The conflict over understanding the difference between a gemstone and diamond has been going on since forever. Diamonds are generally not seen as being part of the ‘gemstone’ category. So, let’s look at some points further that might help us decide the difference between a diamond and a gemstone.
Formation of Diamonds and Gemstones
Before jumping into complex things, let’s just have a look at the basics first.
A diamond is a crystallized form of carbon. Diamonds are found miles beneath the earth’s surface because high temperatures and pressure are what they need to form. Well, what they say is true in the case of diamonds: “In the most adverse of situations, the best flowers bloom”. Diamonds appear to be found in different colors as well. A classic diamond is a crystal-clear one.
Gemstones, on the other hand, are derived from different rocks, like igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. These three different rocks provide different kinds of gemstones. Gemstones have a lot of variety to offer as compared to diamonds. In the case of gemstones, we have coloured gemstones available in as many colors as you can think of.
It’s not like diamond and gemstone only appear naturally. Have you ever heard of man made diamonds? Or synthetic gems? It is not always necessary that they are naturally produced. To make the process easier and quicker, people even produce artificial ones and one can’t really tell the difference.
Pricing of a Gemstone vs Diamond
Since forever we have heard that diamond is for a lifetime and it’s a one time expense. Diamonds usually go a little heavy on the pocket. It only sounds reasonable for diamonds to be expensive because of their formation process. The price also depends on the 4 C’s: cut, clarity, color and carat. In short, diamonds are more expensive than gemstones. There are many people who build a collection of Opal Stone, Kyanite, Labradorite and Turquoise Gemstone.
Gemstones are much more affordable than diamonds and do require less maintenance than a diamond. Another reason that might make gemstones a little less expensive than diamonds is its availability. Diamonds, good gem-quality diamonds with all perfect 4C’s are considered to be rare. Gemstones on the other hand are much easier to find. Only a few types of gemstones are rare; the rest can be found easily in different locations.
The pricing also depends on the seller. You might want to buy wholesale gemstones online for a much affordable deal.
Is Diamond A Gemstone?
Well, we can say that yes, diamonds can fall under the gemstone category. The fact that draws a line between a diamond and gemstone would be that diamonds are composed of a single element ( carbon ) whereas gemstones are formed from two or more elements. Apart from that we can say that a diamond is a gemstone.
What is Preferred More Diamond or Gemstone?
In between a diamond and a gemstone, it is safe to say that a positive shift has been witnessed towards gemstones more. Diamonds are expensive and require much more maintenance than any colored gemstones. In terms of variety, colored gemstones undoubtedly offer more variety than diamonds. Gemstones are more preferred due to their unique colors, shapes and variety.
Being a gift from mother nature, each gemstone tells a story and has something unique about it. So, many people build a collection of Opal, Kyanite, Labradorite and Turquoise Gemstone.
Conclusion
This was everything that one needed to know to differentiate between a diamond and a gemstone. Price, formation and availability are the factors that help us differentiate between the two. So, to conclude it is safe to say that a diamond can be considered under the gemstone category.