Fancy color diamonds are diamonds that exhibit a distinct and noticeable color, going beyond the typical D-to-Z color grading scale:
- What are Fancy Color Diamonds? These diamonds display a wide range of captivating colors, including yellow, pink, blue, green, red, purple, orange, and brown. The color must be strong enough to be considered “fancy.”
- Grading Fancy Colors: A Measure of Intensity: The intensity of the color is a key factor in determining a fancy color diamond’s value. The grading scale ranges from Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, to Fancy Vivid or Fancy Deep.
- Causes of Color: Nature’s Alchemic Touch: The different colors in fancy color diamonds are caused by various trace elements and structural defects in the diamond’s carbon lattice:
o Nitrogen: Causes yellow and brown diamonds.
o Boron: Causes blue diamonds.
o Irradiation: Causes green diamonds.
o Structural Defects: Can cause pink and red diamonds. - Rarity and Value: A Confluence of Factors: Fancy color diamonds are exceptionally rare.
- Famous Fancy Color Diamonds: Icons of Beauty and History: Some of the most famous diamonds in the world are fancy colored, including:
o The Hope Diamond (a stunning deep blue diamond).
o The Moussaieff Red Diamond (the largest known red diamond).
o The Oppenheimer Blue (a vivid blue diamond).
o The Argyle Pink Diamonds (prized for their intense pink hues).