What Are Crushed Diamonds? A Comprehensive Guide

Crushed diamonds resemble what their name suggests. They are created from diamond dust or slivers, pieced together for a multi-faceted appearance similar to crushed ice. While crushed diamonds aren’t formulated naturally, they are 100% authentic diamonds, as each facet is a different piece of diamond taken from the cutting and polishing process. Instead of one or two faceted surfaces within the crystal lattice, there could be a dozen or more, bouncing light from one facet to another to create a captivating sparkle.

Often compared to a shattered glass or ice effect, crushed diamonds are revered for their optimum glimmer factor. Each crushed diamond is subtly different, with several facets and irregularities, making each unique and sometimes tailored to a buyer.

Read on to learn about crushed diamonds, their newfound popularity in fashion and jewelry, and care tips for longevity and beauty.

The Appeal, Popularity, and Concept of Crushed Diamonds

Cutting and polishing whole diamonds creates a lot of waste in small glimmering piles. Crushed diamonds transform waste into treasure with value and shine. Traditional white diamonds are considered the pentacle of perfection in the jewelry world, while crushed diamonds are revered for their imperfections.

Additionally, traditional-cut white diamonds are some of the most expensive jewels on the market, but crushed diamonds are more affordable because they are manufactured from diamond dust and fragments. You can get the shimmer and beauty of a whole diamond without the extravagance.

Crushed diamonds were made with “waste not, want not” in mind. Jewelers created crushed diamonds to be sustainable, using every part of a whole traditional diamond to reduce waste and promote eco-friendliness in the jewelry industry. This helps jewelers build environmental consciousness, helping others value beauty and ethical practices in luxury goods.

Definitions, Characteristics, and How Crushed Diamonds Differ from Traditional Diamonds

Crushed diamonds

• There are multiple facets with a textured interior, while the exterior is polished to a shining finish.
• Composed of small diamond fragments and dust that accumulate from the traditional white diamonds' cutting and polishing process. 
• Added sparkle and glimmer from the glitter-like dust elements within the crushed diamonds.
• Unique, sometimes irregular shapes, customized to create a beautiful, pieced-together look.
• Often used in creative, contemporary pieces with a focus on sparkle.
• Ethically created and sustainable, ideal for environmentally conscientious buyers.

Traditional diamonds

• The single stones are smooth, professionally cut, and polished.
• Graded based on the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. The higher the grading level of the 4 Cs, the more valuable the diamond. 
• Formed as whole stones pushed up in different geological locations and mined from the earth.
• Comes in various shapes, like round, emerald, and princess.
• Classic, traditional, and timeless appeal, famed for representing elegance, extravagance, and sophistication.
• The higher the grading level of 4Cs, the higher the price of the diamonds.
• Used in high-end jewelry, but especially for engagement and wedding rings.

The Process of Creating Crushed Diamonds 

When larger, traditional white diamonds are cut and polished, fragments and dust accumulate. Instead of throwing the particles in the trash, jewelers sort them, finding unblemished pieces to use for crushed diamonds. The pieces are heated and pressed, becoming a singular diamond with multiple facets. For custom orders, crushed diamonds can be pressed into unique shapes and settings, making each an innovative work of sparkling art.

Uses and Applications: The Role of Crushed Diamonds in Fashion, Jewelry, and Sentiment 

Crushed diamonds have become famous for their uniqueness. Widely used in fashion and jewelry, each piece shimmers differently, catching and reflecting light to create sparkle and small rainbows wherever you go. The crushed element gives each gemstone a textured appearance, valid for the interior, but the exterior is polished to a smooth finish.

Because crushed diamonds are innovative in design and customizable in concept, they can be personalized to match an idea. For buyers who wish to imbue the jewelry with a sentiment, crushed diamonds are pressed into specific shapes and placed in settings like rose gold or platinum to enhance the natural glimmer.

The Benefits of Crushed Diamonds for Jewelry

• More affordable than traditional white diamonds, crushed diamonds are more accessible to a budget-conscious audience.
• Crushed diamonds are sustainable and eco-friendly, using particles and fragments from the cutting and polishing of whole diamonds in their creation.
• Where traditional white diamonds have specific angles to make them reflective, crushed diamonds sparkle from multiple angles due to multiple interior facets.

One of the biggest draws for crushed diamonds is the customization. Pieces can be customized and personalized based on the look a buyer wants. Some pieces are sentimental, so custom designs commemorate special moments or memories. You can choose from one of dozens of pre-done designs or consult a professional jeweler to develop your own.

Crushed Diamond Cleaning and Maintenance: Care Tips

• For everyday maintenance and cleaning, use a soft brush (like a soft-bristled toothbrush or a gemstone brush) with mild soap and warm water to scrub the diamond's surface. Use gentle pressure. Rinse well.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleansers.
• Never use a towel to dry your jewels. Use a soft microfiber cloth.
• Use a soft pouch to store loose diamonds or small jewelry, like earrings.
• Use a jewelry box with separate compartments for larger jewels, such as engagement rings or necklaces.
• Get your crushed diamonds professionally cleaned and inspected annually.

When traveling with your jewelry, invest in a travel case with separate compartments and be smart about the pieces you take with you. Make sure your most valuable crushed diamond jewels are insured.

Why Crushed Diamonds Are a Valuable Choice?

Crushed diamonds are more affordable and sustainable than traditional white diamonds, making them a valuable choice for eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and long-term wear. Their distinctive appearance can be customized and personalized, either used in everyday jewels or custom pieces for special occasions. Considered a new timeless brand, these diamonds are versatile, beautiful, and perfect for those who value aesthetics, creative prowess, and ethical practices.