Colored Diamonds Part 4: Green Diamonds

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under intense pressure and heat, these diamonds acquire their distinct green color from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years. Their unique coloration ranges from subtle pastel shades to vivid emerald greens, captivating collectors and connoisseurs alike. Prized for their scarcity and unparalleled beauty, green diamonds stand as a testament to nature's awe-inspiring creativity, commanding attention in the world of luxury gems.

GREEN DIAMONDS

Green diamonds are a captivating subset of colored diamonds, celebrated for their rarity and unique beauty. Here's a breakdown of some key aspects:

• Formation: Green diamonds acquire their distinctive color due to exposure to natural radiation during their formation process deep within the Earth's crust. This radiation interacts with the diamond's crystal lattice structure, resulting in a green hue.

• Rarity: Green diamonds are considered rare, though not as scarce as some other colored diamonds like red or blue. They constitute a small percentage of all diamonds mined globally, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

• Intensity: The intensity of green diamonds can vary from faint to vivid, with some exhibiting secondary hues such as yellow or blue. Vivid green diamonds are particularly prized for their striking color saturation.

• Famous Examples:

  • The "Dresden Green": One of the most famous green diamonds, weighing 40.70 carats, known for its intense green color and historical significance.

  • The "Aurora Green": A vivid green diamond weighing 5.03 carats, set a world record for the highest price per carat ever paid for a green diamond at auction.

Dresden Green

The Dresden Diamond is a 41-carat, pear-shaped diamond with a slight blue hue, known for its exceptional clarity and brilliance. Here are some key points about the Dresden Diamond:

• Origin: The Dresden Diamond originated from the Golconda mines in India, which historically produced some of the world's most renowned diamonds, including the Hope Diamond.

• Namesake: The diamond is named after Dresden, the capital of the German State of Saxony, where it was housed in the Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe) of the Royal Palace. The Green Vault is a famous museum known for its collection of exquisite treasures.

• History: The diamond's history can be traced back to the 18th century when it was acquired by Frederick Augustus II, the King of Poland and Elector of Saxony. It was mounted in the royal regalia of Saxony and became one of the most prized possessions of the Saxon royal family. Despite the extensive bombing of Dresden during World War II, the Dresden Diamond survived the war unscathed. It was hidden along with other treasures in a secret location for safekeeping during the conflict.

• Current Status: Today, the Dresden Diamond remains one of the most significant pieces in the collection of the Green Vault. However, in November 2019, the Green Vault was robbed, and several priceless treasures were stolen. The Dresden Diamond, fortunately, was not among the stolen items.

Aurora Green

The Aurora Green Diamond is a rare natural wonder, with its mesmerizing green hue, believed to result from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years. Here’s some information about this geological wonder:

• Origin: The Aurora Green Diamond was mined in Brazil. This stunning green diamond weighs 5.03 carats and is considered one of the largest and most valuable green diamonds ever discovered.

• Namesake: The diamond was named "Aurora" to reflect its mesmerizing green color, reminiscent of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This name adds to the romantic and enchanting appeal of the gem.

• Current Status: The diamond is known for its vivid green color, which is exceptionally rare in diamonds. Green diamonds get their color from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years during their formation. The Aurora Green Diamond exhibits a remarkable hue and saturation, gaining widespread attention when it was auctioned at Christie's Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Sale in May 2016. The diamond fetched an impressive price of over $16.8 million, setting a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a green diamond at auction. The Aurora Green Diamond was purchased by Hong Kong based retailer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery.

As we marvel at the enchanting beauty of green diamonds like the Aurora Green, we warp up our colored diamond discussion by delving into yellow, brown, black and white diamonds next week. Each hue tells a unique story of geological formation and natural rarity, enriching our understanding of the world's most coveted gemstones. Join us as we continue our journey through the kaleidoscope of nature's treasures.

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