When you think of diamonds, you certainly think about that pure white, brilliant crystalline structure stone. However, there are many different shades and colors available when it comes to diamonds. Indeed, colored diamonds are quite rare, so they will be much more expensive than white diamonds. Also, as the color of the white diamond is not that pure, and goes more towards a yellowish hue, it will be cheaper.

When it comes to diamonds, there are many possible colors available. Some of these include white, fancy yellow, red, orange, green, blue, pink, purple and even black or brown. In fact, only approximately one in 10,000 diamonds will have a natural colored structure…so naturally colored diamonds are quite rare.

Things to consider when purchasing a colored diamond

One of the most important considerations when buying such a diamond is its color. You should ensure that the diamond has the appropriate intensity and richness that you like. The more intense the coloring of a natural diamond, the more expensive it will be. You should also be careful, because there are many techniques through which diamonds can actually be colored (such as irradiation coloring or dyeing). These are synthetically colored diamonds, and their value is much lower than that of a naturally colored stone.

When you are buying a white diamond, clarity is an extremely important factor. You want the diamond to be free from blemishes and inclusions, and you are looking for that crystal clear, transparent structure. When it comes to colored diamonds, clarity is not of such a great importance. Any inclusions, blemishes or tiny flaws are not actually visible on an intensely colored diamond.

When jewelers cut a colored diamond, their main focus is on intensifying and emphasizing the color as much as possible. In contrast, when a jeweler cuts a colorless diamond, he focuses on enhancing the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond. The natural color of colored diamond is enhanced best if the diamond is cut into a less traditional shape. Some of the most popular cuts for fancy colored diamonds include Radiant, Cushion, Oval and Pear shapes but also many other less traditional shapes.

When you are buying a colored diamond, or in fact any type of diamond, certification is imperative. Ensure that the diamond has a GIA certification. Each and every diamond sold by a reputable jeweler will be accompanied by an origin report and a colored diamond identification report. This document will become your proof that the diamond is of a natural origin, and the document will also include important feature details such as color grading, clarity, cut, potential flaws, etc.

After you have chosen your diamond, it is time to think about its setting. It is important that you will select a setting that will help enhancing the natural beauty and color of the respective diamond. For example, if you choose a pink diamond, this will best go with a Rose Gold setting; if you choose a fancy yellow diamond this will go perfectly in an 18k gold setting.