
Perfect single-crystal diamonds of more than two carats(the average engagement ring is less than a carat) churned out in a day. Scientists create the gemstones using a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which grows diamond crystals one carbon atom at a time.
Diamond is one of the two best known forms (or allotropes) of carbon, whose hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry (the other equally well known allotrope is graphite). Diamonds are specifically renowned as a mineral with superlative physical qualities - they make excellent abrasives because they can only be scratched by other diamonds, which also means they hold a polish extremely well and retain luster. About 130 million carats (26,000 kg) are mined annually, with a total value of nearly USD $9 billion.
Small loose diamonds can have more than one dozen different shapes. The following article mentions some of the more common shapes. It does not mention the small diamonds that jewelers refer to as princess diamonds, bulett diamonds, radiant diamonds or baguette diamonds. Moreover, there is no reference to emerald cut diamonds in the article found below. Any of those diamonds can have clarity and polish as great as, or greater, than the clarity and polish on any of the certified and geometrically shaped diamonds mentioned in the following article. In addition, any of those diamonds can have a carat weight that lifts it into the category of top quality diamon