Diamonds are typically thought of as colorless, but they can naturally occur in a wide range of hues. The color in diamonds is caused by chemical impurities and structural defects in their crystal lattice structure. The majority of diamonds used in jewelry are nearly colorless, but colored diamonds are exceptionally rare and valuable. Diamonds come in every color of the rainbow – blue, pink, yellow, orange, red, green, purple, brown, black, and more. Let’s explore what makes diamonds colorful and the different categories of natural fancy color diamonds.
What causes color in diamonds?
The crystalline structure of diamonds is comprised of carbon atoms linked together in an extremely stable configuration. This gives diamonds their renowned hardness and sparkle. However, when elements other than carbon substitute for carbon atoms in the crystal lattice, they can change the way light passes through the diamond and cause color. Small structural defects in the crystal lattice can also alter light absorption.
The most common impurities in diamond crystals are nitrogen, boron, and hydrogen. Nitrogen impurities absorb light in the blue end of the spectrum, causing diamonds to take on a yellow or brownish tint. Boron absorbs red light, producing blue diamonds. Hydrogen impurities in the crystal lattice result in rare green, purple, pink, red, orange, and brown diamonds. The type and concentration of impurities present determine the final color that is visible.
Grading diamond color
Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The scale ranges from D to Z, with D representing colorless and increasing presence of yellow and brown tones through to light yellow or brown in Z diamonds.
Here is a brief overview of the GIA color grading scale:
| Color Grade | Color Description |
|---|---|
| D-F | Colorless |
| G-J | Near colorless |
| K-M | Faint yellow |
| N-R | Very light yellow |
| S-Z | Light yellow/brown |
The finest and most valuable diamonds fall into the completely colorless D-F color grades. Near colorless grades G-J are still exceptional quality. Diamonds graded K or below start to show increasingly noticeable warmth.
Fancy color diamond categories
While colorless or near colorless diamonds are most common, natural fancy color diamonds exhibit beautiful, saturated hues. These rare diamonds get their pigmentation from structural anomalies like twinning or polycrystalline formations, or higher concentrations of chemical impurities. Fancy color diamonds are categorized into five main types based on their predominant hue:
– Yellow – Range from delicate champagne to vivid lemon yellow
– Pink – Vary from blush to bubblegum to fuchsia tones
– Blue – Sky blue to vivid navy hues
– Red – Includes fiery rubies and deep burgundies
– Green – Spans light mint greens to deep forest greens
Other more unusual diamond colors include black, brown, purple, orange, and grey. Multicolored diamonds exhibit a blend of hues in a single stone.
What makes color diamonds valuable?
Only about 0.001% of diamonds mined have deep enough color saturation to qualify as fancy color. This scarcity makes them extremely valuable. The stronger and purer the color, the higher the market value. Vivid saturation, balanced color distribution, and large carat sizes are all traits that increase fancy color diamond prices.
Diamond grading reports from independent labs like GIA assess the hue, tone, and uniformity of color distribution. Grades range from the palest Fancy Light to extremely rare Fancy Vivid. Iconic and historic named color diamonds like the Hope Diamond command record prices at auction in the millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Are treated diamonds the same as natural?
While mined fancy color diamonds form naturally, today many lower quality colorless diamonds are artificially enhanced to induce color through irradiation and heating techniques in labs. These treated diamonds have unnatural color concentrated on the surface, where natural fancy diamonds exhibit pervasive, even color throughout. Treated diamonds typically cost 10-30% less than untreated natural colors. Reputable jewelers always disclose any color treatments.
Unique color diamond engagement rings
While colorless diamonds are conventional, fancy color diamond rings offer a vibrant, distinctive choice for engagement. Yellow and pink diamonds are especially popular for their warm, lively hues. The splashes of color in these rare gems provide personality that reflects a couple’s joyful relationship.
Popular setting styles that showcase fancy color diamonds include:
– Solitaire – A single focal stone stands out
– Halo – Tiny accent diamonds surround the center gem
– Three stone – Displayed with colorless diamonds
– Pave – Color diamonds embedded in sparkling pavé bands
Color diamonds can also be arranged into graphic patterns like crisscrossing lines or alternating shapes in stunning artistic designs. The options are endless for custom color diamond rings that express a wearer’s unique style.
Do diamonds naturally have color? The bottom line
In summary, while most diamonds appear clear and colorless, they can and do occur in a wide spectrum of colors in nature. Tiny impurities and irregularities in their molecular structure cause diamonds to selectively absorb some wavelengths of light and transmit others, producing color. Intensely saturated fancy color diamonds are exceptionally rare, valued for their beautiful hues of yellow, pink, blue, red, green, brown, grey, and others. When choosing natural colored diamonds, shoppers should look for quality grading reports to confirm no artificial enhancement treatments were used. The mesmerizing tints of fancy color diamonds in engagement rings offer bold, vibrant style perfect for colorful personalities.
