New In
Polished Diamonds
Diamond Sets
Melee Diamonds
Rough Diamonds
(IDEX Online News) – Bonhams London kicks off its autumn auction season with its Fine Jewellery sale on September 20, with a pair of Kashmir sapphires and a rare blue diamond set to provide most of the sparkle.
An exceptional pair of late 19th century Kashmir sapphire earrings is one of the top lots. The cushion-shaped sapphires weigh 8.97 and 8.93 carats and come with reports from the AGL and SSEF laboratories. The reports state that the sapphires are of Kashmir origin, with no evidence of heat treatment, and display a saturated and vivid blue color.
Meanwhile, the Fancy Intense Blue oval-cut blue diamond weighs 3.81 carats and is accompanied by a GIA report. It is expected to sell for around $1,500,000 to $2,000,000.
Jean Ghika, Head of Jewellery for Bonhams UK & Europe, said: “Blue diamonds are extraordinarily rare and account for only 0.004% of all diamonds mined. This particular diamond is categorized as a Fancy Intense Blue with no modifying or secondary color. With so few blue diamonds coming to auction we are anticipating global interest.”
Bonhams has a strong track record of selling blue diamonds and holds price-per-carat world auction records for both a Fancy Deep blue diamond at $1.77 million per carat
Bonhams will also be offering an oval-cut Sri Lankan sapphire ring weighing 18.77 carats, the sapphire sits within a brilliant-cut diamond border, with pavé-set diamond shoulders. It is accompanied by a report from SSEF.
In line with the market demand for colored stones, the sale also features an impressive emerald and diamond cluster ring, circa 1960. At the centre of the ring is a cushion-shaped emerald, weighing 12.50 carats. It is accompanied by a SSEF report stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin with minor clarity enhancement (oil).
One of the older pieces to feature in the sale is a pair of old cut diamond pendent earrings, circa 1830. Weighing 3.02 and 3.25 carats, the E and F color diamonds, are accompanied by additional letters from GIA stating that each diamond has been classified as Type IIa.
Jean Ghika adds: “In recent years we have seen a growing demand from our global collectors for top quality colored diamonds and gemstones. We are looking forward to showcasing the blue diamond, the Kashmir sapphires, a wide selection of signed jewelry and a number of our other highlights in London, New York and Geneva during our pre-sale previews.”
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.
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.
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.