'Diamonds' is the leading guide of its kind to learning about these precious gems and understanding the main factors that determine their value and quality. Whether coming to diamonds for the first time or already knowledgeable in the field, every reader will find something of interest and value in its pages. A unique feature of the book is the chapter dedicated to natural colour diamonds, with descriptions and illustrations of every colour group. While colour diamonds are an increasingly important part of the diamond trade, there is little information about them in the popular literature, and their full treatment here has received much praise from readers. The story of diamonds is told from their humble origins in the form of carbon, the most basic element of life, through their many transformations by the forces of nature and the human hand on their way to becoming beautiful gems. The book is equally informative about the recent history of diamonds and the forces re-shaping the industry today, including the global shifts in centres of production and distribution, the implementing of international ethical standards within the trade, and the emerging roles of China, India and Russia as major players in the diamond market. In expanding the book's international reach through its translation into six languages, the author aims to promote the highest standards of good practice in the diamond industry to a wider audience. 'Diamonds' is designed with equal attention to the text, written in clear and jargon-free language, and the images, which show diamonds in their full range of cuts, shapes and colours, along with some of the world's most stunning contemporary and historic diamonds.

Table of Contents

Table Of Contents * Preface and acknowledgments * Chapter I * History of diamonds * The diamond industry * The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme * The genesis of diamonds * Diamond producing countries and major cutting centers * Quality of diamonds * Color * Clarity * Cut * Diamond shapes: round brilliant, emerald, Royal Asscher, cushion, radiant, princess, marquise, pear, oval, heart, trilliant * Carat * Diamond grading report * Diamond fluorescence * Chapter II * Natural fancy color diamonds * Color* Main causes of coloration in diamonds * Fancy color diamond grading * Treated and synthetic color diamonds * Sample of GIA natural fancy color diamond grading report * Clarity * Cut and shape * Carat weight * Primary hues of natural fancy color diamonds: blue, brown, chameleon, grey, green, olive green, orange, pink, purple, red, violet, white, black, yellow * Chapter III * The Birth of a Diamond - The Lesotho Promise * Discovery * Acquisition * Transformation * Cutting * Finishing * The final jewel * International institutes and gem trade laboratories

About the Author

Born in Croatia in 1950, Marijan Dundek has lived in London since 1971 and has travelled extensively around the world. He studied gemmology at the International Gemological Institute in Antwerp and currently works with the world famous Graff Diamonds. His experience working with gemstones in Brazil, New York and Europe contributed greatly to his knowledge and appreciation of diamonds, which, combined with his passion for the subject, has helped make him a leading authority in the field. He also gives illustrated talks on diamonds and has written articles on the subject for leading trade magazines.

Reviews

Excellent work and brilliant presentation, a work of art to be cherished. Freddy J. Hanard (CEO, Antwerp World Diamond Centre) This fascinating book is a perfect introduction to the world of diamonds, reader friendly, easy to understand and beautifully illustrated. The outstanding chapter on the natural fancy color diamonds really puts this book above all others. Highly recommended. Fatmir Hasani Your book on 'Diamonds' is perfect material for me as a student lecturer, incredibly useful and a marvellous piece of work. It is so clear and well explained, both of which, all too often, seem difficult to achieve. I really enjoyed it enormously. Sarah Hue Williams, Gemmologist and Jewellery Historian - MA Hons (Cantab.), FGA, Dia. Dip (HRD)