When most people hear the word “diamond”, they immediately think of a clear stone, one with brilliance and shine. However, in addition to the traditional diamond, the type that is most often seen in engagement rings, pendants, and earrings, there are also colored diamonds. These diamonds are also stunning but because they are rarer, the price is typically higher.

One of the most popular colored diamonds is the pink stone. Although these diamonds can be mined in a number of countries, finding them is difficult. Because of that, pink diamonds are limited. One of the countries that produce the largest number of pink diamonds, as well as being the oldest for mining this stone, is India. In fact, many of the diamond deposits coming out of India have a beautiful pastel color.

Other countries, in which the pink diamond is mined is South Africa, Brazil, and Australia. Close to Lake Argyle in Australia, which is in the north west part of the country, pink diamonds were first discovered in the late 1970s. As mining efforts increased, it has been discovered that Australia is actually a great place to find a large and consistent supply of these gorgeous stones.

Without doubt, pink diamonds are rare and for this color to develop, there are several factors involved. For instance, some experts in the diamond industry state that extreme geological forces being placed on the stone once it has been formed is what causes the stone to turn pink. In addition, with the pressure and heat applied to the stone, even the diamond structure is unique.

Now, when people shop for pink diamonds, they need to understand that finding a stone that is completely pink is extremely unusual. When these diamonds are looked at through a professional device, it is found that while pink seems to be the primary color, hues of brown, purple, and orange also appear.

When it comes to pink diamonds there are two types, both that are created naturally. First, there is the Type Ia, which is what most pink diamonds are rated. In addition, the pink diamonds in the first category are found to have small amounts of nitrogen. Then, there is Type IIa. With this second category, the pink diamonds are virtually nitrogen free and finding those of this type is hard, making them the rarest.

A fact that many people are unaware of is that creating pink diamonds is nothing new. The original process used to create a pink diamond is called painting. With this, foil is added to the back of the diamond to turn it into whatever color the person wants. However, with new techniques and equipment, painting is a thing of the past.

If a person wanted a pink diamond but could not afford the higher price, they could still end up with a diamond that looks pink. The process used today is durable and long lasting. In fact, the process is so sophisticated, that it is near impossible to tell that the stone has been treated rather than being a real mined pink diamond. The only thing is that if a gemologist or jeweler uses any process of adding or changing the color of a diamond, by law, he or she is required to disclose the information to the buyer.

Typically, a process known as high-pressure, high-temperature or HPHT is used, which will take a diamond and enhance its color. Additionally, diamonds that have color, such as the mined pink diamonds of Type IIa, which have several colors, hues can be removed. The result is that a person can have diamonds customized to their liking.

While the real pink diamonds are the ones in demand, people can also consider buying synthetic stones. Although these stones are real diamonds, they are clear. However, with new processes, they look amazingly good. For instance, with the pink diamond, HPHT growth machines are used along with CVD or Chemical Vapor Deposition. The process actually incorporates nitrogen impurities into the stone, which add color, and then that color is enhanced.

Pink diamonds have long been a desired stone but in the past several years, their popularity has skyrocketed. More and more, people are interested in something unique, a diamond with character and personality. Because of this, there has been an increase in princess cut stones, antique settings, and colored stones, especially the pink diamond.

Since these stones are so rare, collectors also have a high interest in them. As mentioned, pink diamonds are mined in many countries but they are very rare. For anyone interested in buying this type of diamond, it is imperative that she or he work with a licensed and reputable broker or seller. Otherwise, the individual might pay good money only to find out they purchased a synthetic pink diamond, not the real thing. The seller of pink diamonds should be able to provide specific information as to where the diamond was mined, as well as certification that the stone is as stated.

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