Coloured Diamonds

Deep in the earth under intense pressure and temperature, pure carbon crystallises and forms a diamond. The purity of the diamond is classed in one of four categories; type 1a, type 1b, type 2a, type 2b. Type 2a, being the purest of all and made up of only carbon atoms, make up only 2% of all mined diamonds.

As a perfect diamond is pure carbon, coloured diamonds are technically defects. A beautiful and rare colour is produced when the diamond's crystalline structure distorts either with the presence of another element or a change of condition such as temperature or pressure. Their rarity creates high demand and in turn a value that often exceeds that of a white diamond. The price of coloured diamonds can vary depending on whether they are of a white colour range (less expensive) or a fancy colour range (more expensive).

Pink Diamonds A colour usually presents with the addition of another element or the distortion of the diamond's structure. However, there is no evidence that this is the case for pink diamonds. Ultimately, there has been a change in the temperature and pressure in which the diamond rough is formed.

Argyle pink diamonds from the Australian mine are the most popular pink diamonds and supply the majority of the world. However, due to the closure of the premium mine, the rarity of Argyle pink diamonds have increased driving up prices. Although Argyle pink diamonds are renown, beautiful pink diamonds are also obtainable from other mines around the world such as Russia, Botswana, South Africa, and Brazil.

Red Diamonds The most striking of all coloured diamonds is also the rarest! Red diamonds are so rare in fact that there are only handfuls that are of gem quality. Like pink diamonds, red diamonds are an enigma. Coloured diamonds generally get their unique hue from a variation of chemical impurities, but this is not the case with red diamonds. Red diamonds are made of pure carbon, and it is speculated that the red originates from a distortion in its atomic structure. This mystery enhances the overall appeal of red diamonds.

Blue Diamonds With the addition of boron, a diamond exhibits a blue hue. Like all coloured diamonds, the intensity can range from light and pale, to deep and vivid. One of the only recognised sources of this incredibly rare diamond is the Australian mine. The Australian mine produces a unique hue as they not only have boron, but a trace amount of hydrogen, creating a highly sought after and inimitable cornflower blue hue. Yellow Diamonds The most common coloured diamond and often referred to as a canary diamond, is the beautiful yellow diamond. Yellow diamonds make up approximately 60% of coloured diamonds found across the world. This striking hue is the result of nitrogen present in the crystalline structure - a more intense and saturated colour is produced when more nitrogen is present. Yellow diamonds are the most affordable of the coloured diamond family.

Cognac & Champagne Diamonds Like yellow diamonds, cognac and champagne diamonds have nitrogen present which creates its unique colour. While this makes up most of the diamond's colour, the light absorbed through its distorted crystal lattice enhances this.

Cognac & Champagne Diamonds were originally called ‘brown diamonds’ and their demand was lower due to the high volume produced. The Australian mine found the true beauty of these diamonds and reintroduced them into the market as cognac and champagne.