What is more expensive: diamonds or diamonds?
You have heard more than once about Russian diamonds and Russian cutting. Some spoke about high quality, others, on the contrary, that such diamonds should be avoided. For the buyer, such polar opinions can become a trap when choosing and purchasing.
“Russian diamonds” are natural and artificial
Natural diamonds are mined from the depths, and artificial ones were first synthesized in 1970 at the Physical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences (FIAN). Based on the name of the institute, they were given the name cubic zirconia. Scientists were developing for the oil and chemical industries, not for jewelry. Artificial diamond is 80-90% cheaper than natural diamond. Based on their place of origin from Russia, artificial and natural stones can be called Russian. Cubic zirconias are also called zircons, although this is a mistake. Gemstone specialists – gemologists – use the term “Russian diamond” or “diamond” not to refer to a specific type of gemstone or its quality, but to the country of origin. Such names are used in relation to South African or Canadian stones. Now it is impossible to reliably determine the country of origin of a diamond. This technology is being developed in different countries based on blockchain. The country of origin of the stone does not affect the price. But there is the concept of conflict diamonds – stones that are mined in war zones, using child labor and violating human rights. 22 countries have signed an agreement not to use such raw materials, so illegal production and trafficking are reduced. Until 2003, 25% of all diamonds on the world market were from conflict regions; by the end of 2014, the number had dropped to 5-10% (Source: https://time.com/blood-diamonds/) Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic and Congo are considered to be conflict regions. The most “ethical” diamonds are those mined in Canada. Russian diamonds are considered conflict-free and ethical. Diamonds made from conflict-free diamonds are trusted in the global market, which adds an extra plus to the karma of domestic stones. In 2019, Russia occupies 28% of the global diamond market. 95% of Russian diamonds are mined by Alrosa. At the end of 2018, its production volume amounted to 36,7 million carats with a total value of $4,5 billion. In September 2019, Alrosa sold polished diamonds worth $2.2 million and rough diamonds worth $256,5 million (Source: alrosa.ru).
Kimberlite pipes in section
Yakut diamonds
Diamond deposits are called “kimberlite pipes.” There are 47 pipes in Yakutia, which produce 98% of Russian diamonds. All deposits belong to Alrosa. Here are the most famous ones.
Anniversary
Produced 9 carats, valued at $231 million. Developed since 000. One of the largest in the world in area.
International
Produced 3 carats, worth $948 million. Since 1999, development has been carried out underground; before that it was carried out open-pit. Alrosa predicts full production of the field in 2022.
Nyurba Mining and Processing Plant
Produced 5 carats, worth $001 million. Founded in 000 for the development of the Nakyn ore field. The Nyurbinskaya and Botuobinskaya pipes are being developed.
World
Produced 3 carats worth $191 million. The first in the USSR, opened on June 000, 463. Then geologists sent an encrypted telegram to Moscow: “We have lit the pipe of peace. The tobacco is excellent.” The mine was developed from 1955 to 2017. In 2004, the above-ground excavation was completed and a system of underground tunnels was built. After an accident and flooding of underground communications in 2017, work was suspended until 2022-25. Yakutia, the city of Mirny and the Mir diamond quarry. Photo: Gelio.Livejournal
The largest Russian diamonds are world famous
Large diamonds of different colors and quality are constantly found in Russian deposits. Some of them immediately enter the top of the world’s largest diamonds. Photo: Gokhran
Diamond “XXVI Congress”
The largest Russian diamond is named after the 26th Congress of the CPSU. It weighs 342,57 carats and is the size of a pigeon egg. The lemon yellow diamond is kept by the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin and is the largest diamond in the collection of the Kremlin Diamond Fund. This diamond is ranked 25th among the largest and most famous diamonds in the world.
Diamond “Alexander Pushkin”
The second largest Russian diamond mined in Yakutia. It weighs 320,65 carats and is kept in the Kremlin.
Diamond “Creator”
The third largest, weighs 298,48 carats. It was found in the Anabar region of Yakutia at a placer deposit developed by OJSC Nizhne-Lenskoye. In September 2006, the diamond in a red box was delivered to Moscow in the strictest secrecy under the protection of FSO special communications service officers. “The Creator” was purchased by Gokhran for the State Fund for the Diamond Fund of the Russian Federation.
Diamond “Free Russia”
It was mined on September 28, 1991 at the Sytykanskaya kimberlite pipe. The workers of Yakutia presented it to the first President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin. The weight of the diamond is 241,88 carats.
Diamond “Star of Yakutia”
Weight – 232 carats. There is a funny story associated with his name. At that time, only the head of government could become the “Godfather” of a unique diamond – it was customary that large crystals were necessarily delivered to the bride’s office in the office of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Alexei Kosygin. But in those days, Alexey Nikolaevich was on vacation, and the stone was hastily named “50 years of Aeroflot.” With this name, the stone immediately ended up in the illustrated catalog of the De Beers diamond empire in London. Kosygin, who returned from vacation, rejected the name and suggested calling the diamond more sonorously – “Star of Yakutia.” Diamond Star of Yakutia
Diamond “Anatoly Firsov”
Weight – 181,59 carats. The diamond is named in memory of the outstanding athlete, 3-time Olympic champion, 7-time European champion, 8-time world champion, 9-time national champion Anatoly Firsov (1941-2000). The diamond was mined on August 31, 2000 at factory No. 14 of the Aikhal mining and processing plant. It is a pity that photographs of these largest diamonds mined in Russia are not available in good quality and often the photographs and names of the diamonds are confused. The largest Russian diamonds The Diamond Fund receives all diamonds over 50 carats. Nowadays, the principles of naming unique stones have changed little. One large Yakut diamond was given the name “Akademik Zhores Alferov”. The management of the ALROSA company decided in this way to “celebrate the contribution of the Russian scientist, Nobel Prize winner, to the development of domestic and world science.” The treasury contains diamonds “Maria” (105,98 carats), “Chekist” (95,0 carats) – we don’t know what they wanted to note here!:), black diamond “Olympiad – 80” (101,11 carats), diamond Orlova (named after Count Orlov) – 189,62 carats, the Shah diamond – 88,7 carats and others.
DIAMOND “50 YEARS OF THE USSR” and DIAMOND “GREAT START”
“Russian cut” – a symbol of quality or a subject for speculation?
The Western market became acquainted with Russian diamonds during Soviet times. At that time, strict cutting standards were introduced in the domestic industry. The expression “Russian cut” has become synonymous with high quality processing. With the introduction of a unified diamond grading scale approved by the Gemological Institute of America GIA, “Russian cut” began to be considered ideal (Excellent) and very good (Very Good) cut quality. In reality, this rating has nothing to do with the country where the diamonds are processed: so-called “Russian cut” diamonds can come from India, Israel, Belgium and anywhere else. 
Sorting of Yakut diamonds. Photo: Katie Warren/Business Insider If the certificate says Excellent in the Cut Grade column, the seller may well say that this is a “Russian cut” diamond. At the same time, the difference in price between a very good and an ideal cut is 10-20%. 
GIA Certified Diamond to Brilliant Cut Quality Diamonds from Russia are valued on the world market because most of the high-quality raw materials mined are exported. Hence the high price of Russian diamonds. In this matter, everything is the same as with Russian oil. In the domestic market, quality standards differ from those in the world. World and domestic gemologists constantly argue about whose evaluation standards are more stringent. After the collapse of the USSR, many cutting enterprises with their own standards appeared. A seller in Russia can call any quality “Russian cut” only because the diamond was mined, cut and sold in Russia.
The beauty of a diamond depends on the quality of the cut
A high-quality cut implies perfect symmetry of the diamond, precise positioning of the facets relative to each other and impeccable polishing. A perfectly shaped diamond returns almost all the light that hits it. The diagram shows that stones that are too flat or tall scatter light and therefore look dull. The radiance of an ideal diamond is often called “flaming ice,” which figuratively and accurately reflects the brilliance, sparkle and shimmer of the stone. A diamond is valued more than other precious stones, including for this unique property of the play of light. 
Diamond cut quality Why are there different cut shapes if everyone knows the ideal proportions? The fact is that the carat weight of a diamond depends on the shape, and the price depends on the carat weight. It may be more profitable for cutters to make a diamond with an imperfect shape, but to get more from its sale – this is how stones with a heavy lower part appear. Flat stones often appear larger than perfectly cut stones of the same weight. 
An example of diamond marking to obtain diamonds Both options satisfy the needs of unscrupulous buyers who pay attention only to the carat weight or visual size of the stone.
The authority of Russia
Jewelry buyers want guarantees. That’s why reputable organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are developing and implementing systems to track diamonds from mining to sale. Their goal is to cut off the access of dubious stones to the world market and ensure that synthetic diamonds are not sold at retail at the price of natural ones. In 2019, Alrosa launched an experimental system for diamonds over 2 carats. In 2020, Russia will lead the international organization “Kimberley Process”, which fights the illicit trafficking of “blood diamonds”. Control will be tightened due to the growing demand for jewelry in the markets of China and India, as it is necessary to curb the activity of shadow players.
Russians are fine if you keep your finger on the pulse
Let’s summarize. Russian diamonds are high quality raw materials that are in demand on the world market. Russian diamonds are conflict-free, which adds value to them in the eyes of the world community. Russian diamonds, thanks to the merits of Soviet and Russian cutters, have a good reputation among buyers. Russian diamonds are cut all over the world and the cost of a diamond does not depend on the country of origin, but is determined by its characteristics: carat weight, color, clarity, quality of cut and raw materials. The world’s cutting technologies are now digitized and have the same capabilities around the world. To avoid mistakes, you should choose diamonds with international GIA certificates and consider each stone individually, and not fall for the marketing tricks of sellers. The international consulting company Bain&Company predicts an increase in demand for precious stones by 1-4% per year until 2030. Diamond mining companies will be able to increase production by just 1% per year. This means that the demand for good quality diamonds will exceed the supply and buying diamonds can be considered a safe long-term investment.
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What knowledge is needed to select an investment diamond? First of all, knowledge about the “4 Cs” that speak about the quality of diamonds. This abbreviation is based on English terminology: “carat”, “color”, “clarity”, “cut”, which means carat, color, clarity, cut.
The 4 Cs determine quality and identify diamonds.
CARAT
The weight and size of a diamond are expressed in carats (“Carat”).
COLOR
Color (“Color”) ranges from D, colorless, to Z, the most yellow.
CLARITY
Clarity determines the presence and visual appearance of a stone’s internal features, known as inclusions.
CUT
Cut (“Cut”) indicates proportion, symmetry and polish.
Carat
The weight and size of a diamond are expressed in carats. 1 carat weighs 0,2 grams and is divided into 100 points (or 200 milligrams). This scale, being very precise in giving the weight of the stone, is rounded to two decimal places. The correlation between carat weight and diamond value can be surprising. The higher the carat weight, the more unique and expensive the diamond. This is why a 2-carat diamond is not twice, but three times as valuable as a 1-carat diamond. The carat of a diamond also has symbolic meaning. Although the visual difference between 0,98 and 1,01 carats is barely noticeable, the price of 1,01 carats will be noticeably higher. This difference in price can be explained by the fact that some weight has a magical value, for example one carat, one and a half carats, .
BAUNAT recommends diamonds from 1 to 5 carats
Color
The color of a white diamond is determined using an internationally recognized color scale. Colors range from D, colorless and the most sought after, to Z, the most yellow. The color of a diamond is highly correlated with its value. There are also diamonds known as brown, orange, pink, blue. They have intense shades of color and are called fancy, which is mentioned in their certificate. These colored diamonds are very rare and therefore highly valuable, but also subject to speculation.
BAUNAT recommends D, E, F, G for white diamonds
Cleanliness
Most diamonds have internal features known as inclusion. To determine them, a 10x magnifying glass or microscope is used. This means that inclusions that cannot be seen at this magnification are considered non-existent. The fewer inclusions, the rarer the diamond and the higher its value. Inclusions can also affect a diamond’s brilliance as they can block the reflection of light within the diamond. Most importantly, inclusions should not affect the beauty of the stone. Therefore, we select only those diamonds in which inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye.
BAUNAT recommends purities from VS2 to Flawless
Cutting
Cut is the most important characteristic of a diamond. The brilliance, sparkle and sparkle of the processed diamond depend on this indicator. Cut indicates proportion, symmetry and polish. If the diamond is too thin or too tall, some of the light will escape through the sides and bottom. In a properly cut diamond, all the light it absorbs comes out through the crown, making it sparkle.
BAUNAT only works with very good (“Very Good”) and ideal (“Excellent”) cut diamonds
Cut quality
- the most sought after in the world. This is the reason for its excellent shine. Round Diamond Cut
- It is a mathematically designed shape with 58 facets, conceived for maximum light return. Thanks to its specific shape, it is possible to evaluate the cut as a whole. The rating scale ranges from poor to ideal. BAUNAT only works with very good and ideal cut diamonds.
Fancy cut
Any investment involves some risk and any investment decisions remain the responsibility of the investor.
Our diamonds
With the largest selection of certified diamonds in the world, we offer 10 classic shapes from 1,00 carats and up. All of our high quality diamonds are ethically sourced and certified by leading international diamond grading organizations, GIA, IGI and HRD.
