In many cases, when a person searches for the perfect diamond they distinctly look for one that lacks color. In fact, those that lack color are often referred to as flawless and are considered to be some of the best diamonds possible. However, as more and more celebrities and wealthy socialites debut their colored diamonds, those in the general population want to find out all about the ins and outs of colored diamonds. Here are just a few of the things you should know about colored diamonds, as well as some basic information about each of the unique colors that area associated with colored diamonds. Associated on the opposite end of the spectrum from white diamonds are colored diamonds. Called fancy colored diamonds, these gems exist in a rainbow of yellows, reds, pinks, blues, greens, purples and all shades in-between, providing a rainbow of options. Many diamonds get their color from trace amounts of other elements, which produce a change in their appearance. Some diamonds, like green diamonds, get their color as a result of the radiation caused during the creation of the diamond. Furthermore, a main difference between colored diamonds and colorless diamonds is that inclusions in a colored diamond can often increase its appeal by providing unique shades and enhancing its existing color.
Now that you know about the basic information surrounding colored diamonds, it is time to learn why some diamonds are given their colors and other information that you may not know. The first diamond that interests everyone including celebrities is the pink diamond. In addition to being beautiful in color, the pink diamond is also considered one of the most precious of all the colored diamonds. In addition, pink diamonds are also considered to be one of the rarest of all colored diamonds, which makes them one of the most expensive. Some pink diamonds will take on a purple-pink or orange-pink hue; however, they are not the same as true orange diamonds.
Orange colored diamonds are created from the presence of nitrogen and carbon lattice. In fact, the orange diamonds are actually a blend of red diamonds and yellow diamonds that create the appearance of orange when you look at them without assistance. Upon closer review, the orange can also show hues of pink, purple, and blue, in addition to the red, yellow, and orange. The Pumpkin, which is the most vivid orange diamond, weighing in at 5.54 carats, has been on display in museums world-wide.
In addition to being part of the orange colored diamonds, red diamonds and yellow diamonds are also immensely popular. Found in many areas of Australia, red diamonds are extremely rare. There are only an estimated 50 red diamonds left in the world. From the small number of red colored diamonds that are produced each year at the Argyle mine, the best ones are graded and auctioned off on a yearly basis. There are several popular red diamonds, including the Hancock, Moussaieff Red, and Halphen diamonds.
Similarly, the yellow diamond not only plays a part in orange colored diamonds, but is also a very popular diamond color. Actually, yellow diamonds are among the most common colors in all of the diamonds. The color of yellow often ranges from a pale yellow to an intense and vivid yellow. The intensity of the yellow is determined by the amount of nitrogen atoms that are absorbed as the diamonds crystallize. The Tiffany Diamond is one of the largest yellow diamonds and weighs 128 carats.
Blue diamonds get their color from the boron in their composition. Mined in Australia and South Africa, they are the most rare and valuable of the colored diamonds, although this title is shared with red colored diamonds. The Hope Diamond is the most popular and well known of all the blue diamonds and weighs 45.52 carats. The Hope Diamond is currently housed in the Smithsonian Institute and is considered to be one of the top attractions. Much of the appeal comes from the diamond’s history, which includes rumors that it is cursed because many of the previous owners have suffered after they took possession of the diamond. It is said to provide a mystical glow when exposed to ultraviolet light which increase interest in this historical diamond.
Natural green diamonds are highly sought after and extremely rare. The green diamonds with light hues are not of exceptional value, but the color grades known as “fancy intense” and “fancy vivid” green are quite valuable. The vivid grade of a colored diamond is often more important that the intensity grade that it holds. Unlike some colored diamonds, green diamonds may lose their intensity and show a change in color based on the shape of the diamond. Therefore how a diamond looks upon its initial review may change once it has been cut into its desired shape.
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