Genuine Diamonds Beads  have recently become available at affordable prices for Jewelry Designers and Beaders. Diamond beads add amazing sparkle and elegance to any design. A majority of these diamond beads are made from exotic colorful diamonds that are cut and faceted in India.

HISTORY: For many years colorless diamonds were the only diamonds readily available to the public. Their exhorbitant prices reflect taste and fashion. Yet diamonds exist in over 300 colors and are actually rarer than colorless diamonds. Some of the most famous diamonds in history, like the Hope Diamond which is violet, have been colored diamonds.

GEOLOGY: Carbon-based gems are called diamonds and although it is not widely known, they come in many colors. Diamonds are the hardest substance known today. Manyof the gems we find on earth are quartz related and their hardness does not exceed 7 on the scientific Mohs hardness scale which means they are more susceptible to environmental degradation. The scarcer minerals are those whose hardness exceeds 7 including emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. These gems are also harder to find; it is said that 250 tons of minerals need to be excavated to find just 1 carat of diamond. Next time you hold a diamond bead in your hand think of how difficult it was to find!

 Black diamonds are particularly intriguing and many are believed to have been formed by meteor impacts. They derive their coloration from mineral inclusions, usually iron oxides such as magnetite, hematite, or sulfide compounds. Because their coloration is caused by inclusions rather than impurities, black diamonds have wonderful reflective qualities and fabulous sparkle.

You can also find diamond beads in platinum gray, cognac brown, canary yellow, champagne, citrus and other colors.

HERKIMER DIAMONDS are NOT Diamonds! Please be informed that these "diamonds" listed on ebay and on-line are actually quartz crystals mined in New York. They may be pretty and sparkling but don't confuse them with genuine diamonds.

FASHION and DESIGN: Naturally-colored diamonds are growing in popularity among designers and people who love beautiful gems. They have wonderful personality and have only recently become available as beads for jewelers and beaders. In order not to waste any of the precious material, diamond beads are most often drilled with tiny holes. 30 gauge wire (0.010") is recommended for stringing.

SHAPES: Diamond beads come in many shapes including faceted rondelles, briolettes and intriguing rough cut diamond nuggets. Diamond beads are generally priced by weight and cut; faceted rondelles and pipes will generally cost more per carat than rough cuts. Rough cuts or nuggets, which are amazingly affordable, really sparkle and also add natural luxury to your designs.  

Look in my store Creative Bead Connection to see a wide variety of affordable diamond beads and take your designs to the highest level of luxury and desirability.