Why do diamonds come in various colors? What are the secrets behind the colors of diamonds, their prices, and the meanings of each color? Let’s find out.

Many people may be familiar with white diamonds, or what we often refer to as colorless diamonds. However, diamonds are not just white; they come in a variety of beautiful and rare colors. So, how do the different colors of diamonds compare? Besides white diamonds, what other colors are popular and equally valuable? Today, we have some interesting information to share!

What causes the different colors of diamonds?

The color of diamonds is the result of a complex combination of natural factors, such as impurities, radiation, and changes in the crystal structure of the diamond.

How many types of diamond colors are there?

1. White or Colorless DiamondsColorless diamonds are considered the purest type and are the rarest compared to other diamonds. The level of colorlessness ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (very light yellow). Even a slight hint of color can reduce a diamond’s value.

2. Pink DiamondsPink diamonds are formed by intense pressure and high temperatures that alter the atomic structure. The more intense the pink color, the higher the price, often up to 20 times more expensive than colorless diamonds. A 1-carat pink diamond can cost between $100,000 to $1,000,000. After the Argyle mine in Australia closed in 2020, Angola remains one of the main sources, with only about 500 pink diamonds left globally. Pink diamonds are also 3-4 times harder to cut than white diamonds due to their complex structure.

3. Orange DiamondsOrange diamonds are created due to nitrogen in the carbon structure. The more nitrogen, the deeper the orange color. Most orange diamonds weigh less than 6 carats. The purest form of orange diamonds is called Pumpkin Diamonds, while pinkish-orange ones are called Pinkish Orange. The primary source of orange diamonds is the Argyle mine in Australia. Although not as rare as pink diamonds, their vibrant color makes them popular, but they are also one of the most counterfeited diamonds.

4. Black DiamondsBlack diamonds are formed through a polycrystalline structure, consisting of many small black crystals bonded together, making them extremely hard (rated 10 on the Mohs scale) and harder to cut than other diamonds. Black diamonds are priced lower than white diamonds due to less market demand, as black is often considered a symbol of misfortune, and they do not reflect light as well. Black diamonds are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic.

5. Purple DiamondsPurple diamonds are caused by several factors, including a small amount of hydrogen, crystal structure abnormalities, or high pressure during formation. They are primarily found in Canada, Australia, Russia, and Siberia. Over the past 32 years, only 12 carats of purple diamonds have been discovered, with popular shades including lavender, lilac, and plum. While purple diamonds are more accessible than red or pink ones, their popularity increased after the closure of the Argyle mine in 2020.

6. Yellow DiamondsYellow diamonds are the most common colored diamonds, formed due to nitrogen during natural diamond formation. Major sources are Australia, Brazil, and Central Africa. Even though they are more common, yellow diamonds are still rare compared to white ones, with only 100 yellow carats found in every million carats of white diamonds. Yellow diamonds make up about 60% of all colored diamonds, with varying tones like orange-yellow, greenish-yellow, and brownish-yellow. Their price increases with the color's intensity.

How to tell if a diamond is real

• Weigh itWhen comparing real diamonds of the same weight, they will be very close in weight. Fake diamonds, however, are about 50% heavier than real ones.

• Look with your eyesPlace the diamond face down on paper; if you can't see the letters beneath it, it's likely a real diamond with single refraction. Fake diamonds will show the letters clearly due to double refraction.

• Breath on the diamondIf the fog from your breath disappears in seconds, it’s a real diamond, which conducts heat well. Fake diamonds take longer for the fog to clear.

• Light reflectionIf the diamond reflects a combination of gray and rainbow light, it’s likely real with high light dispersion. Fake diamonds do not reflect light as brilliantly.

• Use a magnifying glassReal diamonds have sharp facets and fine craftsmanship, while fake ones will have dull edges and scratches.