Beyond the Classic:
Discover the Magic of Coloured Diamonds
Coloured diamonds are among the most stunning and rare gemstones, known for their vibrant hues that range from blue, pink, and yellow to green and even black. These captivating colours are the result of unique factors like trace elements, radiation exposure, or rare structural features within the diamond itself. Their exceptional beauty and rarity make them highly sought after, often commanding higher prices than traditional clear diamonds.
For those seeking a more affordable option without compromising on beauty, lab-grown coloured diamonds provide an equally mesmerising alternative.
Whether natural or lab-grown, each coloured diamond offers its distinctive charm, making it a perfect and meaningful choice for bespoke jewellery. At Durham Rose, we can help you explore these extraordinary gems and incorporate their unique allure into your custom design
Are Colour Diamonds Right for You?
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Aesthetics: Coloured diamonds stand out with their unique beauty, featuring a range of hues which makes them a fancy diamond. Each colour can evoke emotions and reflect your story, allowing for an eye-catching statement piece. Our expert team is here to help you explore options that resonate with your individuality and your unique vision.
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Cost: The cost of coloured diamonds varies based on rarity, colour intensity, and quality. Natural-coloured diamonds can command higher prices due to their rarity, while lab-grown alternatives provide a more affordable option without sacrificing beauty.
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Durability: Coloured diamonds are exceptionally durable rated as 10 just like mined diamonds, making them ideal for bespoke jewellery pieces. Their toughness allows them to withstand daily life while maintaining their brilliance.
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Ethical Sourcing: We prioritise responsible sourcing for your mined diamond to ensure your bespoke jewellery reflects your ethical values. Alternatively, lab-grown diamonds are crafted in controlled environments and offer an inherently ethical choice with no sourcing concerns.
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Design Versatility: Coloured diamonds offer immense design versatility, allowing for various settings from classic solitaires, halos to modern or traditional styles. Their unique colours complement any gemstones and metals, enhancing your jewellery’s overall design. Our team is ready to assist you in exploring creative options to ensure your piece is beautiful and personalised.
Journey of Coloured Diamonds
The journey of coloured diamonds, both mined or lab-grown, mined journey begins deep within the Earth or lab-grown coloured diamonds are made in high-tech laboratories. Mined coloured diamonds form over millions of years under extreme pressure and temperature, with trace elements and natural radiation imparting their unique hues. Once discovered, these rare gems are carefully extracted, cut, and polished to reveal their vibrant beauty. On the other hand, lab-grown coloured diamonds are created in a matter of weeks using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods, where scientists replicate natural processes and introduce specific elements to achieve the desired colours. Both types of coloured diamonds undergo meticulous crafting to become stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces cherished for their exceptional beauty and rarity.
Explore Some Colour Options in Fancy Diamonds
Yellow: These diamonds range from a faint yellow to a deep, vivid hue. Generally, the more intense the colour, the more valuable the diamond.
Brown: Often referred to as “champagne” or “cognac” diamonds, these stones vary from light to dark brown and are celebrated for their unique, earthy tones.
Black: Black diamonds are striking and intriguing, with an opaque appearance that is especially popular in contemporary jewellery designs.
Pink: Highly sought after, pink diamonds range from light pastel to deep, vivid pink. Their rarity makes them particularly valuable.
Blue: Blue diamonds, such as the famed Hope Diamond, are known for their captivating colour, which ranges from light to deep blue. They are graded by hue, tone, and saturation.
Green: Natural green diamonds are very rare, with shades from subtle light green to deep, vibrant green, usually resulting from radiation exposure during formation.
Grey: These diamonds come in shades from light to dark grey, appreciated for their distinctive and sophisticated look.
Purple: Rare and unique, purple diamonds range from soft lavender to deep purple, often displaying hues of pink or blue.
Red: Exceptionally rare and highly coveted, red diamonds are among the most valuable gemstones, with colours from light pinkish-red to intense, deep red.
Understanding How Coloured Diamonds Are Graded
Hue: The hue refers to the primary colour of the diamond. Coloured diamonds come in a wide variety of hues, including blue, yellow, pink, green, and even red, with certain colours being rarer than others. In addition to the primary hue, diamonds may have secondary hues or overtones, which can impact their overall appearance and value. For example, a diamond may be classified as having a “greenish blue” hue, meaning blue is the dominant colour with a hint of green.
Tone: The tone describes how light or dark the diamond’s colour is. It ranges from very light to very dark, and it’s essential in determining the overall look of the stone. A well-balanced tone enhances the beauty of the diamond, with neither too much lightness nor excessive darkness. Diamonds with medium tones are often more desirable as they showcase the colour more vividly.
Saturation: Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of the colour. This is one of the most critical aspects in determining a coloured diamond’s value. A diamond with higher saturation will have a more vibrant and intense colour, making it more rare and valuable. Diamonds can range from faintly coloured to deeply vivid, with “fancy vivid” diamonds being the most prized for their rich, intense hue.
Grading Scale: From “Faint” to “Fancy Vivid”
Coloured diamonds are graded on a specific scale that ranges from “faint” to “fancy vivid.” This scale measures the combination of hue, tone, and saturation for each colour;
Other Factors: Cut and Clarity
While colour is the most important factor in grading coloured diamonds, cut and clarity also play a role. The cut is designed to enhance the diamond’s colour and brilliance, while clarity ensures the stone is free from distracting inclusions that may affect the appearance of the colour. However, these elements are secondary to the colour grading when it comes to coloured diamonds.
Rarity and Value
Coloured diamonds are among the rarest gemstones in the world, with some colours being particularly scarce, such as red, blue, and green. The more intense and pure the colour, the rarer and more valuable the diamond will be. Understanding these grading factors helps you make an informed choice when selecting a coloured diamond, whether you are drawn to the subtle charm of a faint hue or the striking brilliance of a fancy vivid stone.
Famous Coloured Diamond
Coloured diamonds are celebrated for their remarkable hues and rarity, with some stones gaining legendary status for their beauty and history. From the vivid blue of the Hope Diamond to the rare red of the Hancock Red, these iconic gems have fascinated the world and inspire those seeking a truly unique and stunning gemstone.
The Hope Diamond
Source: Smithsonian
The Graff Pink
Source: DSF Antique Jewelry
The Dresden Green
Source: Wikipedia
The Hancock Red
Source: Jewellery Discover
Diamond Knowledge
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How do I choose the right coloured diamond for my budget?
Choosing a coloured diamond within your budget depends on the colour, carat weight, clarity, and cut. Rare colours like red, blue, or green tend to be more expensive, while lighter shades or less rare colours may be more affordable. It’s important to assess the intensity of the colour and find a balance that fits both your aesthetic preference and budget.
Are coloured diamonds worth the investment?
Coloured diamonds, especially rare hues, can be a worthwhile investment due to their increasing rarity and demand. However, like any investment, it’s essential to do thorough research, understand the market trends, and consult with experts to ensure you’re making an informed purchase.
How can I be sure the coloured diamond I’m buying is authentic?
To ensure the authenticity of a coloured diamond, always request certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA. This certificate verifies the diamond’s colour, quality, and whether it has been treated or enhanced, providing peace of mind for your purchase.