Fancy colored diamonds are highly coveted for their unique hues and rarity in nature. While colorless diamonds are the most common, colored diamonds are truly special and can command a premium price. In this article, we’ll explore the rarest diamond colors, their characteristics, and pricing.
Where Do Colored Diamonds Come From?
Colored diamonds are formed naturally within the earth, just like colorless diamonds. However, they undergo rare changes to their chemical structure during formation, resulting in a wide range of colors.
How Are Colored Diamonds Priced?
Colored diamonds are priced and graded according to the 4Cs of diamond quality: cut, color, clarity, and carat. However, the color grading of these stones is unique. The International Gem Society (IGS) recognizes nearly 30 base colors, which can be combined to create over 200 unique color combinations.
The Rarest Diamond Colors
The value of colored diamonds is determined by their rarity and the intensity of their color. Here are some of the rarest diamond colors:
- Red Diamonds: Only 20-30 natural red diamonds exist in the world, making them the rarest and most expensive per carat. They are created when a gem undergoes a rare process during its formation that changes the crystal structure and allows light to pass through it differently than colorless stones.
- Blue Diamonds: Blue diamonds are incredibly rare, with only a few mines in South Africa, India, and Australia producing them. They get their signature hue from the element boron, which replaces carbon in the diamond crystal structure during the growth process.
- Pink Diamonds: Also known as Argyle diamonds, pink diamonds are found in only one mine in the world, Australia’s Argyle mine. While not as rare as blue diamonds, pink diamonds are often more expensive due to their romantic nature.
- Yellow Diamonds: Yellow and brown diamonds make up over half of the market of colored diamonds. They are caused by the element nitrogen, which absorbs blue light and reflects a beautiful yellow color.
Pricing of Colored Diamonds
The price of colored diamonds varies greatly depending on their rarity, color intensity, and carat weight. Here are some approximate price ranges for each color:
- Red Diamonds: Over $1 million per carat
- Blue Diamonds: $200,000 – $3.9 million per carat
- Pink Diamonds: $10,000 – $700,000+ per carat
- Yellow Diamonds: $3,000 – $5,000 per carat
Are There Lab Grown Colored Diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are an affordable alternative to natural colored diamonds. They consist of the same chemical makeup as natural diamonds and are available in a range of colors, including blue, pink, red, green, and yellow.
Conclusion
Colored diamonds are truly unique and special, with each color having its own characteristics and pricing. Whether you’re looking for a rare red diamond or a more affordable yellow diamond, there’s a colored diamond out there for you. With the option of lab grown diamonds, you can now own a colorful diamond without the hefty price tag or ethical implications associated with diamond mining.
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