- What Are Coloured Diamonds?
- How Coloured Diamonds Are Formed
- Natural vs Treated Coloured Diamonds
- Diamond Color Intensity and Grading
- Most Popular Coloured Diamonds
- Coloured Diamonds in Jewelry
- Are Coloured Diamonds Durable?
- Coloured Diamonds vs White Diamonds
- Lab Grown Coloured Diamonds
- How to Care for Coloured Diamond Jewelry
- Who Should Choose Coloured Diamonds?
- Certification and What to Look For
- Final Thoughts
Coloured diamonds, often called fancy color diamonds, are among the rarest and most visually striking gemstones in the world. Unlike traditional white diamonds, these stones display natural hues such as yellow, pink, blue, green, and even red. Their color, rarity, and unique formation make them highly valued in fine jewelry and serious collections.
This guide explains what coloured diamonds are, how they form, why they’re rare, and how they’re used in jewelry.
What Are Coloured Diamonds?
Coloured diamonds are natural diamonds that show visible body color beyond the normal white to light yellow range. When a diamond’s color intensity is strong enough, it’s classified as a fancy color diamond.
The color is not added or artificial in natural coloured diamonds. It forms deep within the earth due to specific chemical elements or structural changes during diamond formation.
Common natural diamond colors include:
- Yellow
- Brown
- Pink
- Blue
- Green
- Orange
- Purple
- Red
Some colors are far rarer than others, which directly affects value.
How Coloured Diamonds Are Formed
Coloured diamonds form under the same extreme heat and pressure as white diamonds, but subtle changes during growth create color.
Different factors cause different colors:
- Yellow diamonds form due to the presence of nitrogen atoms.
- Blue diamonds get their color from trace amounts of boron.
- Pink and red diamonds are caused by lattice distortion, where the crystal structure is compressed.
- Green diamonds result from natural radiation exposure over millions of years.
- Brown diamonds form due to internal structural irregularities
form due to internal structural irregularities
Natural vs Treated Coloured Diamonds
Not all coloured diamonds are naturally colored at the time of formation.
Natural Coloured Diamonds
- Color occurs naturally in the earth
- Extremely rare
- Highest value and collectability
- Certified with origin and color grade
Treated Coloured Diamonds
- Begin as natural diamonds
- Color is enhanced using heat, pressure, or irradiation
- More affordable
- Stable for everyday wear when properly treated
Both types are real diamonds, but natural fancy colors command significantly higher prices.
Diamond Color Intensity and Grading
Coloured diamonds are graded differently from white diamonds. Instead of D–Z grades, they’re evaluated based on color intensity.
Common grading terms include:
- Fancy Light
- Fancy
- Fancy Intense
- Fancy Vivid
- Fancy Deep
The stronger and purer the color, the higher the value. Fancy Vivid diamonds are usually the most sought after.
Most Popular Coloured Diamonds
Yellow Diamonds
The most common fancy color. Yellow diamonds range from soft champagne tones to deep canary yellow. They offer strong brilliance and better value compared to rarer colors.
Pink Diamonds
Exceptionally rare and highly valuable. Pink diamonds are prized for their romantic tone and limited global supply.
Blue Diamonds
Known for their depth and elegance. Blue diamonds are extremely rare and often associated with luxury and royalty.
Green Diamonds
Among the rarest colors. Natural green diamonds are valuable due to their unique formation process.
Brown Diamonds
Once undervalued, brown diamonds are now popular for earthy, modern jewelry designs.
Coloured Diamonds in Jewelry
Coloured diamonds are widely used in:
Designers often pair colored diamonds with white diamonds to enhance contrast and brilliance. Yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum are chosen strategically to complement each color.
Are Coloured Diamonds Durable?
Yes. Coloured diamonds have the same hardness as white diamonds. They score a 10 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for everyday wear.
The durability depends more on the setting than the color itself. Proper mounting protects edges and corners, especially for fancy shapes.
Common Myths About Coloured Diamonds
Myth: Coloured diamonds are less brilliant than white diamonds
Reality: They sparkle just as much. The focus is on color presence rather than icy brilliance.
Myth: Coloured diamonds are fragile
Reality: They’re chemically identical to white diamonds and just as durable.
Myth: All coloured diamonds are treated
Reality: Many are naturally colored, though treated stones are also real diamonds.
Coloured Diamonds vs White Diamonds
Key differences include:
- Rarity, many colored diamonds are far rarer than white diamonds
- Pricing, value depends on color rarity and intensity rather than clarity alone
- Visual impact, colored diamonds stand out more
- Investment appeal, rare colors often appreciate over time
White diamonds focus on brilliance, while coloured diamonds emphasize personality and exclusivity.
Lab Grown Coloured Diamonds
Lab grown coloured diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled environments. They can be produced in vivid colors at a lower cost.
Benefits include:
- More affordable pricing
- Consistent color availability
- Ethical and sustainable sourcing
They offer the look of fancy color diamonds without the extreme rarity pricing.
How to Care for Coloured Diamond Jewelry
Coloured diamonds require the same care as any fine diamond jewelry:
- Clean with mild soap and warm water
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Store separately to prevent scratching
- Have settings checked regularly
Treated diamonds should be handled with care during repairs, as extreme heat can affect color.
Who Should Choose Coloured Diamonds?
Coloured diamonds are ideal for buyers who:
- Want something rare and distinctive
- Prefer bold or meaningful color choices
- Appreciate gemstone individuality
- Want an alternative to traditional white diamonds
They’re especially popular for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and statement pieces.
Certification and What to Look For
Certification is essential when buying coloured diamonds, especially natural fancy colors. A proper report confirms authenticity, color origin, and treatment status.
What a grading report should include:
- Exact color description and intensity
- Confirmation of natural or treated color
- Cut shape and measurements
- Carat weight
- Origin disclosure
Reports from recognized labs are critical for value, trust, and resale potential.
Final Thoughts
Coloured diamonds combine natural rarity, geological beauty, and striking color. Whether you choose a soft yellow diamond or a vivid pink or blue stone, coloured diamonds offer a level of uniqueness that white diamonds can’t replicate. With options ranging from natural to lab grown, they allow buyers to express style, personality, and luxury in a truly distinctive way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are coloured diamonds?
Coloured diamonds are natural or lab grown diamonds that show visible color beyond white or near-colorless grades. These colors form due to trace elements, structural changes, or radiation during the diamond’s formation.
Q2. Are coloured diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Both natural and lab grown coloured diamonds are real diamonds. They share the same chemical composition and hardness as white diamonds.
Q3. What is the difference between natural and lab grown coloured diamonds?
Natural coloured diamonds form underground over millions of years and are extremely rare. Lab grown coloured diamonds are created in controlled environments and cost significantly less while offering the same visual beauty.
Q4. Why are some coloured diamonds so expensive?
Price depends on rarity and color intensity. Red, blue, and vivid pink diamonds are among the rarest gemstones on earth, which drives their high value.
Q5. Do coloured diamonds sparkle less than white diamonds?
No. Coloured diamonds sparkle just as much. The difference is that their beauty focuses more on color saturation than bright white brilliance.
Q6. Are coloured diamonds treated or enhanced?
Some are. Color treatments such as HPHT or irradiation are common and permanent. Certified grading reports always disclose whether a diamond’s color is natural or treated.
Q7. Which coloured diamond is best for everyday wear?
All coloured diamonds are suitable for daily wear due to their hardness. Yellow, brown, and lab grown coloured diamonds are popular choices for everyday jewelry because they balance durability and affordability.
Q8. Do coloured diamonds fade over time?
No. Natural and lab grown coloured diamonds retain their color permanently. Treated diamonds also maintain color under normal wear conditions.
Q9. Are coloured diamonds a good investment?
Rare natural fancy colors can hold or increase value over time. Lab grown coloured diamonds are best purchased for beauty and wear rather than resale or investment.
Q10. What metal works best with coloured diamonds?
Metal choice depends on color. Yellow gold enhances warm tones, white metals highlight cool colors like blue and green, and rose gold complements pink and champagne diamonds.
Q11. How are coloured diamonds graded?
They’re graded using three main factors, hue, tone, and saturation. Color intensity has the greatest impact on value.
Q12. Are coloured diamonds suitable for engagement rings?
Yes. Coloured diamond engagement rings are increasingly popular for their individuality and symbolism. They offer the same durability as traditional diamonds.