There's another group of diamonds on the other end of the color spectrum, diamonds we want to be packed with vibrant hues. Called fancy color diamonds, these gems exist in a rainbow of yellows, reds, pinks, blues, greens, purples and all shades in-between.
Natural fancy color diamonds get their coloring in different ways:
- Trace elements in the diamonds can produce color; nitrogen creates a yellow diamond.
- Color can result when radiation is present during a diamond's creation; green diamond hues are the result of radiation.
- Inclusions are undesirable in a colorless stone, but can contribute unique tones and flashes of color in a fancy color diamond.
Diamond Color Manipulations
Gemologists can create fancy color diamonds by manipulating less desirable diamonds to alter their colors. Irradiation, followed by a high heat treatment, can turn brownish and pale yellow diamonds into richly colored, affordable gems.Because natural colored diamonds are rare and can be quite expensive, diamond treatments are common, and make it possible for more of us to own a color diamond. Always assume that any affordable fancy color diamond has been treated in some way to enhance its color and other characteristics. Ask for a lab certificate to verify the authenticity of any color diamond marketed as natural.
Synthetic Color Diamonds
Synthetic colored diamonds are another affordable option you'll find when you shop for vibrant diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are genuine, but they are created in a laboratory and their origins should always be disclosed.
