Guidelines for Buying Natural Color Diamonds

Diamonds are bought on the basis of the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. But the value of the natural color diamond usually depends on the rarity of its color than on any of the other 3 Cs, including carat weight. This is because some colors occur in a wide range of sizes and shapes, while others are rare even in the smallest sizes.

Since natural color diamonds come in such a wide range of colors and no two are identical, it is difficult to develop a grading system that can capture the special character of each individual stone. Experts at both the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) have three parameters by which they describe color for these exquisite diamonds:

Sunshine in a Stone

Yellow diamonds is cherished for their subtly dramatic appeal. The glow of a yellow stone illuminates a woman with an aura, no matter which shades she chooses.

1. Origin

Light to vivid yellow diamonds are found in different countries, but most large and intense yellow have been discovered in South Africa.

2. Fast Fact

The first diamond ever to be authenticated in Africa was the Eureka, a pale yellow stone weighing 10.7 carats. It was discovered in 1866 by the child of a Boar farmer, in a small hole probably made by a Bushman digging for roots.

Earthy Beauty

From subtle champagnes to rich cognacs, brown diamonds are the new classic. Their golden tones make them a softer, gentler alternative to the colorless diamond; and their natural color makes the perfect choice for timeless jewelry with a contemporary feel.

1. Origin

Champagnes and cognac diamonds are found throughout southern Africa, Siberia and Australia, where the Argyle Diamond Mine is the worlds largest producer of these stones.

2. Fast Fact

About $5 billion of champagne and cognac diamond jewelry is sold annually throughout the world, easily making these stones the most accessible of all natural color diamonds.

Red-Hot Pink

Fashion forward and beguiling, pink diamonds are considered the treasure of treasures. A pink diamond is the ultimate symbol of love, grace and femininity.

1. Origin

Pink diamonds have only been found in a few mines around the world. India, Brazil and Tanzania all produced notable pink diamonds in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Argyle mine in northwestern Australia is the only mine in the world to produce a consistent volume of pink diamonds.

2. Fast Fact

A whole year of Argyles intense pink diamond production can be held in the palm of one hand. Once a year, Argyle issues a special release of its finest pink diamonds to an exclusive clientele. These stones are so rare, Argyle must produce 1 million carats of rough diamonds to come up with one carat suitable for sale in this special Tender.

Glamorous Blue

The powerful color of the sea and the sky meet in these exceptional gems. Blue diamonds are considered extremely rare, and each shade is exquisite.

1. Origin

The Cullinan mine near Pretoria is the worlds only notable blue diamond producing mine.

2. Fast Fact

The most famous diamond in the world is probably the Hope diamond, an extraordinary deep blue stone of 45.52 carats. It was brought from India to Europe in the 17th century, and sold to King Louis XIV of France. Due to a string of misfortunes surfaced by its subsequent owners, the Hope Diamond became a legendary symbol of bad luck. It is now part of the Smithsonian Institutions National Gem Collection.