cut diamond with 12 upper facets and a flat base facet.

Appraisal

Rough and Polished diamonds are appraised at many stages in order to determine their quality and value. Appraisals also apply to finished jewelry, as well. Such as our unique engagement rings.

Argyle

The Argyle Mine is located in Australia and was opened in 1985. 650 million carats have been produced by open cast mining and the Argyle mine is famous for "Fancy Colored Diamonds".

Arrows And Hearts

A term used to describe a pattern that is visible in an Ideal Cut Diamond due to precise cutting standards.

Australia

In 1851 Diamonds were discovered here. Australia is now a major producer of rough diamonds and is possibly the largest producer in terms of sheer volume.

Ayer

The Ad agency that created the slogan "A Diamond Is Forever" for De Beers.