The Crystals and Diamonds Defining the Beauty Industry

The first reference to crystals in history originated from the ancient Sumerians, which is modern-day Iraq. By 4,000 BC, Egyptians were using special crystals like amethyst to make jewelry.

Diamonds, on the other hand, were first believed to have originated in India, where they gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Back then only about one thousand carats were produced annually.

Today, however, diamonds are mined extensively throughout Australia, Russia, and even in some parts of Africa, chiefly, South Africa and Botswana. And this has consequently increased its production to an estimated one hundred million carats yearly.

Diamonds are still defining the beauty industry today and are the most common stone used in jewelry production, especially engagement rings.

Natural Versus Lab-Grown Diamonds

While natural diamonds have been around for a while longer, Lab-grown diamonds were first created in 1954. Lab grown diamonds have income increasingly popular mainly due to the limited supply of natural diamonds and have now become a staple in engagement rings

These diamonds are cultivated with advanced technological procedures, under highly controlled laboratory conditions similar to what exists in the mantle beneath the earth’s crust where natural diamonds are formed.

Despite being man-made, lab created diamonds look and feel like natural diamonds, with the same characteristics and level of hardness. And the great news is, they are created faster and cost less, satisfying the growing demand for diamond jewelry, especially among young people.

What Makes Diamonds Special

Diamonds have for a long time been associated with high value and class, and subsequently, with beauty.

The demand for diamonds and diamond jewelry, especially engagement rings continues to increase, not just because of the special qualities of this gemstone but also how it has a way of conferring these special qualities on its owner.

Here are five qualities that make diamonds desirable.

1. Attractiveness

Diamonds are generally considered as one of the most beautiful gemstones, captivating humans with their magnificence, little wonder the Romans thought they fell from stars and the Greeks referred to them as tears of the gods.

There are certain properties of diamonds that make them more beautiful, allowing us to measure their value and  attractiveness. These are the 4Cs

• Color; although diamonds can come in different colors, the most desired appearance is crystal clear.
• Clarity is a measure of how many flaws are in the stone. The fewer flaws, the more beautiful, clear, and bright a diamond is.
• Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. This is different from the size, so the fact that a piece of diamond is bigger does not necessarily mean it is heavier or more valuable.
• Cut is the most essential feature of a diamond, as it’s basically responsible for the internal refraction of light that causes a diamond to sparkle. Cut determines how bright a diamond shines.

2. Strength

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on Earth. It takes 1 to 3 billion years for a diamond to form in the upper mantle of the earth.

This slow forming process is part of the reason they’re so durable, and can withstand deterioration, scratches, cracks, and breakages from contact with pretty much any other materials.

If properly cared for diamond jewelry can be used for a very long time and even passed down as an heirloom to future generations. This great strength and efficacy of diamonds has led them to become most sought after.

3. Rarity

Another reason diamonds are most sought after and defining the beauty industry today is because they are so rare.

Even though new resources for diamonds are being explored and discovered, the supply of the gemstone remains limited, especially because precious and valuable Diamond mines are not usually found in every soil.

And it requires more than 250 tons of Ore that needs to be blasted, crushed and processed to produce just one carat of raw diamond, and then, only 20 percent of all raw diamonds are actually suitable for gem cutting.

4. Sophistication

The glow and fire of a well-cut diamond will always add to their appeal.  Each diamond is special in its own way, and the cut brings out a diamond’s unique attractiveness and shine.

Its exquisiteness and inner fire has made it a precious stone that continues to add sophistication to its owner.

5. Cultural Significance

Another reason for diamonds’ current popularity in beauty is its history and reputation in cultures dating back to India 3000 years ago.

They were reportedly first used in jewelry in 1047 in the crown of a Hungarian Queen and the   first diamond engagement ring was presented by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his fiancee, Mary Burgundy in 1477, 70 years after the first record of professional diamond cutting in 1407.

What really sparked the popularity of diamonds as a jewelry stone, however, was the advertising campaign commissioned by De Beers in 1947,where the phrase ‘diamonds are forever’ was first coined.

How Crystals Defining The Beauty Industry

Crystals have been used in beauty products for centuries due to their unique properties. These properties make them perfect for enhancing the look and feel of skin, hair, and nails.

Jade is believed to be the most powerful crystal for beauty because it has the ability to enhance both your appearance and your energy. It can help purify your energy and clear out any negative energy that’s affecting your physical and emotional health. It can also improve your complexion, reduce wrinkles, and improve blood circulation.

Rose quartz is another popular crystal for use in the beauty industry because of its ability to energize and uplift you emotionally. It helps increase fertility,balances emotions, enhances intuition,and clears negative thought patterns from your mind.

Red Jasper is known to be good for promoting relaxation and stress relief. Its concentration of potassium makes it a natural anti-aging agent as well as an effective treatment for acne and other skin problems.

Rainbow moonstone is a versatile crystal that has many benefits when it comes to beauty products. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory properties, but it can also reduce puffiness around the eyes, improve skin elasticity, reduce age spots, stimulate collagen production, and soothe irritated skin.

3 Diamonds That Are Defining The Beauty Industry

1. Diamond Faceted Stones

Faceted diamonds are the most common type of stone for diamonds and mostly found in engagement rings and claw settings. Faceted stones have flat, polished faces called facets and have a pointed bottom.

Diamonds look really magnificent as a faceted stone as it refracts light inside the gemstone and reflects light on the outside, highlighting the diamond’s brilliance and fire.

 2. Diamond Rose-Cut Cabochons

Rose-cut diamond facets set  wonderfully into a dome shape. They usually have a flat bottom and a top consisting of triangular facets.

3. Diamond Beads

Diamond beads are amazing and work really well for lavish designs from earring drops, statement beads,  bar necklaces to classy bracelets. They are also great for creating unique wire designs.

Conclusion

Diamonds have always had a soft spot in the heart of humans and will continue to, for a long time to come. They are considered as one of the most passionate gemstones in the world, which is why a diamond as a present is often considered to be a symbol of love and affection.

Throughout history, diamonds have captivated humans and enkindled enthusiasm and emotion. This is one reason they make exceptional gifts and are considered favorable if one is looking for a present that will be significant for a long time.