Coloured Diamonds

Despite the fact diamonds exist in over 300 different colours, white is by far the most common and preferred. Diamonds can be found in nature in any colour form with varying shades and hues, with it also being the hardest naturally occurring material.

With the vast majority of diamonds appearing white they can also be found as pink and blue stones which are thought of as being much more sort after and valuable colours. However red diamonds are the rarest colour of diamond, sourced from only a select few locations around the world. Other colours such as yellow, steel grey, purple, orange, green and blue are also existent and can be cut to the desired shape and size. Approximately 1 out of every 10,000 diamonds sourced is found to be coloured. Emphasizing the rarity of the different colours.

The colour of the diamond is dependent on physical factors, such as how the light reacts with the stones different carbon atoms. A pure white diamond has carbon atoms formed in a perfectly symmetrical tetrahedral shape, allowing for the diamond to be perceived as colourless. These perfectly formed diamonds are however non-existent due to the pressures the stone experiences whilst forming.

For the colour of the stone to change from white to pink for example, the stone is subject to a significantly larger amount of pressure under the earths surface. Although coloured diamonds exhibit the same chemical structure as white diamonds, they contain a larger amount of impurities and defects thus resulting in the change in colour. Coloured diamonds are classified as either Type 1 or Type 2, which is dependent on the presence and amount of nitrogen impurities the stone contains. Type 1 diamonds are accountable for 98% of all naturally occurring diamonds with Type 2 therefore making up 2%.

Here at Polished Diamonds we are able to access thousands of coloured diamonds and gemstones to suit your needs and preferences. All our diamonds are certified and conflict free and we are able to produce perfect ring designs incorporating these amazing and eye catching coloured diamonds. Contact our friendly staff to discuss how we can help.