pink diamond

pink diamonds – The professional and official guide

Pink Diamonds

Table Of Contents

Pink diamonds

The Rarity of Pink Diamonds

Only one in every ten thousand diamonds mined is a fancy colored diamond . This is described succinctly by the Gemological Institute of America thus; “Of the millions of diamonds mined each year, only 0.001 percent can qualify as fancy colored, and only a handful can achieve the top grades of intense and vivid”. 

What’s even more fascinating is that out of this rarefied species of colored diamonds, only a small handful is pink. In the realm of pink diamonds, the highest end of the spectrum is occupied by the glorious deep reds. Examples of red diamonds include the Hancock Red and the Moussaieff Red Diamond. Surely you would have heard about them, haven’t you?

Only about thirty red diamonds are thought to exist in the world, and they exist mostly in the portfolios of investors and serious diamond dealers. After all, they are prized possessions that are in high demand.

Pink diamonds are slightly more prevalent, and as well as being bought as a valuable addition to an investment portfolio, pink diamonds are much sought after by diamond enthusiasts around the world as a precious gift. This is because pink diamonds radiates loves and are a beautiful as well as meaningful symbol of devotion and caring. 

Pink diamonds may also have overtones of other colors due to trace elements such as hydrogen or nitrogen, creating such shades as the pink-purple diamonds. Pink diamonds are found in very few places in the world, with most of the world’s current supply being mined from a single mine in Australia.

Argyle pink diamond

Natural Pink Diamonds

Diamonds are classified by the Gemological Institute of America according to cut, color, size, and clarity. The clearest and the most colorless diamond will be the most valuable, dependent on it’s carat size. The most exclusive diamonds will be entirely free from any colors, while less expensive diamonds show a rather murky color. 

Now when this murky color gains pigmentation and can be recognized as a color such as pink, blue, green, or yellow, it starts to gain value again. These gems are then are described as natural fancy colored diamond. 

The most expensive diamonds are often natural fancy colored diamonds with uniquely deep hues and saturation of a particular color. These beautifully shaded sparklers command incredibly high prices, and of these, some of the rarest colors are the natural pink diamonds . 

Pink diamonds are found in all the shades of pink as well as pink stones with overturns of other hues such as brown or purple. Out of the pink diamonds with trace elements that cause a different colored shade to complement the pink, the most popular is the purplish-pink diamonds. 

Formation of Natural Pink Diamonds

Natural diamonds are formed by carbon deposits deep within the Earth’s crust under conditions of intense heat and pressure. They are composed of pure carbon and take millions of year to form. 

Most colored diamonds get their unique color due to the addition of some trace amounts of other elements into their atomic structure during the formative phase. For example, blue diamonds get their unique tone due to the addition of boron to the carbon atoms of the diamond. In contrast, yellow diamonds owe their glorious hue to the trace amounts of nitrogen, which is introduced to the carbon lattice structure during formation. 

Pink diamonds, however, get their beautiful pink glow without the addition of any impurities. It is speculated that stress and strain wrought during the formation process resulted in rough diamonds undergoing a structural mutation to create color centers within the rough diamond that give the warm pink color. Enormous pressure or seismic turbulence are other factors that may have caused pink diamond formation.

Hence the pink diamonds owe their unique color to an anomaly in the structuring of the carbon molecules within the diamonds. Moreover, studies show that the colored diamonds, including pink diamonds, have a more compressed structure as opposed to other natural diamonds. This indicates that colored diamonds experienced a unique level of pressure during the formative process. 

The Origin of Natural Pink Diamonds

Most of the world’s supply of natural diamonds originate from a few kimberlite diamond-bearing pipes. Kimberlite pipes are ancient volcanic pipes that, through the disruption caused by the movement of the Earths crust, pushed up the treasures of creation from deep within the bowels of the Earth. Thus precious rocks that were created millions of years ago reach near the surface from whence enterprising humans may seek to evacuate them. 

Pink diamonds have been found in India, Brazil, South America, Australia and Russia. In-fact alluvial deposits in Africa and the deep interiors of Brazil have yielded some significant naturally colored pink sparklers in recent time. 

Of all the colored diamond-bearing volcanic pipes, the most prolific and the most significant is the Argyle Mines. This has consistently produced a high volume of good quality colored stones. This a mine located on an olivine lamproite volcanic pipe near Lake Argyle in the region of Kimberly, Western Australia. It is the only commercially successful not-kimberlite volcanic pipe. 

It is owned by the Rio Tinto Group and opened its doors in the 1980s and since then has been responsible for 90 percent of the world’s supply of pink diamonds. It is also speculated that the distinctive bubble-gum pink color of the Argyle pink diamonds, as well as their smaller size, is due to the shorter creation process of a few hundred million years. 

Argyle diamond mines are slated to be closed in 2020, so this will be the last year of their exponential pink diamond production. With the demand and popularity of diamonds in no way decreasing among diamond connoisseurs, the closure of Argyle and the end to its steady supply of pink diamonds will mean that natural pink diamonds are going to see a sharp price increase shortly. There are currently no new mines or sources of a dependable supply of natural pink diamonds elsewhere in the world. 

 

The Exclusive Annual Argyle pink diamond tender

The most exquisite Argyle Pink Diamonds are showcased every year at the Argyle Diamond Tender. This is a moving showcase of that year’s pink and other unique diamonds from Argyle for the elite of the world. The rocks chosen to be displayed and sold through the tender are unique and awe-inspiring in their size, color, and clarity and are cut by world-renowned gemologists to reveal their inner glory. 

It is thought that there are less than 150 pink diamonds left to be extracted from the tunnels of the Argyle mine. If other pink diamonds exist in the mine, they are currently embedded too deep, and it is not cost-effective to extract them. The depletion of the Argyle mines means that the world will soon see a sharp downturn in an already limited supply. However, demand will continue unabated resulting in increasing prices. 

argyle diamond

Grading a Pink Diamond

Diamonds are graded on their cut, color, clarity, and size. They are graded on a scale of D to Z with D being the clearest, most colorless diamonds , commanding the highest prices. Diamonds become progressively less clear and less valuable as the scale progresses towards Z. 

When the diamonds gain a discernible color, they are known as fancy colored diamonds and start to increase value according to the intensity of the color. Colored diamonds are graded on a color scale by both the Gemological Institute of America and the Argyle Diamond Mines.

The Gemological Institute of America categorizes pink diamonds on a scale where the least color-saturated diamonds are rated as Faint or Very Light. The medium range of colors are described as Fancy Light or Fancy. Meanwhile, the deepest pink colors are described as Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid or Fancy Deep.

 Argyle mines have developed a separate scale to designate its world-renowned pink diamonds. This is a point scale that ranges from one to nine, where one is the deepest color saturation, and nine is the palest pink with the faintest hue.

Colored diamonds are described in three parts. First, the intensity of the color is described, such as Fancy Intense, then the secondary color or colors are defined like this; orangey-brownish, and finally, the primary color is described, for example, pink. 

Cutting a Pink Diamond

Colored diamonds are cut to different criteria as compared to colorless diamonds. When cutting a colored diamond, the purpose is to emphasize the radiance of its color rather than maximizing its clear cold brilliance. 

The clarity of a colored diamond is often not a focal point, and some shockingly valuable colored pink diamonds are not clear at all. Instead, the cut of colored pink diamonds is meant to enhance the intensity and vividness of color. 

While colorless diamonds are often cut in a round shape to flaunt their internal brilliance, colored diamonds are more often cut into fancy shapes. Fancy shapes are chosen as they hide flaws, downplay clarity and focus solely on the brightness of color. These include the princess cut, heart cut, radiant, cushion, triangle, and marquise cuts. 

pink diamond cut

Treated/Enhanced Pink Diamonds

Diamonds may be treated to sharpen their colors and enhance appearance while reducing any flaws or blemishes. There are many improving treatments for diamonds to maximize their color, brilliance, and shine. 

Color enhancement treatments usually involve irradiation, which improves the visible color. Radiation causes the surface of the diamond to frost over, and this has to be removed by polishing to reveal the true luster of the enhanced diamond underneath. 

Clarity enhancement involves laser drilling by which black carbon is removed from the diamond structure. A blemish and flaw reducing procedure is fracture filling, which decreases the visibility of internal cracks in diamonds. 

Synthetic Pink diamonds

Synthetic diamonds are reproduced in labs by diamond companies such as DeBeers, which recently started growing and selling lab-grown synthetic colored diamonds. These diamonds are identical to high-quality natural diamonds in every aspect of chemical and physical composition and optical viewpoint. Apart from a gem expert or knowledgeable diamond connoisseur, no one can tell the difference between a synthetic or a lab-grown diamond. 

The synthetic process takes place in a lab and involves processes that have been in existence since the 1940s. The process involves creating a rough diamond, usually light yellow in color, by replicating the natural circumstances that led to diamond formation. These are known as High-Temperature High-Pressure processes and Chemical Vapour Deposition. HPHT is a process whereby Highly advanced machines create conditions of high heat and pressure. 

The rough diamond that is subsequently created by CVD and HTHP processes is treated by neutron bombardment to create the pink color in the rough stone. The pink color of the diamond is homogenized by the annealing process by which heat is applied to the diamond. 

The diamond which is produced may range from the pale Fancy Faint Pink to the deeper hues and color saturation of Fancy Intense or Vivid Pink. No visual or chemical difference is present between these lab-created diamonds and their natural counterparts. However, the creation process does cause a difference in the retail price of synthetic versus natural diamonds.

Synthetic stones are more affordable than natural pinks being only a fraction of the cost of naturally occurring pink stones. They are a popular option for people who desire a pink diamond but cannot afford the astronomical prices of a natural pink jewel. Synthetic diamonds are also the option of choice for people who want environmentally friendly, ethically sourced, and conflict-free diamonds.

Synthetic pinks are often used in wedding and engagement jewelry as the beautiful color of these diamonds is much sought after. However, for diamond investors, naturally created rose shades are still a more viable option. Anyone buying a diamond should get it examined by a gem expert before buying, especially if it is purchased for investment purposes. 

Once pink diamonds were the exclusive domain of emperors and kings, sometimes unveiled for awestruck courtiers. The advent of synthetic gemstones means that the middle classes can see and own what was once the coveted treasure of kings and princes. 

 In the past, it was not just the prohibitive price that stopped people from buying a pink diamond. Even if people could afford the pricy pink diamonds, the scarcity of the pink gems meant that there were just no pink stones available to buy. With the advent of synthetic jewels, people who dream of pink diamonds can fulfill their yearning for the gorgeous jewel without facing bankruptcy.

Irradiation of Pink Diamonds

The University of Michigan produced the first irradiated green diamonds in its cyclotron. That was for purely experimental reasons, and irradiated diamonds were not created for commercial purposes till the 1950s. 

The advent of colored diamonds meant that many could now see rare colored diamonds for the first time. The increase in the supply of colored diamonds also meant that colored diamonds became something people could aspire to own instead of only dream from afar.

Irradiated diamonds enhance color and are created to meet the high demand for diamonds, which cannot be met by natural diamonds. An irradiated diamond today will have been exposed to extremely low amounts of electron bombardment. This electron irradiation occurs in a linear accelerator whereby thick outer layers of the diamonds are penetrated and treated with high heat for the creation of a uniform color. People have been using irradiated diamonds for decades without my adverse effects. In fact, irradiated diamonds are considered entirely safe for use.

Irradiation acts on the network of atoms and subatomic particles that form a diamonds color center. To get complete saturation with color, the irradiation is followed by applying heat of about 450 degrees Celsius or 850 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It is possible to separate irradiated diamonds from their natural counterparts with the use of instruments called spectroscopes. These show the different light absorption characteristics of diamonds. Irradiation is also identified by concentrations of color or bands or regions of uneven coloration. 

Experts may use these markers to differentiate irradiated and natural diamonds. These markers may be seen as a band of color that appears in a star-shaped pattern or as a blue, green, or yellowish band that parallels the diamond faceted shape.  

Irradiated diamonds are color-fast apart from under extremely high temperatures; for example, care should be taken when using a jewelers torch on irradiated diamonds as it can affect the color. 

Famous Pink Diamonds

One of the pinkest diamonds in human history is the Daria-i-Noor. This is a massive table cut light pink diamond weighing an astonishing 186 carats. It was taken from Iran and was the pride of many rulers until it was retrieved by the Iranian army in 1739 and returned to Iran. 

The 60-carat pink, brilliant-cut diamond known as the Noor-ul- Ain is believed to be cut from the same diamond mine as the Daria-i-Noor. It was the centrepiece of Empress Farah Shah Pahlavi’s wedding tiara. The Noor-ul-Ain is believed to be mined in the Kullur Mines near Golcanda. These mines supplied the Mughal Emperors with colored diamonds such as the Shah Jahan and the Daria-e-Noor which were gifted to rulers of Persia and beyond. 

More contemporary pink diamonds in the Western World include the fancy vivid oval cut diamond that was named the Steinmetz Pink. It was once owned and named after the Steinmetz Group. It was renamed twice for marketing purposes, once as the Pink Star and again as the Pink Dream. It was found in Southern Africa and weighs an enormous 59.60 carats. It is classified as internally flawless and is recognized as one of the most beautiful pink diamonds in the world. 

The Rose of Dubai is a pear-shaped fancy pink diamond with contemporary prestige. It was sold for six million dollars and weighs an impressive 25.03 carats. Even this glorious sparkler’s astonishing cost faded in comparison to the price commanded by the 24.78 carats Graff Pink Diamond. This gorgeous and hefty rock holds the distinction of being the most expensive pink diamond that was sold by auction. The Graff Pink is an intense pink diamond that was sold by auction at Sotheby’s for an eye-watering $46.16 million. 

The Pink Star was even pricier, being sold for sixty-three million after it was mined in South Africa. 

The Pink Diamond, owned by Queen Elizabeth of England, also has an interesting story. It was mined from the Williamson Diamond Mine in Mwadui, Tanzania, by a Canadian Geologist Dr. John Williamson. It was given to the Queen as a wedding gift in the form of a 54.5-carat rough un-cut stone. The stone was cut to a 23.6 carat round cut by Briefel and Lemer of London and set in a jonquil setting by Cartier’s Fredrick Mew. 

A gorgeous purplish pink 10.64 carat diamond was sold in Hong Kong last year by Sotheby’s for twenty million dollars, showing that people are willing to pay into the millions for this scarce natural stone. 

pink diamond ring

Demand for Pink Diamonds

Pink was always considered an auspicious color. In Elizabethan times pink represented happiness and delight, which has carried on to the contemporary link of the color pink with innocence, love, youth, and tenderness.

Nowadays, the demand for pink diamonds is fuelled by the exclusivity value of the valuable pink gems, as well as the fact that it is perceived as a symbol for romantic delight and feminine charm. Everyone who wishes to buy a meaningful token of affection that is coupled with the virtues of compassion, nurturing and love desires to give a romantic pink diamond to their loved one. The power and appeal of pink diamonds is such that one can woo away their significant other by gifting them pink diamond jewelry.

Not only are pink diamonds linked to many positive attributes, but they are also very durable and scratch resistance, making them an excellent option for wedding and engagement rings that will be worn daily. 

The demand for pink diamonds also continues to rise as more and more people strive for the prestige associated with owning a pink diamond.

All these factors make the pink diamonds a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings in the burgeoning markets of Asia. At the same time, it already a yearned for favorite in the more established markets of North America and Western Europe. 

Celebrity use and display of the pink stones always results in sharp spikes in its popularity. Celebrities that have been seen sporting their enormous pink diamonds include actress Blake Lively who was gifted a 12-carat pink diamond ring by then-fiance Ryan Reynolds. The ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz and was a customized yellow and rose gold design. 

Mariah Cary also has ownership of a 17-carat emerald cut pink diamond ring that was gifted to her by Nick Cannon. It is enclosed by two smaller brilliant-cut diamonds and two half-moon diamonds to give a stunning effect. 

Pink diamonds may sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the color, cut, and size of the stone. The most expensive among the pink diamonds have sold for millions of dollars. Don’t believe us? Well, then check it out for yourself.

When buying a diamond, which is particularly expensive or for investment purposes, always buy from an authentic seller and receive the Gemological Institutes of Americas Certificate of authenticity. You may also receive an Argyle Certificate of Origin if the diamond originated from the Australian mine. If you are buying a synthetic or color-treated diamond, the color treatment or enhancement method should be mentioned on your certificate of origin or authenticity. 

natural pink diamond

Increase in Prices of Pink Diamonds

The prices of pink diamonds have increased 122 percent in the ten years before 2017. The price hike in pink diamonds is even more spectacular, with pink diamonds growing in price by a whopping 180 percent in those ten years. The price has risen by an impressive 40 percent in just the last year. 

This price increase may be seen in the example of a 0.37-carat Fancy Intense Pink Round, which cost about 20,000 a few years ago. This kind of stone has increased in value to three times its price.

 

The price of a natural pink diamond depends on the size and color saturation, as well as on the elegance of cut. The price also depends on origin, as a certified Argyle Pink is more expensive than a stone from elsewhere. For example, a one carat fancy pink stone may have a retail price of $140000-180000, the same quality, cut, and carat size in a certified Argyle stone may cost up to $200000. 

Moreover, the natural stones with authenticity certificates from diamond mines are more expensive than synthetic or treated diamonds. For example, The Pink Rose, which is a gorgeous 4.04-carat lab-grown pink diamond, had a recent retailing price of one hundred and ten thousand dollars. In contrast, the same caret and intensity of a natural pink diamond have a retail price of 1.7 million dollars. 

most Amazing pink diamond

Conclusion

Like magpies, humans are attracted to shiny and sparkly gems. Humans though differentiate, choosing the most exclusive and the most scarce of beautiful stones to adorn themselves with. As one of the rarest stones in the world, a pink diamond, whether natural, color enhanced or synthetic holds immense value to those who long for pretty things. Ownership of a pink diamond also puts you in an exclusive company and allows a little of the prestige of royalty into your life. What’s more is that pink diamonds can be used in different types of jewelry, ranging from pendants, necklaces, engagement rings, and earrings. Plus, you can customize your jewelry according your personal preferences.

So, what are you waiting for?

Shop pink diamonds at Talore Diamonds online shop today and get the best highest quality diamonds at the best prices.

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