The 13-carat Ring Carved out of Diamond
August 20, 20
(IDEX Online) - It's a diamond ring, but not as we know it.
The entire piece (pictured) has been carved from a fancy dark grey natural rough type IaB diamond and weighs 13.15 carats.
The Gemological Institute of America's New York lab say it's the first ring of its kind submitted to them for evaluation.
It probably started life as a 20-carat rough, they say in the spring issue of their Gems & Gemology journal.
"While this diamond ring may not be a traditional piece, it carries many unique aspects capturing a snapshot of Earth's history within a true infinity band," say the authors.
"It is common to find solid carved rings of jade and wood, which were traditionally worn as symbols of status or wedding rings signifying eternity.
"This is the first example of a solid diamond ring submitted to GIA for identification."
The ring owes its fancy dark gray color to the graphite needles trapped during formation deep below the earth's surface.
Pic courtesy GIA