Diamonds are not only a girl's best friend but can also be a great investment for the future. But if you're looking for something special to set your diamond apart from the rest, consider pink diamonds. These gorgeous stones come in various shades and sizes, making them perfect for any occasion. In this guide, we will explore the basics of pink diamonds, including their sources and characteristics, so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for one. Read on to learn more about these unique gems!
What are Pink Diamonds?
A pink diamond is a type of diamond that has undergone a process of irradiation and heat treatment to give it its characteristic pink colour. Most pink diamonds come from the Argyle mine in Western Australia, which produces over 90% of the world's supply.
These diamonds get their name from their distinctive hue, ranging from a light pink to a deep reddish pink. They are some of the rarest and most expensive diamonds worldwide, with prices often reaching tens of thousands of dollars per carat.
When shopping for a pink diamond, it is important to remember the Four Cs: colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The best way to find a high-quality pink diamond is to work with a reputable jeweller who can help you select a stone that meets your specific needs and budget.
The different shades of pink diamonds
The shades of pink diamonds are often referred to as "fancy" or "exotic". The most popular and well-known shade is "fuchsia," a pure, vivid pink. Other popular fancy pink diamond colours include:
- Bright Pink: This is the second most popular shade after fuchsia. Bright pinks have a slightly orange undertone and are less saturated than fuchsia diamonds.
- Champagne Pink: As the name suggests, champagne pink diamonds have a light brown or yellowish hue, giving them a vintage look. They are very rare and, therefore, very valuable.
- Rosy Pink: Rosy pink diamonds are similar to champagne pink diamonds but with a stronger pink hue. They are also quite rare.
How pink diamonds are graded
When it comes to diamonds, grading is everything. The 4 Cs – cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight – are the main factors that affect a diamond's value. And when it comes to pink diamonds, the grading system is even more important.
Experts use a combination of the 4 Cs and the GIA Pink Diamond Color Scale to grade pink diamonds. The GIA scale goes from Fancy Light Pink to Fancy Vivid Pink, with six grades in between.
Fancy Light Pink diamonds are the lightest shade of pink and usually have a slight brown or grey tint, making up about 20% of all pink diamonds.
Fancy Pink diamonds are a bit darker and more saturated than Fancy Light Pink diamonds, making up about 15% of all pink diamonds.
Fancy Intense Pink diamonds are intense and vibrant, with no brown or grey tones, making up about 10% of all pink diamonds.
Fancy Dark Pink diamonds are dark and deeply saturated, with no brown or grey tones, making up about 5% of all pink diamonds.
Fancy Vivid Pink diamonds are the rare and most expensive type of pink diamond. They're brilliantly coloured and make up less than 2% of all pink diamonds on the market today.
The history of pink diamonds
Pink diamonds are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. They get their colour from trace amounts of element impurities and were first discovered in India over 2,000 years ago.
Since then, pink diamonds have been treasured by royalty and the wealthy for their beauty and rarity. In the 1700s, French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier wrote about a 62-carat pink diamond owned by Persian ruler Shah Jahan that was later cut into the famous Pink Panther Diamond.
Today, most of the world's pink diamonds come from Australia's Argyle mine, which is scheduled to close in 2020. This has made pink diamonds even more rare and valuable, as supply decreases while demand remains high.
Buying guide for pink diamonds
When it comes to buying a pink diamond, it is important to keep in mind that each stone is unique. There are a few things to consider when making your purchase:
- Carat weight: This refers to the size of the diamond. The larger the carat weight, the more expensive the stone will be.
- Clarity: This refers to how many blemishes or inclusions are present on the surface of the diamond. A higher clarity means that the diamond is less likely to have these blemishes and, therefore, will be more expensive.
- Cut: This refers to how well the diamond has been cut and includes factors such as symmetry and brightness. A higher quality cut will result in a more brilliant stone and, therefore, will be more expensive.
- Colour: As pink diamonds are very rare, their colour is one of the most important factors when determining value. The deeper the hue of pink, the more valuable the diamond will be.
Pricing of pink diamonds
When it comes to the pricing of pink diamonds, many factors need to be taken into account. The first is the rarity of the diamond itself. Pink diamonds are among the rarest in the world, so they will always command a high price. The second factor is the size and quality of the diamond. The larger and better quality of the diamond, the more expensive it will be.
The third factor that affects pricing is whether or not the diamond has been treated. Some pink diamonds have been treated with chemicals or heat to enhance their colour, which can make them more expensive than untreated diamonds. Finally, the cut of the diamond also plays a role in its price. For example, a well-cut pink diamond will be more expensive than a poorly cut one.
Remember these factors when shopping for pink diamonds to get the best value for your money.
Famous pink diamonds
Pink diamonds are graded on a scale from Fancy Light Pink to Fancy Deep Pink, with the rarest and most valuable being at the deeper end of the spectrum. The colour is caused by trace amounts of element L-Series within the diamond structure, making them so sought-after.
Famous pink diamonds include the Graff Pink, which was sold for $46 million in 2010, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. Other well-known examples include the Williamson Pink Diamond (weighing just over 23 carats) and the Pink Star Diamond (weighing 59.60 carats).
Caring for your pink diamond jewellery
If you're lucky enough to own pink diamond jewellery, you'll want to take extra care of it. Here are some tips on how to care for your precious pieces:
- Store your pink diamond jewellery in a soft cloth pouch or box lined with soft fabric. Avoid storing them in hard metal or plastic containers, which can scratch the diamonds.
- Clean your pink diamond jewellery gently with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the diamonds.
- Have your jewellery professionally cleaned once a year. This will help keep the diamonds sparkling and ensure that any damage is caught early.
Conclusion
Ultimately, pink diamonds are a beautiful and unique natural gemstone that can add a spark of colour to any jewellery design. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring or want to treat yourself to something special, these diamonds offer unsurpassed luxury and elegance. With such great value for the money and their rarity, it's easy to see why so many people are ready to invest in this beautiful gem.
Browse our wide range of pink diamond jewellery online!