My Pink Diamonds

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are the three most widely known and respected diamond grading laboratories in the world.  Each of the grading laboratories have developed a very similar nomenclature for identifying the 4 C’s of diamonds.

 D to Z 

Color grading scales used by the internationally recognized laboratories (GIA & IGI for example), ranges from totally colorless (D) to pale yellow or brown color (Z).  Brown diamonds darker than K color are usually described using their letter grade, and a descriptive phrase, for example M Faint Brown.  Diamonds with more depth of color than Z color fall into the fancy color diamond range.

The coloration of diamonds can be caused by several factors.  Impurities trapped in the diamond during its formation, the crystal lattice structure of the diamond, and the exposure to radiation can all lead to the wide verity of colors available in diamonds.

 Yellow Diamonds 

Yellow diamonds are colored because of the impurities that are trapped inside diamonds when they are created.  If a few of the millions of carbon atoms have been replaced by nitrogen atoms, then structure of the diamond will not be significantly altered but the clarity will be changed.  The amount of color displayed is dependent on the amount of nitrogen involved.

When we see color it is because the object we are looking at reflected a specific wavelength of the light spectrum.  A good example of this is a yellow flower.  The flower absorbs all of the light except the yellow light, which is reflected by the yellow flower.

 Blue Heart Diamond 

In the case of a blue colored diamond some of the nitrogen has been replaced by Boron.  Boron will reflect the blue wavelength of the light spectrum.  The higher the concentration of boron the more color will be showed.  At a level of one or a few boron atoms for every million-carbon atom, an attractive blue color results.

 Graff Pink Supreme Diamond 

The pink diamonds comes in shades ranging from a pastel rose, such as the Pink Orchid to intense purple-reds of the Moussaieff Red, and the price is determined by the intensity of the color.  Pink diamonds have sold for up to $1,000,000 a carat.  Unlike the Type I diamonds that derived their color from impurities embedded in the diamond, Pink diamonds are considered a Type II and get their color from a process known as Plastic Deformation.

Type II diamonds have very few if any nitrogen impurities in them.  They get their coloration due to structural anomalies caused by Plastic Deformation during the crystal growth.  The intense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Pink, and Red colored diamonds.

 Green Diamond 

A natural diamond coming into contact with a radioactive source at some point during its lifetime causes some diamonds to develop a green coloration.  The time required may be as much as a million years or longer.  Green diamonds of this nature are very unique.

The most common form of irradiation diamonds comes from alpha particles found in uranium compounds or from percolating groundwater.  Green spots on the surface of the diamonds or a thin green film may develop on the skin of the diamond after long exposure to these particles.  Many times this green coloration will be removed during the cutting or faceting process.

Bombardment by beta and gamma rays will color the diamond to a greater depth and in some rare case turn the entire stone green.  Heating to temperature to just below 600 degrees Celsius can sometimes also cause a diamond to develop a green ting.  Higher temperature may turn the stone to a less desirable yellow or brown color.

 Black Diamond 

Black diamonds are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic.  Approximately 600 tons of conventional diamonds have been mined, traded, polished since 1900. But not a single black diamond has been discovered in the world’s mining fields.  The geological settings where diamonds are found or mined are virtually identical with the one exception, the Black Diamond.

Black diamonds have been found to contain trace elements of nitrogen and hydrogen.  The study published in 2006 analyzed the hydrogen in black diamond samples using infrared-detection instruments and found that the quantity indicated that the mineral formed in a supernova explosion prior to the formation of the Solar System.  These diamonds were formed by carbon-rich cosmic dust in an environment near carbon stars. The diamonds were incorporated into solid bodies that subsequently fell to Earth as meteorites.

When Ben Affleck proposed to Jennifer Lopez, the act generated the expected amount of media attention. However the majority of that coverage wasn’t focused on the total number of the couple’s prior marriages, or that “Bennifer” name smashup the couple had been adorned with. No, the focus of the majority of mass speculation was the color of Jennifer’s diamond.
They Come In Pink?
Ms Lopez’s engagement ring was topped with a tremendously large 6-carat pink diamond. The word that people seemed to cling to was pink. The realization that diamonds come in colors started to spread, contradicting everything taught about diamond color: the closer to clear, the more valuable the diamond. Was Jennifer’s “pink diamond” actually a diamond?
Are They Still Diamonds?
In a word, yes. While the common color grading scale used for diamonds runs from D (completely clear) to Z (obviously yellow) there is an entire subset of diamonds which fall beyond the Z rating into the umbrella grade of “Fancy.” Fancy diamonds still hold all of the other characteristics of a traditional white diamonds – the hardness, the technical measure of clarity, the cut, and carat are all the same.
A Scale All Their Own
Colored diamonds that fall outside of the white grading scale, still have to have a subjective color grade assigned to them. However, the grading scale for colored diamonds is considerably easier for the layman to understand. Colored diamonds with the faintest hints of color are given a grade of Faint. Lightly colored diamonds are either Very Light, or Light. The bolder colored diamonds, your truly fancy gems, are graded along a scale ranging from Fancy Light to Fancy Dark, with Intense, Vivid, and Deep breaking up the middle.
A Stone of Many Colors
As you might have guessed, pink isn’t the only color for diamonds. The infamous, and rumored to be cursed, Hope Diamond is a 45.52 carat dark grayish blue diamond. Canary diamonds are a brilliant yellow. Both brown and black diamonds are both real and growing in popularity lately. Other colors include orange, red, green, and purple. According to the Gemological Institute of America and the International Gemological Institute, there are 27 official hues which span the color spectrum, and there are diamonds to fill each of those hues.
Not to Get Too Technical
How those diamonds gain those hues is a bit of a technical process. Essentially, when the diamonds are forming from pure carbon, the molecules arrange themselves into a cage called a crystal matrix. As the diamonds are crushed under the earth’s pressure, that matrix closes in on itself. Occasionally, during that process, atoms from other elements such as boron, nitrogen, or hydrogen, will be trapped inside of those diamonds as their respective matrices close. The end result is the colored diamond. As one would rightly assume, when multiple gases are trapped in the diamond, you get diamonds of blended colors, like pink champagne diamonds.
Still Really Rare
While color is certainly one reason why people prize fancy diamonds, it’s certainly not the only one. Fancy diamonds are exceptionally rare. Colored diamonds, with a Fancy or deeper color grade, account for a mere 1.8% of the entire world’s diamonds. When that percentage is broken down by color, those percentages get even smaller. Canary diamonds, diamonds which are known for their brilliantly yellow hue, account for less than 0.1% of the world’s diamonds. Factor in the other common diamond factors – the size of the stone, the inherent shape, and the sense of clarity, and colored diamonds of significant size and quality get even rarer still.
Why Choose a Colored Diamond?
Colored diamonds aren’t for everyone or even for every type of jewelry. However, they do have some very strong selling points. The rarity of colored diamonds makes them special. The variety of colors means that colored diamonds can be used to convey not only the emotions associated with a traditional diamond, but also to cater to the specific tastes of the recipient. It’s those strengths that allow colored diamonds to fill jewelry niches that traditional white diamonds could not. In the end, a colored diamond provides a new and unique spin on a familiar and classic idea.

If you are getting ready to say your ‘I dos’ or are interested in enhancing your hand with exquisite diamond jewellery, then it begins with looking into diamond rings.  This introduces you into types of jewellery that only makes the statement of luxury and style with the design.  Knowing which qualities to look for with the right rings, and making sure you find one that suits your personality is the beginning to the perfect look of elegance. 

The concept of diamond rings differs from other types of jewellery because of the rock and it’s symbolic identity.  Other gems include specific colors and levels of durability.  Diamonds, in contrast, are the top of the pile because they are the hardest and therefore more precious jewels than other types of gems.  This means they last for a longer period of time and become a symbol of ‘forever’ to those that are looking at diamond rings.  This is combined with the make of diamonds, which consists of crystallized carbon as the main substance, allowing it to keep its hardness and durability.  It is this that makes the diamond a special feature for specific occasions and for years to come.

When you begin looking into the characteristics of diamond rings, you want to make sure you begin with style that defines your personality.  This is first seen as more formal wear, such as wedding rings for men and women.  There are also other elegant styles that still have sparkle but that aren’t defined by this same look.  This includes engagement rings and diamond rings that are worn for a formal occasions.  Determining the use for your ring is the beginning to getting the perfect fit for your happily ever after or a joyous evening out. 

If you are looking at diamond rings for any occasion, you want to make sure you begin with understanding the basics of different types of diamond rings.  The first part to this is the cut of the diamond.  This includes round shapes, princess cuts, emerald, oval and other fits that make the diamond rings unique.  The second part to this is establishing diamonds’ colour.  Even though diamonds are known for their brilliance, they may still be tinted within the crystal.  If there is no tint in the diamond, then it adds more value to your diamond rings. 

It is also important to make sure the elegance is defined with the other details of the ring.  For instance, having a level of clarity where the diamond is almost see through, shows that there is more value with the ring.  This is combined with the carat weight that the diamond holds. The higher the weight, the more value there is to the diamond. 

The attributes that are kept in mind for diamond rings offer a complete shine to your formal wear or for the one time when you say forever.  Looking at the specific characteristics and details, and using them to define specific aspects of your overall look is the beginning to making a statement of elegance and style.  With this, you have the ability to show luxury and definition through the look of your diamond ring.

Are you new to the diamond purchasing scene? If so, you are going to be faced with an overwhelming amount of choices. The following is an explanation of the different colors of diamonds now on the market.
First of all, you may not realize that there are over 10 solid color choices for natural diamonds. And each of the colors comes in different hues and shades, taking that number into the hundreds. Some are commonplace and very easy to find, while others are considered very rare.
Coloring in diamonds signifies impurities like nitrogen that can be found in some single-compound (carbon) diamonds. Although-diamonds that are not pure white are not necessarily flawed. In fact they may be considered rare, as in the case of purple, orange or red diamonds. In addition, any diamond that is not white can be referred to as “fancy” (if it possesses the right characteristics); as in a “fancy bright yellow diamond. ”
White-A white diamond is not really white, it is almost translucent. White diamonds are colorless to near colorless; the clearer the diamond the higher the grade. White diamonds are the most common and signify elegance and stability.
Yellow-Commonly referred to as the canary diamond. Its yellow coloring varies from light to bright. These are rarer than white diamonds and more expensive.
Brown-These are sometimes referred to as Champagne or Chocolate in color, but with a definite light or dark brown tint. Brown can also be found combined with orange or yellow.
Grey-These are lustrous with a smoky coloring and are sometimes bluish-gray in color.
Blue-Blue diamonds have been sold for quite some time. They are considered elite and rare, and therefore much sought after.
Green-Relatively new to the market and green in color-but will not be mistaken for an emerald, as green diamonds are lighter in color than emeralds and sometimes have an olive tint.
Pink-The new white. Pink is very feminine and is also the color that is internationally recognized to be associated with Breast Cancer Awareness. You might score some knowledge and caring points by going Pink.
Orange-Orange diamonds can be very intense and vibrant in color or combined with brown, pink or red.
Red-The rarest color of all diamonds is the red diamond. Not many have been classified as fancy, as most are combined with pink, orange, or purple.
Violet/Purple-Generally lighter in color and can be found in combination with pink diamonds.
Black-Black diamonds appear to be black and lustrous, but are really a shade lighter than true black.
When you are purchasing diamonds keep in mind that the colors above refer to natural colors. However, diamonds can be artificially colored. Be sure to ask the jeweler if you are purchasing a natural colored diamond or one that’s color has been enhanced. Also, it is not unusual to find diamonds that have color combinations such as a fancy orange/brown or purple/pink.
Now that you know that diamonds come in every color of the rainbow, you will need to focus on the recipient of the diamond. Choose a color that suits the needs and wants of the person who will be wearing the diamond. No matter which color that you choose for that special person, make sure that you buy something that will complement their personality and physical characteristics.

The most common diamonds that are used in engagement rings are the colorless types. Diamonds that belong to this category are the white or the colorless diamonds that are graded on a scale of D to Z. The more colorless diamonds are rated more valuable than those that are yellowish or brownish. Most people choose a colorless diamond for their engagement ring because these stones produce the most brilliance and sparkle when properly set on a metal ring that will further enhance their colors. White or colorless diamonds will sparkle more if set on white platinum or white gold. Diamond colors, meaning and recommended settings. However, a new trend is now arising when it comes to engagement rings. The use of colored diamonds are now becoming more and more popular since Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Lopez a pink diamond for an engagement ring. So if you are looking for an engagement ring that will be unique and will stand out, why not consider using fancy diamonds? Fancy diamonds are the colored loose diamonds. They come in intense colors and are much more expensive than their colorless counterparts. Rare colored diamonds, as the name implies, are hard to find stones such as pink, purple and brown. Some common colors of diamonds are yellow, blue and orange.Like roses, where each color has a different meaning; colored diamonds are also considered to convey different emotions. Yellow or canary shade diamonds expresses joy, happiness as well as wisdom. Choosing a metal for an intensely yellow stone differs on the desired effect. A yellow gold ring will further enhance the intensity of the yellow color and will make the stone and the ring appear as a whole. On the other hand, setting yellow diamonds on white platinum, white gold or blackened silver will draw attention to the stone because of the contrast. Pink diamonds represent love, joy, beauty and romance. A pink stone also symbolizes femininity and delicacy. The best metal to use in setting pink stones is pink gold. Some associate black as a symbol of illness and death but in diamonds, black represents sophistication. Black stones can be set on white platinum for contrast and can also be set alongside small colorless diamonds. Diamonds that have intense blue colors represent peace, spirituality, youth and loyalty. Green diamonds represent wealth and also jealousy. Red diamonds show confidence and power and also romance. Purple diamonds, because of its extreme rarity, means luxury, opulence, and royalty. Colored diamonds are not as brilliant as their colorless counterparts. Because of this, the round brilliant cut is not recommended for colored stones. Most colored loose diamonds are used for princess cut engagement rings or the emerald cut engagement rings. Because of they do not sparkle as much, most people prefer to have their colored diamonds set in white or pale metal rings so that the contrast will make their stones stand out more. The color of the diamonds comes from the crystallization process. The different colors of diamonds come from the different materials that surround them while crystallization is taking place. Yellow diamonds are formed when high amounts of nitrogen are absorbed within the lattice of the diamond during crystallization. Blue diamonds are formed when boron, instead of nitrogen, is absorbed. Some of the colors of diamonds did not come from the absorption of other elements. Red diamonds are formed when the carbon chains that make up the stone becomes twisted during the crystallization process. Green and pink diamonds are also formed this way. Colored diamonds are valued differently. The price value of these colored stones depends on the intensity and the rareness of the color. Naturally occurring colored diamonds are very rare to find. They are so rare that most jewelers may not even have the chance to sell one in their stores. Most colored diamonds are more expensive than their colorless counterparts. A small purple diamond, because of its extreme rareness, might value significantly higher than a colorless stone with a high carat weight. So if you want your diamond engagement ring to be unique, you should choose a colored diamond for it.