Truely Exotic - Colored Diamonds

Most people don’t know about colored diamonds . They wonder if they are either fake, or if somehow they are of lesser quality than ‘regular’ or colorless stones. For others the first time they heard about a colored diamond or a fancy stone was when a celebrity couple gets engaged. Currently the most famous fancy stone is the pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez.

A yellow diamond is the most common of these rare stones. Yellow diamonds are created by trace amounts of nitrogen in the formation of the crystal structure when the diamond is being formed. The resulting shades of color vary widely from a light to dark. The intensity and evenness of the coloration is what determines the value. Stones that look marbled or that look washed-out are worth less.

Real untreated colored stones are very rare. These fancy color diamonds come in a rainbow of yellows, reds, pinks, blues, greens, purples and all shades in-between. The rarest of all the fancy stones are the red or pink shades.

Natural yellow diamonds are mined in Africa, South America, and Australia. Fancy colored stones tend to be relatively small. They make beautiful accents to colorless diamonds for elegant diamond necklaces, unique engagement rings and other pieces of jewelry.

Because colored diamonds are so rare and have become so popular, more and more treated stones are being used. Radiation is used as well as high pressure and high temperature treatments. These treatments enhance the existing yellow tones of low quality diamonds. The results are very bright, vivid shades which create a more desirable stone. Whether a diamond has been irradiated or received any other treatment should be disclosed prior to the purchase. These treated stones are still natural diamonds – not synthetic – but they have been enhanced by an unnatural treatment.

Here again the 4C's are as important as when buying any other diamond. In addition to this it is important to be aware that most of the fancy stones on the market today are in fact treated diamonds. When buying a stone that is represented as non-treated, ensure that you have a certificate confirming that. We are big fans of GIA.

All diamonds are beautiful. Colored diamonds can be particularly so. When given as an engagement ring they make a unique statement. While these stones might be more popular than ever right now, their beauty is truly timeless. If you want something a little different then a beautiful fancy stone is the way to go. Diamond Harmony has a nice selection if you'd care to have a look.

Free Standard Shipping - Use coupon code "freeship07" at checkout.

Back to Discount Diamond Jewelry