The pressure is on when it comes to buying gifts this time of year. Our brilliant jewelry gift ideas inspire you to get cracking with your shopping. Today, in our list are enigmatic colored diamonds.
When approaching to buy a diamond, any diamond – colored or regular, basic research is expected and recommended. In nature, diamonds are found in almost every color and hue you can possibly imagine; grey, white, yellow, red, green and brown. And contrary to popular belief, it is actually very rare to find a diamond that doesn’t have any color at all. So, what makes a diamond’s color so important when making a purchase? It comes down to the behavior and physics of light when it passes through different mediums.
Colored diamonds (e.g. black, brown, gray) can negatively affect light absorption, and thus the sparkle of the stone that we see. That is why white (colorless) diamonds are generally more valuable and commonly used in jewelry as they have better reflective qualities. Of course, the exceptions to this rule are the rare and much sought after colors of pink, red, blue and orange.
Tips for Buying Quality Colored Diamonds
To determine what the gem will look like up close, it is important to use some helpful identification tips.
- Colored Diamond Color Quality
Whether a diamond is pink, blue, brown, or any other color, the hue may vary in its richness. If a diamond is color enhanced in a lab, it will usually have a more vibrant color. However, some gems are created to have a pastel color. With natural diamonds, the majority of colored stones do not have very vibrant colors. If they do, they tend to be more expensive. However, people who plan to use these diamonds to create unique jewelry will find them to be good investments. Yellow, pink, blue, black, and brown diamonds are some of the most popular colors. People who are trying to choose a color should also consider the setting for the stone. Smaller colored diamonds may accent a larger white diamond nicely. The color of the type of setting is also important to consider. Some types of metal may complement certain colors better.
- Colored Diamond Grade
Colored diamonds are usually assigned a specific grade, which is different than the famous “four Cs” of diamond quality. The color grade refers to the richness of the stone’s hue. Color grades are assigned by the Gemological Institute of America, the Independent Gemological Institute, or the European Gemological Laboratory. It is important to know that not all gems are sent to one of these authorities for evaluation. If a diamond is certified by one of these institutes and has been graded, it will likely cost more than similar diamonds that are not certified. When sellers are not providing certified gems, another way to see a better picture of the stone’s color quality is to ask for a multi-angle video rather than several still photos.
Remember, for every 10,000 carats of white diamonds mined each year there are only 5-10 carats of colored diamonds found. Colored diamonds evoke a sense of romance and luxury. Their scarcity and stunning beauty make them spectacular additions to any collection.
Our Scintillating Collection of Colored Diamonds
