Diamonds are the most treasured among all precious stones. The fire like sparkle makes diamonds irresistible. White diamonds have captivated women for centuries. However, diamonds also come in an array of vivid colors. Colored diamonds are not as common as white diamonds but they are equally enchanting.
The value of white diamonds is determined by 4c’s – color, clarity, carat and cut. The color of the diamond signifies its worth, flawlessness determines its clarity, carat indicates the weight of the stone and cut determines shape. Together these four attributes decide the true value of a white diamond. Colored diamonds on the other hand are graded depending on the rarity of color and the carat weight.
White diamonds without any additional hue (usually yellow) are priced much higher than those with additional hues, however, colored diamonds are exactly the opposite and when they have darker tones they are far more expensive and are in greater demand.
Colored diamonds are rare which makes these precious stones very expensive. They are available in a glowing range of colors such as blue, pink, yellow, red, gray, purple, orange and brown. Brown and yellow diamonds are the most common, while red diamonds are thought to be the rarest. Red diamonds are the costliest in the colored diamonds category. Blue diamonds are also rare and pricey. Blue diamonds in fact are found only in specific mines in South Africa and Australia. The fact that these diamonds are available in a vast choice of colors makes them alluring.
Set of fancy color diamonds, GIA
On average a colored diamond of the same carat as a white diamond will cost more, however, this does not deter people from buying these beautiful stones. Over the years the fascination for colored diamonds has grown. Connoisseurs of fine jewelry are willing to pay millions of dollars to own a single piece of jewelry studded with colored diamonds. Blue and pink diamonds make stunning jewelry and are in great demand. Yellow diamonds were ignored for years as they were believed to be inferior in quality as compared to other colored diamonds. That has changed now and the stone is a much in demand in the jewelry industry. Diamonds with an intense yellow color are the most sought after. People who can afford diamonds are opting for colored diamonds. The demand for colored diamond jewelry has grown in the recent past. The rich and the famous are seen flaunting colored diamonds.
Colored diamonds are genuine diamonds and must not be mistaken for being artificial. They get their color from the chemical impurities present in them. Less or no impurities result in more transparent diamonds, and the color in the diamonds is a result of various impurities that change the structure of the diamond. The intensity of the color depends on the concentration of the impurity present in the diamond. It would be correct to say colored diamonds have taken the fashion industry by storm. Jewelry designers prefer using colored diamonds to design exquisite pieces as they are so versatile. Many people prefer colored diamonds over white ones. If you were given a choice what would your choice be? If you have to make a fashion statement would you be willing to opt for colored diamonds over white diamonds?
