The complete guide to understanding colored gemstones by de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry!
Understanding the different colors and terminology surrounding colored gemstones can be a little tricky for beginners, but here at de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry, we will break down everything you need to know about colored gemstones.
Vivid or Fancy, What Does the Terminology Mean?
Colored diamonds and often setting world-record prices also come with their own terminology. Red-colored diamonds are the rarest in the world, with only twenty or thirty believed to be in existence. Colored diamonds are classified as Faint, Very Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Dark, Fancy Deep, and Fancy Vivid.
Word Order Matters
Colored diamonds are rarely one color. You’ll often see colored diamonds described as Vivid Yellow Orange or Vivid Orange Yellow, and believe it or not, there’s a difference. The last word in the description is always going to be the principal color.
The Rarer the Color, the More It’s Worth
As we mentioned above, red is the rarest color when it comes to colored diamonds, which makes them the most expensive and sought-after. After red, green, purple, and orange are the rarest colored diamonds and also the most expensive.
How Are Colored Diamonds Graded?
Colored diamonds are graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), one of the world’s most trusted gemstone grading services. Even diamonds with only a small amount or very faint traces of color are often worth a considerable amount, except for diamonds with yellow coloring, which are quite common.
Where Do We Get Colored Diamonds From?
In most cases, discovering colored diamonds is simply a matter of chance during the mining process, except for the Argyle Mine in Australia, which consistently produces colored diamonds.
In their purest form, diamonds are white, like other gemstones except for opals, peridot, and turquoise. A coloring agent such as boron, in the case of blue diamonds, is what affects the coloring. Green diamonds are a result of natural radiation, yellow diamonds from nitrogen, and pink diamonds are a result of a slip in their lattice structure as they form deep within the earth.
Is There A Perfect Emerald?
The most desirable emerald is dark green, but not too dark. It needs to have the perfect combination of color and clarity. The proportion of the gemstone is also essential. You want to get caught within the stone, bouncing around before coming out. This is known as internal refraction. If there are too many inclusions or fissures within the gemstone, it can negatively affect its value.
Sapphires and Rubies
The same concerns, color, clarity, and inclusions all apply to rubies and sapphires. You should look for stones that have an appealing color, excellent clarity, and uniform size. A small percentage of rubies have a darker color, commonly referred to as ‘pigeon’s blood,’ and these rubies are highly desirable.
Does the Origin of Gemstones Matter?
While it’s something that you need to consider, for example, the best sapphires come from Kashmir, emeralds from Columbia, and rubies from Asia, high-quality gemstones are found worldwide.
What Role Does Carat Play?
A common misconception is that the more carats a gemstone has, the more it’s worth. While larger gemstones are commonly more valuable, it’s a combination of the four c’s, color, clarity, cut, and carat, which determine the true value of gemstones.
What Are Treated Stones?
The practice of filling cracks and fissures in gemstones dates back over 4,000 years to when natural oils were rubbed into emeralds. When a gemstone has been treated, it will have a grade from insignificant, minor, moderate, or significant. Resin is a long-term treating agent, along with oil, but oil can leak from the gemstone over an extended period of time. There is nothing wrong with buying a treated gemstone as long as it has been disclosed and the price reflects the degree of treatment.
Can Colored Diamonds Be Treated?
It’s important to know if a colored diamond’s color is natural or it’s been altered. Determining natural color, such as the green in green diamonds, is the hardest test the GIA undertakes. Blue diamonds are also known to be colored artificially, but the process is a lot easier to test for.
How Do You Care for Colored Diamonds and Gemstones?
It’s vital to never carry multiple gemstones in a pouch. When stored together, diamonds can scratch other diamonds, and gemstones harder on the Mohs Scale will damage other gemstones softer than them.
While diamonds are extremely durable, they’re not immune to damage and can even chip or crack, requiring the diamond to be re-cut. Talk to your jeweler about the best way to store and carry your diamonds and other gemstones if you are required to transport them.
The de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry Guide to Colored Gemstones | Conclusion
There you go! The most commonly asked FAQs and answers about colored gemstones and diamonds thanks to the experienced team at de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry. If you have any questions about colored gemstones or diamonds or would like to speak to us about your jewelry collection, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly to speak with of our professional and experienced experts.
Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces perfect for that special proposal. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.
