ATELIER RMR INTRODUCES:

NATURAL DIAMONDS

Discover the secrets of natural diamonds with Marie, gemologist at Atelier RMR, who shares with us her passion for their history, unique characteristics, and timeless brilliance.

HISTORY AND SYMBOLISM

HISTORY

For thousands of years, diamonds have fascinated humanity. The first references to these precious gems date back to India, where they were mined as early as the 4th century BC. Prized for their rarity and exceptional brilliance, they spread to Europe through medieval trade routes, becoming symbols of power and of wealth among the elites. Today, diamonds continue to captivate the world, with the United States accounting for approximately 50% of global sales. These timeless gems remain a symbol of luxury and elegance, crossing the ages while retaining their aura of mystery and desire.

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HISTORY AND SYMBOLISM

SYMBOLISM

Diamonds immediately evoke ideas of eternity, purity, and perfection, symbolizing eternal love and elegance. But did you know that some cultures attribute protective and healing properties to them? Used as talismans, they were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. This mystical dimension enhances their timeless appeal, making diamonds much more than mere symbols of luxury and beauty.

DIAMONDS CARACTERISTICS

  • ATOMIC STRUCTURE

  • Luster and fire

  • Inclusions and colors

  • Durability

Natural diamonds are composed of pure carbon atoms crystallized in a cubic crystalline structure known as a face-centered cubic lattice. This extremely stable structure gives diamonds their exceptional hardness.

Diamonds are known for their brilliance and "fire", a dispersion of light that creates bursts of color. This quality is due to diamond's high refractive index and its ability to scatter light.

Although diamonds are primarily composed of carbon, they can contain inclusions that affect their color. For example, traces of nitrogen can give a yellow tint, while boron can give a blue color. These variations add to the diversity and uniqueness of natural diamonds.

Diamonds are the hardest natural material in the world, rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them extremely scratch-resistant and perfectly suited for everyday use in jewelry. Thanks to their exceptional durability, diamonds retain their brilliance and clarity over time, even when worn frequently, such as in engagement rings and wedding bands. This robustness ensures that diamonds remain beautiful and intact for generations.

DIAMOND QUALITY: THE 4 CS

  • COLOR

    Diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (yellowish or brownish tint), with colorless diamonds being the most rare and valuable.

  • CLARITY

    Clarity assesses the presence of inclusions and imperfections, ranging from FL (flawless) to I (inclusions visible to the naked eye).

  • CUT

    The cut affects the diamond's light reflection, with grades from Excellent to Poor, determining its brilliance and fire.

  • CARAT WEIGHT

    Measured in carats, where one carat is 0.2 grams, larger diamonds are rarer and generally more valuable.

FORMATION & EXTRACTION

FORMATION

Diamonds form in the Earth's mantle, at depths of 150 to 200 kilometers. Their formation requires extreme conditions of temperature (900 to 1300 °C) and pressure (45 to 60 kilobars) which are only found about 150 to 200 kilometers below the Earth's surface. They are then transported to the surface by volcanic eruptions in conduits called kimberlite and lamproite vents.

FORMATION & EXTRACTION

EXTRACTION

Diamond extraction begins with the identification of deposits through geological analysis, geophysical and geochemical prospecting, and drilling. For shallow deposits, open-pit mining is used, while underground mines are utilized for deeper deposits. Once extracted, rough diamonds undergo crushing, screening, density separation, and X-ray separation to isolate them. They are then cleaned and sorted by size, shape, color, clarity, and quality. Finally, the diamonds are transported to trading centers to be sold to dealers, jewelers, and manufacturers.

SUPPLY

SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICS

Precious stones, like diamonds, are symbols of timeless elegance. However, they can pose ethical issues, such as conflict diamonds, poor working conditions, and environmental impact. At Atelier RMR, we ensure the origin of our natural stones by sourcing directly from mines and cutters from family-run businesses, guaranteeing an ethical supply chain. By choosing Atelier RMR, you support artisans who uphold ethical practices and the tradition of fine jewelry making.

QUALITY CERTIFICATION

When you purchase a natural diamond from Atelier RMR, you receive a certificate detailing the characteristics of the jewelry, the stones used, and the fabrication process by our Montreal artisans. Entirely crafted at RMR, each piece is the result of meticulous material sourcing, artisanal manufacturing, and rigorous quality assurance. This certificate is a promise of exceptional quality, ensuring that every step, from stone selection to the final creation, reflects our commitment to excellence and ethics. By choosing a certified diamond from Atelier RMR, you support responsible practices while ensuring you receive a stone of the highest quality.

OUR NATURAL STONES

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LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

Intrigued by lab-grown diamonds? Our lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional brilliance and purity while being more accessible. These gems combine superior quality with radiant beauty. Dive into the world of lab-grown diamonds and discover their unique advantages.

LEARN MORE

FAQ

What is the difference between a natural diamond and a laboratory diamond?

A natural diamond is formed in the Earth over millions of years, while a lab-grown diamond is created in a matter of weeks under controlled conditions. The two are chemically and physically identical, but their origin differs.

Are natural stones always more valuable than laboratory ones?

Natural stones are often more valuable due to their rarity and history, but lab-grown stones can also be highly prized for their quality.

Are natural diamonds ethical?

The ethics of natural diamonds depend on their provenance. At Atelier RMR, we are committed to using responsibly sourced diamonds, certified by initiatives like the Kimberley Process to ensure they are not conflict diamonds.

Why are natural diamonds so valuable?

Natural diamonds are rare, and they take millions of years to form, which contributes to their value. Additionally, they are often associated with symbols of status, luxury and timeless elegance.

Do natural stones have a better resale value than laboratory stones?

Resale value depends on many factors, including quality and demand, not just the origin of the stone.

Are natural stones of better quality than laboratory ones?

The quality of a stone depends on various factors, not just its origin. Both natural and lab-grown stones can achieve high levels of quality.

Can natural diamonds get scratched?

Natural diamonds are the hardest known natural substances, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale. However, they can be damaged by heavy blows or collisions with other diamonds. Do not hesitate to bring your diamond to Atelier RMR if you need repairs.

How to maintain and clean a natural diamond?

To care for a natural diamond, you can return it to Atelier RMR for free professional cleaning for 5 years following your purchase. Alternatively, clean it at home with a mild solution of warm water and soap, using a soft brush to remove dirt, and dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and physical shock.

Where can I buy certified natural diamonds?

You can buy certified natural diamonds from trusted jewelers like Atelier RMR, who provide certificates of quality and ethical origin for each diamond.

What is a conflict diamond?

A conflict diamond, or "blood diamond", is a diamond mined in a conflict zone and sold to finance illegal activities or civil wars. Initiatives like the Kimberley Process exist to certify that diamonds do not come from such sources.