You have or are considering a colored diamond — brown, blue, yellow, red, black, or another color. You've heard that colored diamonds are rare and valuable — but also that some are treated and worth much less. You don't know what determines value.
Colored diamonds are rare. The rarer the color, the more valuable.
"Does your diamond have a GIA certificate that identifies its color as natural — and if not, are you assuming based on appearance?"
If you believe you have a valuable colored diamond, get a GIA certificate that identifies the color origin (natural vs. treated) and intensity grade. Until then, treat value assumptions cautiously.
Most brown diamonds are modestly priced — often less expensive than equivalent white diamonds. They are the most common fancy color. However, extremely rare Argyle champagne and cognac diamonds from Australia's now-closed Argyle mine can command premium prices. A GIA certificate is essential to distinguish common brown from collectible brown.
Extremely rare. Natural blue diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable of all colored diamonds — especially in larger sizes and stronger color intensities. Most blue diamonds on the market are treated (irradiated) to produce the blue color. Only a GIA certificate can confirm natural origin.
Yes. Natural black diamonds are real diamonds with dense inclusions that give them their opaque black color. They are more common and less expensive than colorless or rare colored diamonds. Most black diamonds in jewelry are treated to enhance the color. Black diamonds have become popular for contemporary jewelry but do not command premium prices.
