Type IIa Diamonds

The ancient Greeks speculated diamonds are fractions of star fallen from the sky. Some believed they were the gifts or tears of God - a belief that was shared throughout the ancient world. The word ‘diamond’ comes from the Latin word ‘adamas’ meaning invincible. Diamonds undergo tremendous pressure and high temperature forming a supreme hardness of its crystal structure and desirable optical properties. The majority of the world’s most famous colourless diamonds with superb optical properties are classified as Type IIa which also has a famous historic connection with Golconda diamonds mined from the historic Kingdom of Golconda in India. One of the most well-known examples is the ‘Elizabeth Taylor Diamond’ (formerly known as the ‘Krupp Diamond’), a 33.19-carat Type IIA diamond.

Scientists classify diamonds into two main “types” – type I and type II – based on the presence or absence of nitrogen which can replace carbon atoms in a diamond’s atomic structure. These two diamond types can be distinguished on the basis of differences in their chemical and physical properties. Type II diamonds contain little or without any nitrogen and they are subdivided into two groups (IIa and IIb). Type IIa diamonds tend to have few inclusions which allow the most light to pass through the stone, making them more valuable. The total production only making up to 1–2% of all natural gem quality diamonds produced and are rarely encountered in the gem trade nowadays.

According to GIA laboratory, Lot 237, 263 and 265 have been determined to be type IIa diamonds which are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency. With the excellent cut, polish and symmetry, the specific angles of the perfectly faceted diamond optimise the diamond lustre and consummate the diamonds’ optical transparency, an imperative choice for global connoisseurs.