Coloured diamonds have been taking the world by storm, offering more vibrant and unique alternatives to the classic clear or white stone. Now, instead of settling for an ordinary diamond – yes, there is such a thing – people can choose a coloured diamond to match their personality.
Now, before we dive right in, there are a few things we need to clear up first. To start with, coloured diamonds are made in the same way that the colourless varieties are. The reason for the different colours often has to do with environmental factors – more on this a bit later.
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What Coloured Diamonds Are There?
Diamonds are available in a wide range of colours, with brown diamonds, yellow diamonds and champagne diamonds being the more common varieties. If you are looking for something a bit more unique and rare, violet, blue, pink, orange, red and green are additional colour options.
Red Diamond
Many believe that red diamonds are formed as a result of a lattice defect. This defect shows the stress lamination that occurred while the stone was forming. This deformation produces a red hue as the light bends and passes through the irregular structure.
Blue Diamond
Experts believe that the blue colouring comes about from the serpentinite present in the Earth’s mantle. It is carried down and subducted by the tectonic plates in the ocean. It’s kind of poetic when you think about it.
Yellow Diamond
Yellow diamonds receive their unique colouring from nitrogen present during the formation process. The nitrogen molecules absorb blue light, reflecting them as a yellow colour. Nitrogen also gives orange diamonds their colour.
Green Diamond
Radiation exposure gives green diamonds their Hulk-like colour. This is because the diamonds come into contact with radioactive uranium found in rocks near the Earth’s surface. The added heat exposure then disperses the colour more evenly in the diamond.
Purple Diamond
When it comes to purple diamonds, they are often found beneath the Earth’s surface and are thought to be at least a billion years old. This prolonged period in the ground is said to be one of the reasons why the diamonds receive their purple colour.
Pink Diamond
Much like the purple diamond, pink diamonds are found deep beneath the Earth’s surface and have been there for billions of years. Australia has the largest diamond mine and produces 80% of the diamonds currently on the market.
Black Diamond
Black diamonds receive their colouring from graphite deposits that are included during the formation process. Other than that, these coloured diamonds are formed in the same high pressure, extremely heated conditions beneath the Earth’s surface.
Brown Diamond
When it comes to one of the most commonly available coloured diamonds, brown diamonds top the list. Nickel impurities and lattice defects all contribute to the stone’s rather unique colouring. With the deformed lattice, light passes through the stone differently, creating a brown hue.
Salt And Pepper Diamond
Another coloured diamond often believed to be fake is the salt and pepper diamond. As the name indicates, the stone features specks of white and black. These stones are incredibly unique and while you’ll find them, no two stones will ever look the same.
Are Coloured Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes, coloured diamonds are real diamonds. They are formed under the same conditions that the traditional, white diamond is formed under. The only difference is the various environmental factors that contribute to the colour change.
Of course, as with any stone, there are lab-made varieties that share the same properties as the naturally sourced kinds. There is also a risk of fake or mediocre gemstones being passed off as coloured diamonds. This is why we recommend asking to see the diamond’s certificate of authenticity before investing in one.
What Causes Coloured Diamonds?
As already mentioned, coloured diamonds undergo the same formation process as the better-known white or clear diamond. The difference, however, is the elements that interact with the carbon atoms at the time of the diamond’s creation.
For example, radiation will result in a green colouring while nitrogen will result in a yellow or orange colour. The same elements can be added to lab-created diamonds to produce the same colours in a quicker time.
What Coloured Diamond Is the Most Expensive?
This may come as a surprise, but the most expensive diamonds are not classic white diamonds. Instead, the red diamond has the steepest price tag. Red diamonds are incredibly rare, with the average cost per carat coming in at just over $1 million. This cost will of course depend on the quality of the stone.
What Is the Cheapest Coloured Diamond?
The most affordable coloured diamonds are yellow, grey and brown diamonds. Going up in the price bracket we have vivid yellow and orange diamonds. Taking things a step higher, we’ve got purple, pink, blue, violet and green diamonds. Once again, the quality of the stone will inevitably impact the cost of the stone, with high-quality stones being more expensive.
Why Are Coloured Diamonds Becoming Popular?
We live in a world where individuality is treasured, and so when coloured diamonds were reintroduced to the market, individuals sought after pieces that matched their personalities. Suddenly, it was about more than merely owning a diamond, it was about making a statement. Given the price tag of most coloured diamonds, it’s often the wealthier individuals that invest in the stones.
More specifically, celebrities and other public figures have started looking into uniquely coloured stones to create bespoke pieces. The market is booming, and if you are looking to join this trend, we recommend doing your research sooner rather than later as prices are set to increase.
How About A Pop Of Colour?
If you’re in the market for a beautiful stone that screams individuality, coloured diamonds are certainly worth looking into. Not only are they a solid investment that will hold its value, but they will also turn heads wherever you go.
Chermaine’s journey into the world of gemstones and crystals began as a child, collecting shimmering stones on family vacations. Today, she’s a certified gemologist and spiritual healer, intertwining the physical beauty of jewels with their metaphysical properties.
Chermaine has traveled to mines in Africa, marketplaces in India, and spiritual retreats in Bali, always seeking to deepen her understanding.