Diamond Classifications

Diamond Classifications

There are four types of diamond classifications. Science has helped us identify and classify these gemological differences.  More sophisticated technology helps to define characteristics.  And to refine those descriptions. By identifying and differentiating the diamond classifications, consumers ultimately have more choices when purchasing diamonds, thereby expanding the diamond industry's footprint.

The Four Diamond Classifications

There are four different diamond classifications of diamonds. They are type Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb. According to the chief quality officer of the Gemological Institute of America, John King talks about the perfect diamond. "It's carbon atoms regularly arrange in an even lattice." King goes on to say of natural diamonds, "have a number of structural anomalies and chemical substance regions." Among the most prevalent of these characteristics is the presence of nitrogen. When sorting diamonds by type I and II categories one must do so based on the presence or absence of nitrogen. Type I diamonds make up 98% of all diamonds and contain some nitrogen.

GIA and Diamond Classifications

The diamonds are then further designated as type Ia or Ib depending on how many nitrogen atoms formed during its growth process. According to the Gemological Institute of America, "the complex process of nitrogen Corporation in diamond takes place over geologic timescales that high pressure and high temperatures within the earth. During the initial stages of growth, nitrogen atoms may substitute or carbon atoms on a single life in the diamond lattice. During the later stages, these nitrogen atoms migrate in the structure and 10 to cluster together in energetically favorable aggregates. Diamonds that contain aggregated nitrogen- that is, pairs of nitrogen atoms, or for nitrogen atoms surrounding a vacancy in the structure- are classified as type Ia. Diamonds that contain nitrogen isolated atoms in the structure classify as type Ib."

Rare Diamond Classifications

Type II diamonds make up only 2 percent of all diamonds, have no traces of evident nitrogen. These types of diamonds are further divided into another group, IIa. These diamonds have neither nitrogen nor boron. Any diamond that does have detectable boron, however, does not have nitrogen is considered to be a type IIb diamond. For example, if a diamond is blue it is automatically a type IIb. This is because the compound boron is responsible for their blue color. However, a diamond that classifies as type IIb does not necessarily have to be blue in color. Diamonds that have the grading of type IIa include diamonds that are from India's famous Golconda region.  Not all diamonds found in the area are classified as type IIa however. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_type

Identifying Different Diamond Classes

With new technology constantly on the horizon, new discoveries are being made with regards to diamonds and their characteristics. John King of the Gemological Institute of America explains, "Today with infrared spectroscopy, specifically Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diamond type can be established rapidly and conclusively. Modern infrared spectrophotometers are able to detect trace amounts of nitrogen down to a few parts per million. Diamond type is very important to scientists because it so effectively categorizes the possible colors, the possible treatments, the observed fluorescence and the possible effects detected with spectroscopy." http://www.costellos.com.au/diamonds/types.html

Diamond Classifications Impact on Value

As a result of diamond classifications, the elusive type IIa diamonds have become another form of branding. And another way to increase their value. Only a few parts per million of nitrogen in a diamond can translate into a considerable amount of money if it identifies as type IIa or not.  For example, a type IIa diamond rings a 5-15 percent premium opposed to a normal type Ia diamond; and considering these diamonds only make up 2 percent supply chain makes them incredibly unique and rare. A few atoms of nitrogen, too small to be visible to the naked eye and discernible only under infrared spectroscopy, determine whether a stone is labeled type I or II.

Diamond Classifications and Types of Diamonds

That label on a diamond certificate makes a sizable difference with regards to value. Even highly skilled diamantaire's have difficulty in discerning the difference between the different types of diamonds. Chief executive officer Hoda Esphahani of Safdico USA says. "I cannot see the difference between a type Ia or type IIa." Nevertheless, that designation has a considerable difference with regards to market value. Barry Berg of William Goldberg New York says that initially cutting diamonds to excellent proportions was the way of differentiating quality at the high-end of the diamond market. However, he now explains. "The difference, I feel, more and more people want IIa; it's another form of branding. When triple EX went from 20% of the market to 80%, it lost its cachet." He goes on to explain that vendors are now offering type IIa are now advertising them in order to set their goods apart from standard diamonds.   http://www.reenaahluwalia.com/blog/2013/7/8/type-iia-diamonds Type IIa Diamonds