Colored Diamonds: A Kaleidescope of Luxury
When we imagine diamonds, we often envision dazzling, colorless gems. However, many diamonds possess subtle hues, such as yellow, brown, or gray. Yet, the world of diamonds is far more vibrant than commonly thought. Diamonds actually exist in a stunning spectrum of colors, spanning nearly every hue of the rainbow.
WHAT ARE COLORED DIAMONDS?
In our previous discussion, we explored the composition of diamonds, consisting of carbon atoms, and the D-to-Z color range, which spans from colorless to light yellow, brown, or gray diamonds, known as the "normal color range." However, beyond this range lies a mesmerizing array of colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, termed as "fancy-colored" diamonds in the industry.
Grading and identifying colored diamonds is a unique and challenging process. It involves evaluating not only the hue but also the tone and saturation of the color.
Hue: Stones primary color (Red, Orange, Yellow, etc.)
Tone: Lightness or darkness of the color (tint)
Saturation: Intensity of the color.
WHAT CAUSES THE COLOR?
As we previously covered in our natural diamond discussion, diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a unique structure, making them exceptionally hard and lustrous. During their formation, other substances can sometimes infiltrate this structure, known as impurities. These impurities change how light travels through the diamond, giving it different colors. The type and amount of these impurities determine the exact color of the diamond. The more of certain impurities present, the more intense the color will be.
The wide spectrum of color in diamonds showcases the diverse conditions that form these precious gems. Let's explore the fascinating origins behind some of the most sought-after diamond colors:
Pink, red, or purple: Arise from lattice defects in the diamond structure.
Orange: Orange with no hint of brown is the rarest of colors. So rare that we aren't exactly sure what causes it.
Yellow or brown: Caused by nitrogen impurities in the crystal lattice structure.
Green: Result of radiation exposure over millions of years.
Blue: Result of boron impurities during diamond formation.
Black: Opaque due to graphite inclusions and micro-fractures.
White: Caused by microscopic inclusions or structural irregularities within the crystal lattice, scattering light and resulting in a cloudy or milky appearance.
In colored diamonds, the presence of color increases their value. Even the faintest hint of color qualifies a diamond as colored or 'fancy.’
GRADING COLORED DIAMONDS
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed a comprehensive and standardized grading system for colored diamonds, using defined color references to describe color objectively. For colored diamonds, the following grades are assigned: faint, very light, light, fancy light, fancy, fancy intense, fancy dark, fancy deep, and fancy vivid.
These grades help describe the saturation and tone of color in colored diamonds, with "Faint" being the least intense and "Fancy Vivid" being the most intense and highly saturated. This grading system is widely recognized in the diamond industry. It is completed by specifying the hue of the color (e.g., Fancy Vivid Pink), ensuring a consistent and precise assessment of the unique qualities of each colored diamond.
Stay tuned for next week's blog post, where we'll delve deeper into the formation, rarity, and notable examples of pink, red, and purple diamonds.
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