Monty Adams Coloured Diamonds Guide

As rare as they are beautiful, fancy coloured diamonds are gaining in popularity in the past few years. They are found in a variety of stunning colours that include yellow, green, orange, pink, red, brown, blue and black.

But what makes them highly valuable? The rarity and intensity of colour are two major determining factors. Coloured diamonds are mined in limited locations and their sparkling beauty makes them highly coveted across the globe.

In this quick guide, we’ll talk about the different types of fancy coloured diamonds available on the market.

Which is More Valuable?

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), “In diamonds, rarity equals value.” For colourless diamonds, the absence of colour and number of inclusions found, determines the value, because colourless diamonds are the rarest. When it comes to fancy coloured diamonds, the more intense the colour, the more expensive it can be. The most valuable colours are saturated pinks, blues, and greens. When buying fancy coloured diamonds, even the slightest colour differences can have a big impact on the value.

How Are Coloured Diamonds Formed?

Fancy coloured diamonds are highly-coveted by the rich and famous because they are absolutely rare. In fact, only one in every 1,000 natural diamonds can be classified as a fancy coloured diamond.

It takes billions of years to form a coloured diamond. They were formed through exposure to heart, natural radiation or the saturation of natural elements. The colour of a diamond can be traced to the lattice of carbon atoms that form a diamond’s microscopic structure. The result of this chemical processes gives birth to beautiful tones and deep saturation of colour.

The Most Popular Fancy Coloured Diamonds Guide

Pink Diamonds

• pink diamonds have been almost exclusively found at the Argyle Diamond mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. They are so rare that of every million carats of rough diamonds produced at the mine, a mere one carat is suitable for sale.
• Because it’s so rare, it’s value is equivalent to 100 times the value of a colourless diamond of the same weight.
• Argyle pink diamonds are highly collectible treasures. Investors, jewellers, celebrities, and those who are seeking to possess a truly valuable heirloom, are spending fortunes to buy rare pinks.
• Every year, the value and demand for pink diamonds continue to rise because the Argyle mine is set to cease operation in the next 10 years. If you’re interested in how you can own a genuine Argyle pink diamond,

Yellow Diamonds

• Often marketed as “Canary”, yellow diamonds are the second most common fancy colour.
• Yellow diamonds are deemed “Fancy” when a stone displays more colour that the “Z” colour grade based on the GIA colour grading scale used to grade coloured diamonds.
• Nitrogen found in yellow diamonds make up their unique colour.

Champagne Diamonds

• They come in a variety of brilliant shades, ranging from light champagne with collectors, connoisseurs and celebrities alike, yet they are still one of the most affordable coloured diamond choices.
• Approximately 80% of the diamonds produced by The Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia are the champagne diamonds, all with unique colour and intensity variations.
• They remain one of the most affordable coloured diamond choices, despite their popularity with collectors, connoisseurs, and celebrities.
• Lighter and pink-tinted champagne diamonds are highly sought, as they sparkle and scintillate more readily than darker tones.

Blue Diamonds

• Blue diamonds are extremely rare. They are highly sought by collectors and jewellers. Some of the coloured diamond are found within the Argyle diamond mine.
• They get their blue tint from a unique mix of less than one boron atom per million carbon atoms, giving them a clear, cool colour reminiscent of the ocean.
• Blue diamonds are highly coveted because of the scarcity factor. After two years of mining eh Kimberley Argyle Diamond mine, only 250 carts of blue diamonds are found, a size barely enough to fill up a couple of teaspoons.

Black Diamonds

• The demand for black diamonds is growing rapidly due to their enigmatic appearance and elegance.
• A natural black diamond owes its colour from numerous inclusions, most of which are graphite. Because of the high amount of inclusions, cutting a black diamond is a more delicate process.
• They can be mined from Venezuela, Australia, and Central Africa, with most of the supply originating in Brazil.

Looking to purchase a fancy coloured diamond?

Monty Adams Jewellery Concierge is an award-winning jeweller based in Sydney. We offer natural diamonds, including rare Argyle pink diamonds. Make an appointment today for a free consultation.

source: Gemological Institue of America