Diamonds should cost much more.
Here is the story of how I gained even greater
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Diamonds should be much more expensive. Part 2- Sorting diamonds.
As I shared in my previous newsletter, my visit to a diamond mine in Namibia was a game-changer. The insights I gained from seeing the diamond sorting facilities in action have significantly deepened my understanding of the diamond market. I was truly impressed by the scale of the operation and the abundance of diamonds I saw and held.
For the first time, I experienced how heavy and cold diamonds are. Normally, I have a maximum of 100 smaller diamonds in my hands, but that is not enough to feel their weight and temperature.
At the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), all the diamonds mined in the diamond mine and from the sea are sorted. This is done by various sorting procedures that I could never have imagined. Approximately 1500 carats of diamonds are sorted every day.
The diamonds are roughly sorted at the mining site itself.
As you may remember from the previous newsletter, they are vacuumed into large closed tankers and transported to the sorting facility we visited.
At the sorting facility, the diamonds are sorted using different methods.
- Crushing and sorting. The material is further crushed to free the diamonds from surrounding rocks and minerals.
- Heavy Media Separation (HMS) This process uses a heavy liquid to separate heavy minerals (like diamonds) from lighter materials.
- X-ray sorting: X-ray radiation is used to identify and sort diamonds after HMS. Diamonds fluoresce under X-ray radiation, making them quickly identify and automatically separate.
- Finishing: After X-ray sorting, the remaining materials are manually inspected to ensure that all diamonds have been removed. This step includes manual sorting using microscopes and other visual aids.
The diamonds are then sorted, first by machine and then by hand. The diamonds are sorted by shape, colour, clarity and weight. Exactly as we know it in relation to the 4 C’s of cut diamonds.
- Cut – cutting
- Colour – colour
- Clarity – clarity
- Carat – size
The largest diamonds, i.e. all those that can become polished diamonds over 5 carats, are assessed individually by highly experienced diamond graders. It can take several months to evaluate these diamonds because it is essential to know precisely which polished diamond they can produce. In that assessment, the shape of the rough diamond and the inclusions in the diamond must be taken into account.
Once the diamonds have finally been sorted, they are sold and sent to cutting centres, where diamond cutters cut and polish them.
After all this, diamond dealers like me buy the diamonds and have them set into beautiful jewellery.
It’s an incredible process that diamonds go through before they are set in jewellery.
They were created deep in the earth’s interior trillions of years ago, then shot out to the surface of the earth millions of years ago, and have now been found, dug up, sorted, cut, polished and finally set in jewellery.
Understanding the journey of diamonds has made me appreciate my diamonds even more, and I hope you do too.
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Diamond Dealer Services
Born in Denmark, I work in Antwerp in Belgium – the centre of diamond trade in the word.
From here, I find and select premium diamonds and gemstones to create custom-made jewelry for clients all over the globe. I love the idea of customized jewelry as I want to help you make exactly the piece of jewelry you desire.
Read more about Diamond Dealer Services
I contacted Trine because I wanted to find a special piece for my wife’s 50 birthday.
With Trine's friendly and personal service, good taste, and understanding of what we were looking for, Trine presented us with a beautiful collection, helping us and our children find the perfect piece for her special day.
We could not have been happier with Trine and are so thankful for all her kind assistance.
I therefore highly recommend Trine’s service and excellent collection if you are looking for something special for your loved ones.
I have known Trine for many years and have always trusted her good taste in both design and quality. When I was looking for the perfect ring it was an easy choice for me to ask Trine to help me.
Trine has a wonderful way of understanding exactly what I am looking for and guiding me in my choice of both diamonds and design.
I will never buy my jewellery anywhere else
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. And Trine knows exactly how to set them in the most amazing ways.
During the years I have bought some really nice pieces from Trine, both classical in white gold, but also more daring ones, and she has always made exactly what I was dreaming of.
Trine works with some of the best goldsmiths in Antwerp, and they do an excellent job.
I just LOVE my new ring from Bylamm diamonds. Thank you Trine
Where do you go to find the perfect diamond engagement ring? I went to Trine, who was recommended to me by common friends. And it was a perfect choice. Trine’s service is quick and I could ask all the questions I wanted. I bought the perfect diamond and had it set in a classic setting with diamonds on the side.
My fiancee loves it.
And it is a joy for me to see her wearing it every day
I was so unlucky to lose one of my diamond earrings. But help was near. I contacted Trine at Bylamm Diamonds, who quickly made me a perfect new pair, at an incredible price. I wear them every day and just love them
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I contacted Trine because I wanted to find a special piece for my wife’s 50 birthday.
With Trine's friendly and personal service, good taste, and understanding of what we were looking for, Trine presented us with a beautiful collection, helping us and our children find the perfect piece for her special day.
We could not have been happier with Trine and are so thankful for all her kind assistance.
I therefore highly recommend Trine’s service and excellent collection if you are looking for something special for your loved ones.
I have known Trine for many years and have always trusted her good taste in both design and quality. When I was looking for the perfect ring it was an easy choice for me to ask Trine to help me.
Trine has a wonderful way of understanding exactly what I am looking for and guiding me in my choice of both diamonds and design.
I will never buy my jewellery anywhere else.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. And Trine knows exactly how to set them in the most amazing ways.
During the years I have bought some really nice pieces from Trine, both classical in white gold, but also more daring ones, and she has always made exactly what I was dreaming of.
Trine works with some of the best goldsmiths in Antwerp, and they do an excellent job.
I just LOVE my new ring from Bylamm diamonds. Thank you Trine
Where do you go to find the perfect diamond engagement ring? I went to Trine, who was recommended to me by common friends. And it was a perfect choice. Trine’s service is quick and I could ask all the questions I wanted. I bought the perfect diamond and had it set in a classic setting with diamonds on the side.
My fiancee loves it.
And it is a joy for me to see her wearing it every day
I was so unlucky to lose one of my diamond earrings. But help was near. I contacted Trine at Bylamm Diamonds, who quickly made me a perfect new pair, at an incredible price. I wear them every day and just love them.
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