New In
Polished Diamonds
Diamond Sets
Melee Diamonds
Rough Diamonds
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.Â
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!
Step into the mesmerizing world of natural Pink diamonds, synonymous of elegance and sophistication. These exquisite gems have stolen the spotlight in the realm of fine jewelry, captivating the hearts of fashion enthusiasts around the globe.Â
In this article, we’ll explore the enchanting features of Fancy Pink diamonds, uncovering their origins, possible tones, and the growing fascination around them. As we delve into their unique characteristics, you’ll learn how they compare to other popular pink gemstones, revealing the distinct advantages that set them apart.
The Origin Of Their Mesmerising Hues
Fancy Pink diamonds are the result of a remarkable geological process that lasted millions of years. During their formation process, atomic traces of minerals such as hydrogen, nitrogen, or boron were introduced into their crystalline structure, resulting in impressive hues.
However, another scientific theory states that the pink hue comes from a deformation in the crystal lattice of the stone, a phenomenon caused by extreme pressure.
Whichever the cause, thanks to our Earth’s natural transformations, today we get to enjoy the exceptional shades of Pink diamonds.
From delicate pastel tones reminiscent of blooming cherry blossoms to intense, vivid shades that command attention, natural Pink diamonds offer a diverse palette of hues that ignite the imagination.
Rarity And A Growing Fascination
The allure of these unique stones lies not only in their enchanting beauty but also in their rarity.Â
As luxury enthusiasts and jewelry connoisseurs seek to come in possession of the most exclusive and coveted pieces, the interest surrounding fancy pink diamonds continues to grow. With the recent closure of the renowned Argyle mine in Australia, a significant source of Pink diamonds, their scarcity has skyrocketed.
Pink Diamond’s Unparalleled Properties
Brilliance
The refractive index of a diamond is approximately 2.42. This high refractive index is one of the factors that contribute to the exceptional brilliance and sparkle that diamonds are renowned for. The high refractive index allows diamonds to bend and reflect light in a way that creates maximum dispersion and brilliance, resulting in their captivating play of light and fire. It is this unique optical property that sets diamonds apart from other gemstones and contributes to their timeless allure and desirability.
Hardness
Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the highest possible rating. This remarkable property makes diamonds highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, ensuring their longevity and durability even with daily wear.
The hardness of a diamond contributes significantly to its value. Diamonds are prized for their ability to withstand the rigors of everyday use without losing their beauty or succumbing to damage. This durability ensures that diamond jewelry, such as engagement rings and heavily worn pieces, can be cherished forever and passed down through generations.
What About Other Pink Gemstones?
Tourmaline
This pink gemstone is often used in jewelry for its vibrant color. Pink tourmaline can be found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, and the United States. Each location may produce unique variations in color and quality, making it more complicated for the regular customer to understand how to measure and compare characteristics.
Tourmaline ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs' scale of hardness, making it moderately durable, but relatively softer compared to Pink diamonds. With a refractive index between 1.624 and 1.644, pink tourmaline exhibits a good amount of brilliance and light dispersion.
Pink quartz
This mineral showcases a soft, delicate pink hue that does not typically offer much sparkle. There are multiple levels of transparency available, from very translucent to milky opaque or smoky with yellow or brown undertones.
Scoring a 7 on the Mohs scale, pink quartz is relatively durable and suitable for some types of jewelry. However, it is still important to protect it from impact, and best suitable for earrings and low-wear pieces.
Pink Sapphire
The intensity of its color depends on the place of origin and the combination of trace elements present within its crystal structure.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, pink sapphires are very durable and resistant, making them suitable for all kinds of jewelry pieces. However, they are more prone to scratches than diamonds.
Kunzite
Kunzite is quite affordable because it’s relatively unknown although it can be found in many places like Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
Like most color stones, kunzite can be undergo irradiation or heat treatments to enhance its color. Exposure to heat and bright light can cause color in both natural and treated kunzite to fade over time.
Morganite
Most morganite deposits are found in Brazil, but the highest quality specimens come from Madagascar. Typically, morganite enjoys a high transparency with minimal inclusions resulting in clear, polished stones.
Scoring a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, Morganite is safe and durable enough for jewelry.
Your Best Choice: Pink Diamonds
There are multiple options to choose from to create a jewel with pink gemstones. However, they all fall short when compared to the durability and brilliance of natural Pink diamonds. With sources becoming more scarce while demand continues grows, Pink diamonds keep appreciating in value making them a better financial choice when compared to other gemstones which tend to loose value in the resale marker. Pink diamonds present multiple advantages for their investment potential and as a valuable asset to be passed on for generations.
When purchasing color gemstones, it’s important the buyer requests a professional laboratory report that discloses any enhancements to make an informed decision. Unfortunately for most consumers, it’s hard to find full-detailed information on a finished jewelry piece and it requires additional effort and inquiries to confirm the quality of a gemstone.
—
Langerman Diamonds has over 50 years of expertise in sourcing and trading natural color diamonds. Explore our online inventory and contact us to learn more about the purchasing process.