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Coloured Diamonds
Nature’s most unique gemstones
When people think of diamonds, many picture a sparkling white stone (which is actually colourless). But did you know that diamonds also come in a full spectrum of colours – from soft pink hues to intense blues, yellows, and even greens? Coloured diamonds, often referred to as fancy colour diamonds, are some of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones in the world. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what makes coloured diamonds unique, how they’re graded, and what to consider when buying one.
What is a coloured diamond?
A coloured diamond is a natural diamond that has developed its colour through trace elements, pressure, and heat over millions of years deep within the Earth’s crust. Unlike classic white diamonds – where the goal is to have as little colour as possible – the highlight of a coloured diamond is precisely its vivid colour.
Colours may include:
Yellow – the most common fancy diamond colour, ranging from light to intensely saturated shades.
Pink – extremely rare and highly coveted, especially in Fancy Vivid quality.
Blue – rare and often associated with exclusivity and royal elegance, largely thanks to the famous Hope Diamond. These diamonds are among the most expensive on the market.
Green – unusual and captivating, often featuring natural hues of olive or forest green.
Champagne and cognac – warm, earthy tones that have grown in popularity for their unique appearance.
Red – among the rarest gemstones in the world. These diamonds are almost always found in very small carat weights, making them highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs. The deep red colour, often with hints of brown or purple, is caused by rare crystal structure distortions rather than trace elements.
Why do coloured diamonds get their unique hues?
The colour in a diamond is the result of various natural processes:
Nitrogen causes yellow and sometimes brown tones.
Boron creates blue diamonds.
Radiation exposure leads to green hues.
Plastic deformation (changes in the crystal structure) produces pink, red, and purple colours.
Combinations of chemical elements and crystal structures can lead to unusual colours such as orange or champagne.
These variations are the result of millions of years of natural development – meaning every coloured diamond is truly one of a kind.
How are coloured diamonds valued?
Unlike white diamonds, which are graded based on the absence of colour (with D being the highest on the GIA scale), coloured diamonds are evaluated based on colour strength, saturation, and tone. GIA’s grading for fancy colour diamonds includes:
Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Deep, Fancy Dark
The stronger and more intense the colour, the higher the value. For example, a Fancy Vivid Pink or Fancy Deep Blue diamond is significantly rarer (and more valuable) than a Fancy Light in the same colour category.
Coloured diamonds at A.P. Shaps
At A.P. Shaps, we offer a carefully curated selection of coloured diamonds – from classic fancy yellow to unique pink and champagne-hued stones. Our goal is to help you find a gem that is not only beautiful but also personal and meaningful.
info@apshaps.se