Do you feel like a diamond expert now that you’ve researched countless engagement rings for your significant other? There are plenty of diamond rumors out there, and we want to make sure you’re able to spot the myths. Get ready to test your knowledge!

FACT OR MYTH: Diamonds are indestructible.

MYTH: That’s an overstatement. Diamonds are the most scratch-resistant gemstones. They score a perfect 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks the hardness of diamonds, gemstones and other minerals. In fact, they’re also known to be the most scratch-resistant material in the world.

BUT just because they’re extremely tough doesn’t mean they’re completely indestructible. A diamond could still chip if it accidentally strikes a hard surface, especially a stone with exposed, pointed corners. Chips tend to occur at the girdle, the thin border around the widest part of the gem. Therefore, jewelry experts recommend choosing a diamond with a medium girdle to minimize chipping.

FACT OR MYTH: Diamond carat = diamond size.

MYTH: These terms are often used interchangeably, so we want to set the record straight. They’re NOT the same. Diamond weight — how heavy or light a gem can be — is measured in carats. Diamond size, on the other hand, indicates how large or small a stone appears. Typically, the diameter is measured and represented in millimeters. But for fancy cut stones, like pear and marquise shapes, you might see two measurements representing the gem’s length and width.

FACT OR MYTH: Diamonds are rare.

MYTH: This is a tricky one, so let’s start breaking it down. Natural diamonds that formed billions of years ago are actually plentiful. In fact, a 2018 study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that a quadrillion tons of diamonds are sitting beneath the Earth’s surface, waiting to be mined. But a lot of these gems usually have too many flaws (ex. poor shape and color) to be considered for an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry. So, they become industrial grade diamonds instead.

In addition to that, mining can be a difficult and expensive process. According to a 2015 report from the Diamond Council of America, miners might need to move a combined 30 tons of ore and rock just to create one carat of a gem-quality diamond!

So, diamonds in their natural form aren’t exactly rare. But finding a gem-quality stone with exceptional color and clarity is rare. Learn more here.

FACT OR MYTH: Lab grown diamonds are fake.

MYTH: They might be known as “synthetic” or “engineered” diamonds, but lab grown diamonds are real diamonds! They’re simply created in laboratories. They’re made of carbon and possess the same qualities as natural diamonds, including look, durability and sparkle. You won’t be able to tell them apart with the naked eye, and that’s okay! Only trained gemologists can do so with special tools that check for crystal patterns and stone impurities.

FACT OR MYTH: Diamonds are the most brilliant gemstone.

MYTH: Believe it or not, moissanite, a diamond alternative, has more colored sparkle and reflects light better than natural and lab grown diamonds! Moissanites range between 2.65 and 2.69 on the brilliance refractive index and receive a rating of 0.104 for fire dispersion. For reference, diamonds only score a 2.42 on the refractive index and 0.044 for fire dispersion.

Have a question? We can help!

Gage Diamonds is Chicago's premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a selection of dazzling handpicked diamonds, including certified natural and lab grown diamonds.

We’re committed to helping you find the ring of your dreams. For inspiration, browse our selection of natural and lab grown diamonds, or set up an appointment with a member of our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.

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