When it comes to diamonds, most people envision the timeless beauty of colorless stones, but there is a world beyond that – one filled with a rainbow of highly sought-after colored diamonds that captivate the hearts of consumers, collectors, and jewelry designers worldwide.
Fancy colored diamonds, often called fancy diamonds, are a testament to nature's artistry and beauty. These exquisite gemstones are created deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years, where carbon atoms are subjected to immense heat and pressure. While colorless diamonds are formed under similar conditions, the presence of certain trace elements or structural irregularities impart fancy colored diamonds with their vivid hues.
Mined from various locations around the world, including Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia, fancy colored diamonds come in captivating colors. From delicate pinks to vibrant yellows and bewitching blues, each colored diamond possesses a unique personality and charm that sets it apart.
Pink diamonds are among the most popular in the fancy colored diamonds range. Pink diamonds exude an air of elegance and femininity and, as pink is reminiscent of romance, these stones often represent sweetness and love. The intriguing pink hue in these diamonds is believed to result from extreme pressure and a rare crystal lattice distortion during their formation process. The intensity and saturation of pink diamonds can vary greatly, ranging from delicate pastels to deep rosy tones, and can have hints of purple, brown, and orange.
One of the most renowned pink diamonds was initially known as The Steinmetz Pink, but once you see it, it's easy to understand why it was renamed The Pink Dream. The oval cut diamond weighs a staggering 59.60 carats and boasts a mesmerizing, vivid pink color and internal flawless (IF) clarity. It was mined in South Africa in 1999 by De Beers and weighed 132.5 carats in its rough form. The pink diamond was initially mounted as a ring and sold to a private buyer but has changed hands a few times and is currently owned by Sotheby's.
Yellow diamonds, also known as canary diamonds, possess a radiant and sunny disposition that instantly uplifts and invigorates the spirits. The vibrant yellow hue in these diamonds is created when nitrogen impurities absorb blue light, allowing the stone to emit a warm and captivating glow. Yellow diamonds can range from soft, pale shades to intense, vivid tones that rival the sun's brilliance. When grading these glowing stones, they can be pure yellow or have orange, brown, or green tones.
One of the most famous yellow diamonds is the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, a remarkable gem weighing 128.54 carats. This magnificent stone has a rich, intense yellow color and is adorned with 90 facets, allowing it to dazzle with unparalleled radiance. The Tiffany Yellow Diamond has graced red carpets, exhibitions, and high-profile events, captivating all who look at its luminous beauty. Celebrities, including Audrey Hepburn, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga, have had the unique honor of wearing the incredible yellow diamond.
Blue diamonds, often associated with mystery and elegance, possess a unique magnetism that sets them apart from other colored diamonds. The beautiful blue coloration comes from boron impurities present during the diamond's formation. Fancy blue diamonds range from pale and icy tones to deep, velvety hues reminiscent of the ocean's depths.
The Hope Diamond, one of the most widely recognized fancy colored diamonds, weighs 45.52 carats and is believed to have come from the Kollur mine in India. With its intense blue color and intriguing history, the Hope Diamond has fascinated the world for centuries. The gem, once owned by King Louis XIV and Queen Marie Antoinette, is shrouded in tales of curses, and many who possessed it met unfortunate fates. According to the legend surrounding this iconic blue diamond, owners would suffer a horrible death unless they were of pure heart, meaning they would give away the stone rather than sell and profit from it. Harry Winston broke the curse when he donated the diamond to the National Museum of Natural History.
Because of their rarity, fancy colored diamonds command premium prices in the market. The value of a colored diamond is influenced by various factors, including its color intensity and saturation, the stone's size and clarity, and its overall scarcity. The more vivid and saturated the color, the more desirable and valuable the diamond becomes.
While colored diamonds are formed over millions of years, they hold an enduring appeal that transcends time. Whether cherished for their rarity, admired for their beauty, or embraced as a valuable investment, fancy colored diamonds continue to enchant and delight those who have the privilege of beholding their extraordinary brilliance.
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