Glossary/Diamond
Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known material. Among gemstones, it is considered to be the most lustrous.
Diamonds are graded according to four key criteria: Cut, Carat, Clarity, and Colour (also known as the four C's).
The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats, one carat being the equivalent of 0.20 grams. The finer the cut, the higher the carat, the clearer the diamond, and the rarer the colour, the higher the price.
Throughout the course of horological history, diamonds have been used primarily to embellish the cases, dials, and/or bracelets of fine timepieces. However, diamonds are also sometimes employed as functional components of a watch in the form of jewel bearings, particularly end stones.
Diamond is also useful as an abbrasive in the fabrication and finishing of components for clocks and watches.