what are fancy color diamonds exactly?
According to Rene Just Hauy, 1817 "Gemstones are the flowers of the mineral world, and the fancy coloured diamond is the orchid."
Let me put on my chemical engineer hat: chemically speaking, a colored diamond has the same carbon crystal lattice as a pure transparent/white diamond but with impurities. Depending on its color hue and intensity, a diamond's color can either detract from or enhance its value. For example, most white diamonds are discounted in price when more yellow hue is detectable, while intense pink or blue diamonds (such as the Hope Diamond) can be dramatically more valuable. Indeed Only one in every 10,000 diamonds possesses natural color and is referred to as a fancy color diamond.
What makes a blue diamond?
I was particularly drawn to blue diamonds for their intense vibrant color. The impurity in the diamond crystal lattice causing the blue color is boron. This creates a blue 'color center', which absorbs all visible light except for blue. The blue color is reflected back and gives the diamond its color. The more boron in the diamond, the more saturated the blue color. Mined blue diamonds are quite rare and can sell between $200,000 and $500,000 for a one carat.
Buying a diamond
Diamond buying is a very touchy subject. The best way to ensure that a diamond is not from an area of conflict is to purchase a cultured diamond. Cultured diamonds are of extremely high quality, and while they are not as valuable as natural diamonds, they are equally attractive and have the same chemical composition. A lab-grown diamond should not be confused with cubic zirconia or other types of “fake” diamond; it is a real diamond, but one that happens to be completely cruelty-free. It is mostly made by using the high pressure and high temperature process recreating conditions found deep inside the earth, in which diamonds naturally grow under. If you want a nature grown diamond, you can use a retailer who sources diamonds from nations like Canada or Australia exclusively, or one who abides by the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, a system which is designed to eradicate the blood diamond from the global gem trade. This system has though recently been criticized in its efficiency as you can read here.
Some examples in my work
I have been using fancy diamonds in my work recently. Here are some examples you will find:
Fancy diamond gradient ring
Infinity ring with stacking white and black diamonds
