Fancy diamonds have been making waves in the jewelry world for several seasons now, but what exactly are they? To delve deeper into these natural marvels, we've sought the Michaud family's expert on the subject: Jean-Nicolas Michaud, GG gemmology expert. In this exclusive interview, Jean-Nicolas will unravel for us the mysteries surrounding fancy diamonds: Are they true diamonds? Just how rare are they? And what makes their colors so captivating? Join us as we embark on a journey into the enchanting realm of colored diamonds!
What do we call a fancy diamond?
A fancy diamond is a diamond that, unlike traditional diamonds, which are generally colourless, has a natural hue. These coloured diamonds are the result of exceptional geological conditions and are therefore extremely rare. Even more than their brilliance, it is their uniqueness and their palette of unique, vibrant colours that attract the attention of collectors and lovers of fine jewellery.
For the record, it wasn't until Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Lopez a 6.10-carats pink diamond engagement ring in 2002 that the public began to covet this type of diamond.
What different colors can fancy diamonds come in?
Fancy diamonds come in a multitude of fascinating colors. Among the most common are yellow, brown and pink. The rarest and most sought-after colors are blue, green and red.
Each stone has its own subtle nuances and intensities, making each fancy diamond a one-of-a-kind piece, as unique as the person wearing it.
What is the rarest colour for a diamond?
Of all the colours that diamonds can have, red is undeniably the rarest and most precious. The formation of a red diamond requires extremely specific geological conditions, which explains why they are so difficult to find. There are currently no more than a dozen red diamonds in the world over 1.00 carat!
The largest red diamond in the world is the "Moussaieff Red", a triangular-shaped diamond weighing 5.11 carats that was discovered in Brazil. Simply dazzling!
What gives fancy diamonds their colour?
Let's start by reminding ourselves that diamonds, whatever they may be, are a feat of nature. They are fractions of carbon which, over millions of years, under the combined action of pressure and extreme temperature, slowly crystallise until they become crystals as hard as they are translucent.
In the case of fancy diamonds, it is the impurities present in the environment in which the diamonds are formed that give them their marvellous colours. For example, the presence of nitrogen can give the stone a yellow hue, while boron can create a blue colour.
Are fancy diamonds more expensive than colourless/white diamonds?
Yes, fancy diamonds are generally more expensive than traditional diamonds for the simple reason that they are rarer. But the price also depends on other factors, such as the rarity of the colour, its intensity and its purity.
The popularity of fancy diamonds in recent years has further widened the price gap. At the same size, a colourless diamond of the highest quality will not match a bright pink or intense blue diamond.
How is the preciousness of a diamond measured? According to what criteria?
It is not very difficult to assess the preciousness of a diamond, whether it is colourless or fancy. You need to assess the "4Cs":
- Colour
- Clarity
- Cut
- Carat Weight
For fancy diamonds, the intensity and purity of the colour are crucial factors. A bright, uniform colour considerably increases the value of the stone.
Conclusion
At Michaud, we appreciate and celebrate those wonderful natural anomalies that transform an ordinary diamond into an exceptional work of art.
In our Verbier and Neuchâtel boutiques, our customers can discover the most exquisite fancy diamonds - diamonds whose natural colors are accentuated by elegant settings and exceptional craftsmanship
These truly unique jewels have been selected with the utmost care, ensuring that each piece meets our rigorous standards for quality and beauty. Thus, we are dedicated to offering unique masterpieces that showcase the inherent splendor of these exceptional diamonds, making them the perfect symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Credit: Jean-Nicolas Michaud, GG Gemology Expert