One of the requirements that people look for in a diamond is its clarity. The clearer the stone is, the higher its value gets. However, there are also women who want a little something extra on their so-called “best friend” – COLOR. Yes, colored diamonds do exist and its market is slowly and steadily growing.
Natural fancy color diamonds gets its hue from a number of ways. For example, trace elements like nitrogen can give the stone a yellow color, thus producing a yellow diamond. The green diamond, on the other hand, is due to exposure to radiation. These gems are as attractive and stylish as their clear counterparts, which is why gemologists have developed ways to turn less desirable clear diamonds into delightfully unique colored stones.
Fancy colored diamonds come in various hues but the most popular colors are those that come in blue, brown, green, orange, pink and red shades and variations. The yellow diamond is the most common of them all, being a favorite accent for fashion accessories. The blue, green and red diamonds, on the other hand, are quite rare.
There are two things to be considered in assessing the value of fancy colored diamonds – hue and intensity. A blue diamond will cost more than a yellow diamond, because the latter is more common. The strength of the color will also be considered. Remember that the more vivid the color, the more precious the stone is. A forest green diamond will fetch a higher price than a light green diamond, even if it is of equal size, shape and clarity. Should the stone have undertones, meaning a secondary color, its value will depend on how the undertone affects the main hue. Aside from the hue and intensity, the purity of the color and the availability of the fancy colored diamond will also be used in placing a price tag on the stone.
The cut of the stone can also play a big role in the pricing of fancy colored diamonds. A good cut can give a diamond more sparkle and color, thus enhancing its physical appearance. Round, oval, princess and radiant cuts are the most commonly used for fancy colored diamonds but an expert cutter can also create different shapes that can maximize the beauty of this rare stone.
Given the steep price that one has to shell out for these pieces, it is very important to ask for a diamond origin report to make sure that your diamond is a natural stone, not unless you are purchasing the piece from a reputable diamond dealer. After all, it is infinitely better to be safe than to be sorry.
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