Diamond, Platinum Ring 7924-0769

Diamond

Diamond is a gemstone composed of chemically pure carbon, with a cubic crystal structure and manifesting extreme hardness resulting from the incredibly strong chemical bonds between the carbon atoms. Diamonds are valued for their brilliance, fire and beauty. Usually perceived to be a colorless gemstone, diamondsactually occur in every color including: yellow, green, pink, blue, purple and red. The value of a diamond is set by measuring and evaluating what in the diamond business is referred to as the four C's. – color, clarity, carat weight and cut. Diamond color is measured on a scale ranging from D to Z with D being the most colorless (and most desirable). Clarity has a series of designations that range from Flawless to Included representing the relative number, type and visibility of inclusions. Carat is a measure of weight where one carat is equivalent to 1/5 of a gram or 200 milligrams. Cut includes the shape of the finished diamond as well as a determination of how well the diamond was fashioned, its proportions and finishing details.

Platinum

The element platinum derives its name from the Spanish Platina del Pinto which translates to 'little silver from the Pinto' (said to be a river near Popayan, Columbia in which alluvial platinum was first found by the Spanish Conquistadors). Its white metallic luster leaves little doubt as to why the Spanish chose the name.

Platinum belongs to a group of elements, fittingly called the platinum group of metals. Apart from platinum the group comprises Osmium, Iridium, Palladium, Rhodium and Ruthenium. Platinum is often found as natural alloys containing one or more of these other elements and it wasn't until 1804 that all but one of the elements were isolated and named.

Platinum is malleable, ductile and very strong. In addition, it does not tarnish and it doesn't corrode making it a highly prized metal and extremely suitable for the manufacture of fine jewelry.