Though color is just one of the 4Cs of diamond investment, the characteristic of color is the most important factor when it comes to evaluating natural fancy colored diamonds. The reason is in the name; Fancy Color Diamonds. The color is what sets these precious pieces apart from their colorless counterparts. Individuals seek out these stones specifically for their unusual and unique colors. The more visible and vibrant the color of the diamonds, the better and more valuable it usually is.
Unlike colorless stones where each of the basic four main characteristics is of equal value, the color, or color combination, in these diamonds plays an important role. This is because there are some colors that are rarer than others and thus retain far more value. Additionally, there are some extremely rare hues that are hard to come by and can fetch rather impressive sums. It is also important to discern between pure colors and combinations for the simple reason that the former could be much wiser investment opportunities. Although, within some specific color categories, such as a “Purplish Pink diamond” diamonds with more than one secondary colors can be just as valuable and rather pricey as well.
In order to make the right decision in terms of a color diamond’s color, it is imperative to be well informed with everything color related, from primary stone colors, to the various secondary color options, to the intensity levels, to where the diamonds stand on the investment scale. Here is a brief breakdown of everything you need to know about diamond color in natural fancy color diamonds.
Color Intensity
The color scale is far different in color diamonds than with colorless diamonds. Interestingly enough, the color scale begins where the colorless one ends. With colorless diamonds, the stones are graded from the letter D (the highest on the scale) all the way through to the letter Z. Color diamonds are each graded separately as no one color is better than another, just perhaps more valuable.
Each is also graded for its color intensity with the faintest of shades to the most intense. Another difference between the two grading systems is that every color category for color diamonds has different intensity levels. This means that all of the intensity levels do not exist for every color. For example, black diamonds are only found in one intensity level, Fancy Black. However, for many diamond colors the intensity levels are as follows, from lowest to highest: Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, and Fancy Deep, and Fancy Dark.
Primary Diamond Colors
There are color diamonds in every color of the rainbow, and more, but some are easier to obtain than others. These colors include pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, violet, brown, gray, black, and white. There are also diamonds that are known to change colors and these are called Chameleon diamonds. Often times, pure colors are desired for a diamond since, when the primary color stands on its own, it is more visible. However, this also depends on other elements such as color intensity, size, and shape.
Secondary Diamond Color Combinations
Since color diamonds are so rare, it is difficult to come across one with just a single color. More often than not a color diamond will possess several colors. The main color will be accompanied by one, two, or even three additional hues. A diamond categorized as a blue diamond may in fact be a blue diamond with a secondary gray tone. The same can be for a pink diamond which may contain a secondary brownish overtone. Color diamonds with colors combinations can be extraordinary as well as quite valuable, but generally most value is found with pure colors.
Color Diamonds as Investments
Color diamonds may have only recently entered the investment world but they are taking it by a storm. This is because the appreciation this commodity has seen over the past decade is unprecedented. Generally the stones that fetch the highest and most surprising sums are those of highly rare colors, sizes, and shapes. The size of the diamond is all relative to the color and intensity of the diamond. A Fancy Vivid Blue diamond less than half a carat in size could run into millions of dollars. A Fancy Intense Pink round diamond over five carats could bring in millions of dollars as well. On the other hand, a yellow diamond would have to be extremely large and unusual to bring in figures anywhere near the above numbers. Regardless of a color diamond’s color, shape, size, or quality, the bottom line is that due to the rarity of these stones in additions to the high demand, prices are soaring on a yearly, and an even more frequent basis. This makes color diamonds ideal investment opportunities. Though there are some colors that are wiser and more recommended to invest in than others, all color diamonds are wise as far as investments go.
Regardless of the purpose of your purchase, and especially in the event that the diamond is used for an investment, be sure to first speak with a professional. The diamonds that have demonstrated the most impressive numbers and are sought after by investors are pink diamonds, top quality yellow diamonds above 2.00-carats in size, and blue diamonds. When selecting a color diamond it is difficult to say without first assessing the stone, but in general go for the highest intensity your budget will allow, while still maintaining a decent clarity, size, and carat weight. If you cannot get a pure color, go with a color combination that showcases the colors well. There are so many options, but it is up to you to decide on the right color, based on your taste, and on your wallet.
This article was written by Benji Margolese, Marketing manager of Leibish & Co. Founded in 1979, Leibish & Co. is the world's premier online resource for natural fancy colored diamonds. Based in Ramat Gan, Israel, and with customers around the globe, Leibish enjoys an unparalleled reputation for integrity and service. The Company offers a wide array of GIA-certified colored stones as well as a unique collection of multi-colored diamond jewelry designed in-house such as fancy yellow diamonds. The Leibish & Co. website features a comprehensive knowledge center for the Fancy Colored Diamond Industry, including informative articles about diamonds as an investment and also offers a direct purchasing channel for global buyers.
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