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What Does It Mean If He Proposes With A Pink Diamond? (Or Blue, Or Brown?)
AKA the ultimate guide to all things coloured natural diamonds…
A rare pink diamond can hold a world of meaning behind it...Pexels
If the image of a clear, crystallised translucent rock comes to your mind when we say “diamond”, you won’t be far off. A chemically pure and structurally diamond will fall into the box of the ideal colourless diamond that we’ve come to know and love. But what if you’re looking for more vibrancy when it comes to your diamonds?
When Jeff Bezos decided to pop the question to Lauren Sánchez in 2023, he found the perfect engagement ring in a 30-carat rare pink diamond set on a platinum band. Jennifer Lopez’s collection of engagement rings from marriages with Ben Affleck and Marc Anthony (and then Ben Affleck again) has all featured coloured natural diamonds.
But are they the real deal?
As it turns out, yes. They are the real deal.
Coloured natural diamonds are a rare and unique gift from naturePexels
Diamonds are made up of billions of carbon atoms; however if there are any intrusions from external elements into its crystal lattice, the colour of the diamond can change. “Unlike traditional white diamonds, coloured diamonds owe their hue to specific elements or impurities present in their crystal structure, making them a prized possession,” says Piyush Gupta, director at PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta.
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These fancy coloured diamonds can be a great addition to your jewellery collection, especially as each colour is supposed to represent a deeper meaning. Here’s a quick guide to all things coloured natural diamonds…
Everything To Know About Coloured Natural Diamonds
Where do coloured natural diamonds come from?
Like regular, crystal clear diamonds, coloured natural diamonds were formed between 900 million to 3.2 billion years ago under extreme heat and intense pressure below the Earth’s surface. Their beautiful imperfections that lend them their vibrant hue make them rare and precious gifts from nature.
“Coloured diamonds are having a moment, with hues like pink, yellow, and green capturing attention for their rarity and distinct charm,” says Leshna Shah, founder of Irasva Fine Jewellery. Some of the most popular Coloured natural diamonds are yellow, blue, green, pink, brown, black, and red diamonds. Within these colours, the diamonds can range between different concentrations of the hue or shade.
Coloured diamonds are formed when impurities are naturally introduced in their structure at the time of formationUnsplash
Since one coloured natural diamond is formed for 10,000 colourless one, they are considered to be extremely rare and precious. Some of the most famous diamonds in history are coloured ones. Take, for instance, the Hope Diamond. It’s rich blue-violet hue has mesmerized the world ever since it was discovered in the 17th century in the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India. It has made its way from the prized collection of France’s Louis XIV to famed American jeweller Harry Winston.
“The most valuable coloured diamonds are often those with deep, rich colours,” says Piyush Gupta, “The intensity and saturation of the colour play a big role in determining the diamond's value.”
What do the different coloured natural diamonds mean?
As Leshna Shah puts it, “Beyond their beauty, each shade tells a story.” So let’s decode what some of the most popular coloured natural diamonds signify…
Yellow Coloured Natural Diamond
Meaning: Happiness and optimism
A yellow diamond is one of the more common coloured natural diamondsTiffany & Co.
Also known as ‘Canary diamonds’, the yellow hue in this coloured diamond comes from trapped nitrogen within the crystal lattice. “They are more common than pinks but still hold exceptional value, especially when they have intense saturation,” says Leshna Shah. “Yellow diamonds are also having a major moment lately, thanks to A-listers and iconic celebrities wearing them at milestone events.” One of the most famous (and chic) fans of the coloured natural diamond is Victoria Beckham, who has an engagement ring featuring the stone.
Blue Coloured Natural Diamond
Meaning: Devotion and loyalty
The blue 'Hope Diamond' is one of the most famous diamonds in the worldWikimedia Commons
One of the rarest kinds of coloured natural diamonds found in the world, blue diamonds get their exceptional shade from boron that got trapped within their structure. It is believed that only one in 200,000 diamonds displays the hue. Aside from the world-renowned Hope Diamond, another famous blue coloured natural diamond could be found in the engagement ring that was given to Jennifer Lopez by her former husband Marc Anthony in 2004.
Green Coloured Natural Diamond
Meaning: Peace and stability
Green diamonds are very rare and the hue can be faint on the surfaceUnsplash
The green coloured diamonds get their hue from being exposed to natural radiation for thousands of years, Usually, the colour manifests as a very thin layer at the surface of the diamond. “True green diamonds with even saturation are incredibly rare and highly collectible,” says Leshna Shah. Jennifer Lopez clearly loves her coloured natural diamonds because when Ben Affleck proposed for a second time in 2022, he did so with a green coloured natural diamond.
Pink Coloured Natural Diamond
Meaning: Love and individuality
The source of the pink hue in this diamond has remained a mystery for scientistsPexels
One of the rarest in the lot, pink diamonds remain a mystery to geologists and scientists. The source of their beautiful hue is still not confirmed, with many experts attributing it to plastic deformation that diamonds usually undergo at the time of their formation. “Naturally occurring pink diamonds, like those from Argyle (mine in Australia), are incredibly scarce, making them a prized investment,” says Leshna Shah. The rare pink diamond engagement rings have found fans in celebrity couples like Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and (of course) Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. The Argo actor gave a 6.1-carat radiant-cut pink diamond engagement ring from Harry Winston to the pop star when he proposed back in 2002.
Brown Coloured Natural Diamond
Meaning: Simplicity and groundedness
Reportedly, Richard Burton gifted this brown diamond to Elizabeth Taylor in Africa, only for her to reject it and ask him to use the money to build a hospital instead!Christie's
Known by delicious sounding names like ‘coffee’, ’chocolate’, ‘champagne’, or ‘cognac’, the brown coloured natural diamond gets its hue thanks to nickel impurities. It’s also one of the most common coloured natural diamonds. They might not be as rare as the pink and blue diamonds, but they have been part of some of the most iconic jewellery moments in history. For their 10th anniversary, Hollywood actor Richard Burton gifted Elizabeth Taylor cognac diamond jewellery, which she wore at the 1974 Oscars. Scarlett Johansson’s engagement ring also features an 11-carat pear-cut light brown diamond.
Black Coloured Natural Diamond
Meaning: Strength and elegance
Camila Cabello opted for black diamond jewellery at the 2024 VMAsInstagram/Camila Cabello
The gorgeous dark diamond gets its distinct shade from dark inclusions in the form of graphite, pyrite or hematite at the time of its formation. Typically opaque, these are the toughest of all natural diamonds. Black coloured natural diamonds have been a part of some of the most iconic jewellery moments over the years. In the second Sex and the City movie, Big presents Carrie with a 5-carat black diamond ring to mark their renewed commitment to each other, famously revealing the reason behind the choice of diamond by saying, “because you’re not like anyone else”. The moody and dramatic diamond is also a red carpet favourite, case in point Beyoncé at the 2014 Met Gala, Lady Gaga at the 2018 Grammy Awards and Camila Cabello at the 2024 VMAs. “They are now also a favorite for those who wish to have something contemporary and unorthodox,” says Bhanu Jasti, founder of Ananth Diamonds.
Red Coloured Natural Diamond
Meaning: Passion and power
The DeYoung Red Diamond is said to be the third largest red diamond in the worldSmithsonian Museum
The red coloured natural diamond is the rarest and most expensive of them all. Like pink diamonds, the origins of its fiery hue are a mystery to scientists. Only 20-30 red diamonds are known to exist in the entire world, with most being less than half a carat in size. “These diamonds are very rare and are more likely to be collector's items. If at all you get to see one, it's sure to be a showpiece in any jewelry collection,” says Bhanu Jasti.
What to know before going for a coloured natural diamond?
If you want to eschew a classic colourless diamond in favour of a vibrant coloured one, here are a few things to keep in mind…
Coloured natural diamonds are a popular choice for engagement ringsPexels
Understanding the rarity of the diamond
The rarer the colour, the more valuable the diamond. “Coloured diamonds can be significantly more expensive than white diamonds, depending on the rarity of their colour and origin,” says Piyush Gupta. “For example, pink diamonds from the Argyle Mine in Australia are particularly valuable and sought-after, often due to their limited supply.”
Natural Vs Treated
While the hue of the coloured diamond presents naturally, sometimes it's treated to make it more vibrant. “Naturally coloured diamonds are generally more expensive, but treated ones can be a budget-friendly option,” says Bhanu Jasti.
Don’t forget the 4Cs
“While the traditional 4 Cs—Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat—apply to all diamonds, coloured diamonds focus more on the colour and saturation aspects,” says Piyush Gupta. “A diamond's colour will be graded on a scale that measures the depth and intensity of its hue. The richer the colour, the higher the value.”
The choice of setting
According to Leshna Shah, the setting of the jewellery can make a world of difference when going for a coloured natural diamond. “For instance, rose gold complements pink diamonds, while yellow gold intensifies a yellow diamond’s glow,” she says.
Certification matters
Last, but definitely not least, is the certification of the diamond. “When purchasing coloured diamonds, ensure they come with proper certification from reputable gemological laboratories,” advises Piyush Gupta. “This will verify their authenticity, colour grade, and overall quality, giving you peace of mind about your investment.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are coloured diamonds real?
Yes, coloured natural diamonds are real diamonds. The unique colour is a result of natural impurities that get introduced into the structure of the diamond when it’s being formed.
Can coloured natural diamonds be used in engagement rings?
Coloured natural diamonds are very popular when it comes to engagement rings. Many famous celebrity rings have featured coloured stones, including Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s pink diamond engagement ring or the green diamond engagement ring gifted to Jennifer Lopez by Ben Affleck.
Are coloured natural diamonds more expensive than colourless diamonds?
Yes. Coloured natural diamonds can be more expensive than colourless diamonds, especially if the colour is rare, like pink or blue.
What to keep in mind before buying a coloured natural diamond?
There are several factors to consider before going for a coloured natural diamond. These include how rare the colour is, its certification, the colour grading, the setting, and whether it's completely natural or treated.
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