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Primary Deposits

For about 2,000 years, diamonds were thought only to be found in rivers and streams, alluvial deposits.  Alluvial deposits are typically much more concentrated with diamonds then primary deposits.  The water’s current washes away the lighter rock and material leaving behind the heavier diamond crystals.  As a result of advanced technology and modern exploration methods, most diamonds sources, today, however come from primary deposits.  Once the diamonds are mined, they are separated from the other minerals and sediments to be classified into gem or near gem quality diamonds.  Gem quality diamonds are used in jewelry and near-gem quality diamonds are used in either industrial purposes or jewelry depending on market climate.   Once the gems are sorted and cleaned, the rough gem or diamond shape is considered to determine how the diamond will be cut to maximize weight retention and value.  Next month, I’ll share with you the names of the first cut diamond shapes.