Monday 24 October 2016

Clarity and Color

Clarity and Color

Difference between color diamonds and white diamonds

Clarity and color are criteria that you need to take into consideration when choosing a diamond, but they play different roles for white diamonds and for color diamonds. For white diamonds clarity is considered an important factor, and it remains a prominent part of the 4C’s, that are used to evaluate the quality of a diamond. For natural color diamonds however, the criteria are more complex and just like for many other aspects, they must not be confused with the standards used for grading white diamonds.
As a general rule one can say that if the inclusions do not disturb the beauty or color of the diamond – then they are not considered to be important. A more nuanced explanation is that each color has its own type of imperfections, and thus its own guidelines for whether these are important or not. It will also to some extent depend on the purpose of your purchase.

Every color has its imperfections

Some examples of colors where it is more common to find good clarities is yellow, brown and blue diamonds, and for these colors a buyer can therefore expect to find a larger choice of diamonds with good clarity. Amber and cognac diamonds on the other hand often have clouds in the heart of the stone, and this is also regularly seen in gray diamonds. Pink, purple and red diamonds are rarely found with perfect clarity, and the reason for this could be the same theory that explains their color, which is thought to originate in the extreme pressure that these diamonds were exposed to while rising through the earth. This pressure might hence have created both their stunning color and the inclusions that are often found in these diamonds.
There are thus some geological explanations to certain imperfections found in natural color diamonds, which is good to know when buying a colored diamond. For diamonds that are often found with good clarity, such as yellow and brown, the clarity of the diamond will consequently have more of an impact on the price than for a color where imperfections are seen more frequently, such as purple or pink.

Rarity also has an impact

To this equation we have to add the rarity of the color, which will also have an effect on the importance that is granted to the clarity of the diamond. If a color is very rarely found, then we’ll cherish the few specimens that exist, and clarity will be considered much less important. A good example here is the Hancock Red Diamond, a 0.95 carat purplish red diamond that was sold at Christie’s for a record-breaking $926,000 per carat in 1987. It was graded I for clarity, and despite this it held the record for price per carat at auction longer than any other natural color diamond so far. It is also the one diamond that brought natural color diamonds back in the spotlight, and since that interest has only been growing. The conclusion is thus that for rare colors, the tolerance for inclusions is higher.

Color and situation of the inclusion

Just like for white diamonds the situation of the inclusion in the diamond, as well as the color of the inclusion, will also play a role. A well-situated, white inclusion can for example be acceptable in a yellow diamond, whereas a black inclusion under the table in the same diamond will sometimes affect the beauty of the stone, and hence be considered as a negative factor. A white inclusion in another color such as brown or olive might on the other hand be more visible than a black inclusion, and thus have more of an impact on the beauty of the diamond, and consequently on its price. It is also important to remember that a diamond can be graded I, and thus have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, however if these are situated on the pavilion side or tucked in under the crown, it may not have any impact on the appearance of the diamond or on its color. 

Conclusion

The abovementioned factors are important to be aware of when buying a natural color diamond. For certain colors one has to be more tolerant with inclusions than for others, as it simply might not be possible to find an option with better clarity. In the end, it is also a question of what you are looking for in your diamond – sometimes it might be worth accepting a lesser clarity to get a larger diamond or a better color within your budget range, if you are looking to buy a beautiful diamond for a jewel, for example, or if you are a collector searching for that special color lacking in your collection. On the contrary if you are looking for an investment diamond, it could be wiser to choose the best clarity possible for the color and budget range you have selected. We are of course here to advise you on these questions, if you choose to buy your natural color diamond from Langerman Diamonds. Contact us for more information!

Although traditions vary across cultures, one thing is true: any celebration is the right occasion to treat a loved one to a diamond piece. Fine jewelry can be much more than a luxurious gift; it serves as an opportunity to show how much you know the other person or to remind them of the qualities you adore about them. However, whether you are visiting boutiques or scrolling through online stores, finding the perfect jewel can be challenging and time-consuming. Maybe you can’t find the design you had in mind that you know they would love, or you came across a beautiful style not made with stones of the quality you seek.

That is the beauty of bespoke and custom jewelry: you can bring your ideas to life or personalize a piece to suit your recipient’s taste. Everybody loves the sparkle of diamonds and the craftsmanship of a gold object. But beyond design, our natural diamonds tell unique stories through color. A specific combination can allude to a memory they shared with you, and certain tones can represent love or good fortune. Possibilities become endless when you enter the world of color diamonds.

Continue reading to learn:

  • What is the difference between bespoke and custom jewelry?
  • The process of making a bespoke diamond jewel
  • How to select Fancy Color diamonds
  • Tips for designing bespoke jewelry

Bespoke vs. Custom Jewelry

Bespoke

Natural color diamonds selected for a bespoke piece
Selecting diamonds for a bespoke piece.

This term refers to creating an original piece at a client’s request for a specific occasion. Design and communication are crucial: From the style of the setting to the number, shape, hue, and size of each diamond, every detail is specified to achieve a one-of-a-kind jewel. 

There’s no formula to craft a bespoke gift; each project has its rhythm. Some might have a clear idea of what the final jewel should look like. Others discover it along the way after selecting the stones or while being presented with different layouts.

Oval Champagne diamond necklace from Langerman Diamonds
Bespoke pendant necklace with a 1.00 ct Oval cut Champagne diamond in a halo setting

Such a high degree of involvement in the design and the selection of the stones means it takes longer to receive the final piece as opposed to buying something from a boutique. We highly recommend you plan with as much anticipation as possible.

If you’re interested in a bespoke piece made with our natural color diamonds, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team will guide you through the necessary steps to create the perfect gift.

Custom-made

Eternity rings with Pink, Yellow, and Blue diamonds.
Custom-made eternity rings with Pink, Yellow, and Blue diamonds

Unlike bespoke, not every custom-made piece is one-of-a-kind. For example, at Langerman-Jewels.com we present two collections comprising necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with a defined, distinctive style. Every piece can be personalized by selecting the the diamond color and gold tone. Multiple combinations can convey unique messages, but different clients could choose the same configuration.

Customization is a straightforward, faster option. In this process, the client doesn’t have to worry about designing or approving a proposal, but rather focuses on selecting the final details.

When time is of the essence, a custom Langerman jewel is the perfect fit. Our made-to-order collections, The One and The Line, are minimalist and versatile; suitable for everyday looks and special occasions.

Langerman Stories

Many wonderful stories have been told using Langerman Diamonds: Raspberry Pinks have made unforgettable proposals, and Canary Yellows marked happy anniversaries. To give you an idea of what our bespoke service is like, you’ll find below some of the pieces we’ve made for our esteemed clients.

A New Family Tradition

Fancy color diamonds are considered good investments, but leaving aside any potential appreciation, the sentimental value of a jewel that is passed on to the next generation, is priceless. 

Some clients come to us with the idea of crafting a special gift for their children, or grandchildren; little treasures to honor their special connection and to be remembered by.

Made-to-order diamond tennis bracelets
Natural color diamond tennis bracelets

Matching bracelets are the perfect grandmother-granddaughter gift. This client had the idea to make a modern version of the classic tennis bracelet, using distinct color diamonds to differentiate between hers and her granddaughters.

A dainty necklace is the perfect object for the women in your family. Our client had a white diamond necklace made for herself and liked it so much she decided to gift her daughter the same model with black diamonds. Nothing like sharing the love for color diamond jewelry through the family's generations. We will be happy to help you start a diamond gifting tradition.

Custom Black Diamond Necklace.
Black Diamond Necklace by Langerman Diamonds

Meaningful Colors

In a dance of contrasts, black and white intertwine in a timeless duet of elegance. The trusted combination has more to say than just sophistication in the design of this bespoke bracelet.

Bespoke bracelet made with natural color melee diamonds
Bespoke diamond bracelet with melee ombrè diamonds

Crafted in 18 kt white gold, the dainty piece was chosen to celebrate 25 years of marriage of a interracial couple and symbolize their love and family. , A scintillating gradation of 25 melee diamonds going from Dark Chocolate Brown, to Colorless diamonds represents the marriage of ebony, ivory, and their beloved son. The opposite diamond colors blend seamlessly, representing perfectly the beautiful family they have built together.

Selection of ombré melee diamonds

Crafting Memories with Color Diamonds

A Langerman Diamonds bespoke piece is a collaboration between the giver and our skilled artisans. The result is not merely a piece of jewelry but a tangible embodiment of shared memories and emotions.

Here are some of our most popular diamond colors to inspire you to create your one-of-a-kind piece:

1. Fancy Pink Diamonds

0.14 ct Pear cut Baby Pink Argyle diamond

With their feminine allure, Baby Pink diamonds speak of sophistication and grace, perfect to surprise the women in your life. The pastel hues of our Old Rose diamonds are often associated with romance, and the boldness of our Raspberry Pinks is more suited to represent creativity and a passionate attitude.

0.51 ct Marquise cut Raspberry diamond with GIA report

2. Canary Yellow Diamonds

Capture the joy and positivity that define enduring friendships and family bonds with the warmth of our natural Yellow diamonds.

1.78 ct Pear cut Canary Yellow diamond with GIA report.

3. Chocolate Brown Diamonds

Brown diamonds, with their earthy and grounding tones, can symbolize the stability and comfort found in lifelong connections.

3.24 ct Round cut Chocolate diamond.

Contact us if you have any further questions about our bespoke service and visit Langerman Jewels to explore our made-to-order, customizable pieces.