Words to Describe Color of Stones and Diamonds
January 29, 2013
The uniformity and beauty of the color of whether precious, semi-precious stones and diamonds is a primary determinate of quality and value. Color is graded on the strength of tone, with a stronger tone commanding a higher price. Color can vary sharply depending on the origins of the stone, and in turn affects its value.
Gem laboratories, jewelers, and manufacturers coined words to describe color of stones and diamonds. Such in the case of yellowish and brown diamonds, words like champagne, cinnamon, chocolate, honey, cognac, caramel, nutmeg, butterscotch, espresso, clove, gold, etc. sounded far better than “faint-color”, “yellowish” or “brown”.
Words and the color they denote are as follows: Ginger denoting yellow brown, Champagne is a golden yellow brown color, Cognac refers to yellowish brown, Gold refers to intense yellowish brown, Canary is just like a canary bird whose color is brown and yellow, Chocolates denotes dark brown, Chocolate orange is a dark orangy brown, and Olive which refers to brownish green.
Other words denoting colors include Cherry for red, Snow for opaque white (not clear), Bottle green denotes dark green, usually used to describe tourmaline, Grass green for green garnet or tsavorite, Ice blue which is a very light blue sapphire, Sky blue which is a bit darker than ice blue, Cornflower blue which is a deeper blue than sky blue, and so much more.
The term fancy is a deeply saturated stones and diamonds. True natural fancies are rare and expensive. The color of fancies are more deeply saturated colors, rather than faint or pastel shades. They derive their value from the quality of their color. GIA grades fancies using specific gemological language to describe tone, saturation and hue. It is possible to have a fancy diamond, but not every diamond has the color of a fancy. The GIA grading system ensures a precise color description.
Brown Diamonds and Their Importance in the Market
January 9, 2013
Brown diamonds are an acquired taste. Nevertheless, soon, they will become a required taste. Aesthetics has nothing to do with it. Fancy brown diamonds are the most competativly priced stone left in the diamond world. This colour diamond is about the same price as commercial-grade, 1-carat colourless diamond. Even though brown diamonds are so very rare, the consumer would fair far better financially and profit more by choosing a brown diamond over a very commercial white diamond.
It is important to note, however, that the one carat, fancy brown, round cut, with the clarity grading of VS1 has gone up in value by 20% over the past three years. It may even reach a 30% increase this year! That is one of the main reasons why this magnificent diamond has such an impact in the market recently. Not only that, but De Beers, the diamond giant, is mindful of the fact that fine browns have been attracting more attention, since they control most of the world’s diamond supply. This is another reason this diamond is definitely making its importance known.
The diamond industry in the recent times has become one of the largest and most profitable industrial sectors in the world investment market. Hence, diamond trading has become a profitable profession these days.
Diamonds are not as liquid as other kinds of investments, but in tough economic times, it is important to focus more on the preservation of capital and less on increasing financial gains. Fancy coloured diamonds offer a unique source of value for those who chose to invest in them.
Brown stones are categorized in three fancy colour designations: “fancy” (the colour of milk chocolate), “fancy light” (the colour of ginger ale), or “fancy dark” (the colour of dark coffee).
Brown diamonds are gaining popularity amongst women although they still have a preference for traditional whites and the beautifully elegant pink diamonds in today’s market. However browns have become more appealing to men, making them feel more comfortable about wearing diamonds. The colour guarantees a man can keep his ‘masculine image’, according to one dealer. He also states that browns are ideal for men.
The term “fancy” before “brown” helps to place the brown diamond in the fancy diamond league. The presence of a secondary colour, namely yellow or olighten only serves to increase their desirability.
Keep in mind that profitability of brown diamonds is on the increase today. This holds their importance in the market.
Understanding Coloured Stones and Colourless Diamonds
May 22, 2012
In recent decades, gemstones sales have been heavily tilted toward colourless diamonds. This phenomenon has created consumers and dealers who do not wholly understand the underlying points of value between different kinds of colours in stones. Understanding how coloured stones and colourless diamonds should be valued lead to effective marketing and eventually remarkable sale of coloured gemstones and natural coloured diamonds.
The basic framework for judging the value of colourless stones is known as the 4C’s. The 4C’s are Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity, which the latter refers to the stone’s brilliance. Taken to consideration this basic framework, a novice consumer can understand that the larger the carat, better the cut, cleaner the stone and more intense the colour, the more the stone is worth.
A carat is a type of measurement use to describe the mass or weight of a gem. As a general rule, the bigger the stones the more valuable it is than smaller ones.
The complexity of the cut does not affect the refractive beauty of colored stone in the same way that it will for a colourless diamond. In other words, a simple cut can showcase the high points of a coloured stone just as well as a complex cut as colored stones have their own natural glow known as luster or fire. In diamonds however, a higher number of facets will not influence the values of the stone, but may be a contributing factor for selling.
The uniformity and beauty of the colour is a primary factor of quality and value. Colour is graded on strength of tone, with a stronger tone commanding a higher price. An important factor of origin on color however affects the stone’s value. This criterion of origin is more important in rubies and sapphires than in natural coloured diamonds. Nevertheless, to be able to quickly and concisely explain the value points of a given colour and regional source is another contributing factor in influencing sales.
Clarity refers to the purity of the stone and the lack of inclusions. It is worth noting however, that inclusions in coloured stones can be measured by the naked eye, unlike with colourless diamonds which is measured at 10x magnification. In some stones however, inclusions may actually be highly valued depending on their shape and placement. A perfect example is a star shaped inclusion, known as asteria. This can actually enhance the value of some stones, especially sapphires and emeralds. These stones almost always have inclusions, especially in their larger form, that do not essentially devalue the stone.
Rarity and Availability of Gemstones and Coloured Diamonds
April 18, 2012
Due to marketing and trade patterns, there is a bit of competition between traditional gemstones and coloured diamonds.
Supply is definitely a factor. In one of the estimates, it is said that less than 2% of all gemstones are can be considered fancy coloured diamonds, while white and colourless diamonds are so common that they are considered mass market consumer goods. This is especially true among smaller carat sizes.
The rarity of fancy coloured diamonds allows for some of them to go for more than £100,000 per carat. In fact, at private invitation on auctions by some of the mines, bids of more than £200,000 have been reported for fancy pink and reddish coloured diamonds. It has been a passionate fight among connoisseurs for such stones as they are widely regarded as the non plus ultra of status symbols.
Top gemstones are sold at equally high amounts as well. Like in the case of rare rubies, especially Burmese stones of three carats and above will only be made available at specialty auction events with prices rivaling that of the pink diamonds.
As in the case of rare and truly real Kashmir sapphires, pegged at £100,000 per carat when they are available in the market at all. Tiffany and Christie auctions continue to push the mark higher for these stones whenever they appear. Even in the 2 – 10 carat range of brown and chocolate diamonds compete fiercely for the market share against emeralds and sapphires.
In the end, the ultimate winner is the consumer who has a unique piece of jewellery and the retailer who keeps a healthy mark up on the stones due to the lack of price list for direct comparison. Since coloured diamonds can’t be as exactly graded as expensive colourless diamonds, their value is more volatile.
The Investment Potential of Brown Diamonds
March 12, 2012
The Argyle mine in western Australia is one of the world’s largest suppliers of brown diamonds. They produce the highest amount of the extremely rare, varied tones of brown diamonds. With the Argyle mine scheduled for closure in 2018, the potential is huge for the increase in the value of browns. When the mine closes, the flow of brown diamonds will become a slow trickle in the marketplace, thus allowing investors to smile all the way to the nearest bank. Adding these beautiful stones to their portfolio shows great aptitude in terms of forward thinking and investment savvy.
Brown diamonds are known to have a slight tint of brownish body colour. In the lighter or darker shades of brown, they are quite stunning, especially if combined with white diamonds or other coloured diamonds placed within a gold setting. Even though brown diamonds are very rare, the brown colour group is usually less expensive than all the other coloured diamond groups.
One coloured-diamond specialist states, “Fancy brown diamonds are just about the only bargains left in the diamond kingdom.” But it’s a comparison few consumers ever get to make. When jewellers choose to showcase brown diamonds, they most often use a light cocoa or beige shade, which, if used in a yellow gold setting, will pass for white. This greatly lessens the cost.
At the beginning of the new millennium, jewellery designers began using the less expensive brown diamonds to bridge the gap between retailers’ perceptions and consumer purchases. They created experimental designs that showcased warm, gently subtle palettes that included the lighter brown diamonds and the darker-hued, higher-valued ‘chocolate’. These varied gems were only available to department stores and mass merchants but not any more, now have a strong presence in the high-end market.
The lighter and darker shades of brown diamonds present a wonderful kind of investment opportunity. For the past several years, celebrities have worn brown diamond jewellery to many of the entertainment world’s televised ceremonies. With all the media attention the gems have been receiving, consumer demand is on the rise.
“The connotation in the trade was that browns were no good,” said Robert May. “But the perception to the consumer was different. The perception was that they were valuable.” They most definitely are! Consider investing in these rare, beautiful brown diamonds!
How Fancy Colored Diamonds Are Graded
February 27, 2012
Fancy colored diamonds are graded face up, looking through the top of the diamond. The rules of the 4Cs might not work as well as one might think for the reason that colored diamonds are inherently “colored”. There are a number of factors related to hue and tone that go into the judgement of the stone’s value.
It is generally accepted fact about diamonds that the stronger the color, the more rare and therefore expensive the stone is perceived to be. The industry uses five levels of color strength rating : from the strongest Vivid, Fancy Intense, Fancy, Fancy Light and Light. In the case of brown diamonds however, Rio Tinto devised its own color-grading scale, ranging from C1 to C7, designated as “light champagne” to “cognac”.
The dominant color is the most notable color visible in the diamond. This will affect the price category of the stone. Within the strength of the color, there is also the issue of secondary tones. Some secondary shade is usually present for each color and this can enhance or degrade the uniqueness of the stone. The value of the secondary tone is depended on both the rarity of the tone and its perception in the eyes of the buyer.
The clarity of the stone and its color dramatically affect its value. Standard diamond grading system is used to identify the clarity of the stone. For large stones however, independent certification is often demanded by consumers.
The least quantifiable yet equally important of the color gradients is consumer perception as this gives the factor in final sales. Whatever the color of the stone, it must be treasured and valued by the consumer for business to take place.
The relative rarity of the stones also impacts color grading, as comparative samples are limited. Multiple methodologies can also be an issue. However, various gem laboratories of the word are working continually to eliminate variation in standards and values.
Natural versus Treated Diamonds
December 27, 2011
Natural color diamonds are exquisitely rare treasure, formed at high-pressure high-temperature conditions existing at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 120 mi) in the Earth’s mantle.Diamond is renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities, most of which originate from the strong covalent bonding between its atoms. It is considered to have the highest hardness and thermal conductivity of any bulk material, and it is because of those properties that diamond is determined as the major industrial application in cutting and polishing tools.
Natural color diamonds are valuable because every stone is one of a kind due to the presence of color in an entirely natural process. It is important to have the natural color diamond tested and issued a color diamond grade report by a reputable major gem laboratory to ensure the credibility and authenticity of the stone.
A report for a natural color diamond contains the word “Natural”, if the natural color diamond is determined to have not undergone any treatment or enhancement. If the laboratory cannot determine the natural color, the words “Undetermined” will appear on the grading report. A second analysis by another reputable source is therefore suggested. If the laboratory report indicates the word “Treated”, it means that some treatment or enhancement as applied to the jewel and this will significantly lessen the jewel’s market value.
Common known types of treatments include HPHT, combining high pressure and very high temperature. This can alter brown diamonds into yellow or even colorless stones. Laboratory reports would indicate “HPHT” as the “Treated” designation. Chemical Vapor Deposition or CVD produces brown, colorless, faint pink, blue and black. Lab reports will indicate “CVD”. Irradiation can cause a diamond’s color to change to include green, blue and black. Lab reports will show “Irradiated”. A thin layer of a colored material is deposited on the diamond in order to change its original color is known as Surface Coating. Lab report will indicate “Coated”.
It is recommended by authorized diamond organizations and experts to always seek for an independent lab report to ensure that exact origin of color of the stone. Treatments may sometime enhance the color of a stone, however they almost always decrease its value.
Investing in Natural Coloured Diamonds
November 19, 2011
Investing in natural coloured diamonds can be a boon in the booming business of coloured gems!
Coloured diamonds, in and of themselves, have become more and more popular over the past several years. They add understated elegance and class to any ensemble. They bring a bright sparkle of colour to the wearer when the clear beauty of the classic white diamond just isn’t enough.
It might be beneficial to know a few facts about why investing in coloured diamonds the last few years has increased:
Coloured diamonds are 10,000 times as rare as white diamonds. Buyer demand has increased due to the intrinsic and unique beauty of these rare stones. Because of the increase in consumer demand, the value of coloured diamonds has shown a steady price appreciation.
Diamonds are not as liquid as other kinds of investments, but in tough economic times, it is important to focus more on the preservation of capital and less on increasing financial gains and fancy coloured diamonds offer a unique source of value for those who chose to invest in them.
Investing in diamonds of any kind is considered a “passion investment.” In light of the recent financial crisis, high-net-worth individuals have been seeking out “more tangible assets that will hold their long-term value.” Because of this, watches, jewellery, and gems overtook “art” as the most important “passion investment” globally since 2009. Although the returns on diamonds has been lower than those on gold since 1999, both white and coloured diamonds have outperformed the stock market. The investment return on coloured diamonds was 2.9% between 1999 and 2010. Since 2003, returns increased to 5.5%. The nominal equivalent for coloured diamonds is 8%.
In the recent past, December 2008, to be exact, a greyish-blue Wittelsbach diamond, weighing 35.56 carats was sold at Sotheby’s in London for the astounding price of $24 million (USD). In November 2010, a pink rectangular diamond weighing 24.78 carats sold at Sotheby’s in Geneva for the record price of $45.75 million (USD). On December 7, 2010, at Christie’s New York auction, a purple-pink diamond of 6.89 carats was the top selling item for the unbelievable price of $6,914,500.00 (USD) or $1 million (USD) per carat.
The investment returns on these two diamonds by themselves are astounding! The most expensive coloured diamonds are red, blue, followed by green, pink, yellow, and brown. It is important to note, however, that the one carat, fancy brown, round cut, with the clarity grading of VS1 has recently gone up in value by 20% over the past three years, and may even reach a 30% increase this year! Round-shaped diamonds are the only ones that have perfect proportions defined. They set the standard for all other diamond shapes. That is one reason why this magnificent brown diamond has such an impact in the market recently.
These beautiful brown, 1-carat diamonds come with a Certificate of Authenticity and range in price somewhere between $3500 and $5000 (USD).
Investing in coloured diamonds is well-worth the time, guaranteed!