Finding someone who can withstand colored diamonds' allure, especially those with vibrant hues, is difficult. Keep in mind that all the hues of the rainbow are accessible in natural fancy colored diamonds. Blue diamonds are among the most sought-after choices among them. These blue beauties' scarcity and beauty contribute to their appeal. Most famous diamonds throughout history have been blue, including the Hope diamond, the Heart of Eternity, the Blue Moon, etc. The finest beauty and mystery surround these stunning stones. 

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The qualities of elegance, monarchy, distinction, and mystery are frequently connected with Blue Diamonds. Additionally, blue diamond rings will be quite pricey due to their scarcity. However, if you want to obtain the greatest deal, you can decide to purchase diamonds online. Make sure you purchase from a reputable internet diamond retailer to avoid being duped or taken advantage of. Before purchasing, remember that you should be well-versed in Blue Diamonds. You will likely be purchasing of a lifetime, after all. 

What is Blue Diamond?

Blue Diamonds are among the most expensive and rarest fancy colored diamonds, representing distinction and refinement like great art. Consumers may have high expectations for deep Blue Diamonds even though many of the diamonds fall into the light grey, green-blue, or fancy light blue color categories.

Blue Diamonds, especially those with deeper and more brilliant blue tones, are reportedly quite difficult to find these days, according to several jewelers. Due to the rarity, prices are high; a 0.16 carat fancy bright blue diamond costs $35,000, while a 0.67 carat fancy deep blue diamond costs $266,000. Fortunately, there are gorgeous alternatives available that are equally lovely and far less expensive.

Due to their rarity, high price, and rising demand, Natural Blue Diamonds are among the most costly and rare fancy colored diamonds. In addition to being enigmatic and stunning stones, Blue Diamonds have recently gained popularity among investors and collectors who wish to acquire these natural wonders and profit from them. Blue diamond prices climb annually in record-breaking increments.

The impurities that form during the diamonds' natural formation process give Blue Diamonds their hue, like other fancy colored diamonds. The interaction of boron molecules inside the framework of the pure carbon crystal produces the blue hue. As a result, the diamond reflects blue light while absorbing yellow light. The tone and intensity of the blue colors, which range from the fascinating blue color of delicate sky hues to deep and dark ocean shades, are directly influenced by the concentration of boron molecules in the diamond.

A genuine, naturally occurring diamond with a vivid blue tone is known as a blue diamond. The traces of boron in the pure diamond's carbon structure give the blue diamond its hue. Diamonds may absorb yellow light and reflect blue light in various colors due to the abundance of boron molecules in their structure.

Natural blue diamonds come in various shades, from light blue and gentle sky tones to more vivid, deep ocean blue shades. However, you could still see a blue diamond with secondary colors like violet, green, or gray. You should be aware that these gemstones' blue coloration results from naturally occurring processes deep inside the earth, not color enhancement or color treatment.

A blue diamond is a genuine, natural diamond that has a distinct blue tone because of the presence of boron in the carbon structure of the diamond. The color of blue diamonds can range from pale blue to deep blue, and they frequently have a secondary tint like violet, gray, or green. Blue diamonds are discovered below the earth's surface with their original blue color; they are not altered or colored to be blue.

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Natural blue diamonds are not to be confused with sapphires. Despite having the same hue, each gemstone is fundamentally distinct. Sapphires are jewels that belong to the corundum family, unlike blue diamonds. They often have minor amounts of copper, magnesium, titanium, iron, and chromium.

Only 0.02% of all diamonds produced are naturally blue, making them incredibly uncommon. Only three mines in the world have these stones: the Argyle mine in Australia, the Golconda mine in India, and the Cullinan mine in South Africa.

Only a few mines in the world—the Goloconda mine in India, the Argyle Mine in Australia, and the Cullinan mine in South Africa—are known to contain blue diamonds. The price of a blue diamond depends on its carat weight and degree of blue tint. Due to their scarcity, blue diamonds typically cost more than white diamonds and other fancy colored diamonds.

How Blue Diamonds Acquired its Color

The inclusion of different minerals in diamonds' atomic structure is primarily responsible for giving them their color. The presence of boron atoms during the production of Blue Diamonds is responsible for their stunning hue. Be aware that just 0.001% of the boron minerals are found in the planet's crust. The scarcity of Blue Diamonds is due to this. Notably, the quantity of boron atoms in blue diamond tends to increase the intensity of the stone. Dark Blue Diamonds will be more expensive. Some Blue Diamonds could also have secondary colors like grey.

As a result of the irradiation procedure and the presence of nitrogen impurities in the stone's structure, greenish Blue Diamonds are produced. Similarly, Blue Diamonds have a grey undertone due to hydrogen atoms. There are many other cuts of Blue Diamonds available on the market, but the emerald cut is quite popular with these stones. You won't have any trouble locating a blue emerald cut diamond.

Blue Diamonds naturally develop beneath the earth's surface after billions of years. The blue tint of these diamonds is natural; it hasn't been boosted or color-treated in any way. The blue diamond's captivating hue results from minute amounts of boron in its carbon structure. Despite frequent confusion, sapphires and Blue Diamonds are completely separate gemstones. Sapphires are a kind of corundum with minute amounts of copper, chromium, iron, and titanium.

Diamonds having a blue body hue are known as Blue Diamonds. Natural Blue Diamonds are rare and typically have relatively few mineral inclusions. They are exceptionally expensive diamonds because of their unusual hue and superb clarity. The few mines that generate blue diamonds typically only yield a few of them each year. The diamond crystal lattice's tiny levels of boron are often responsible for its blue tint.

A color-treated diamond is a well-liked and more cost-effective approach to getting the sought Blue Diamond. Many diamonds require color improvement or treatment to get a more appealing hue. Irradiation is a procedure that modifies the stone's structure and alters its color. A different procedure called HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) "fixes" defective stones by enhancing the hues. Another procedure involves applying a thin layer of color to the stone to modify the hue and give it the appearance of more intense and rich color.

It's crucial to remember that some colored diamonds (especially those coated with diamonds) may fade or change color over time. Although it's not always the case, make important to find out how the stone has been treated and what guarantees are available. Most essential, check the diamond grading certificate to ensure you aren't being paid for a natural blue diamond when it is a diamond that has been given a color enhancement.

How Blue Diamonds Are Made

A rare and expensive Blue Diamond results from millions of years of natural occurrence. Boron residues become lodged in the crystal lattice of the diamond as it develops deep within the earth. Boron may reflect blue hues while also reflecting yellow light.

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Each diamond has a distinct color different from every other diamond. Consequently, we have steel blue diamonds representing the deep blue sea, light blue diamonds resembling the pure sky, and so on. Gemologists give blue diamonds unique names based on their color. As a result, we have baby blue diamonds, royal blue diamonds, navy blue diamonds, and midnight diamonds.

Two of the most popular techniques for producing colored diamonds are as follows:

1. High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): To mimic the natural process of forming a diamond deep under the ground, colorless diamonds are subjected to high temperatures and pressures. A colorless diamond changes when subjected to high pressure and temperature in a lab. The stone is polished after the color has been altered. Although the process just takes a few hours, it may be used to produce diamonds in various colors, including blue.

2. Irradiation is the process of exposing a diamond to high-energy particles that move the carbon atoms in the diamond. The diamond's hue also varies due to these modifications to its physical characteristics. The diamond is heated after obtaining the correct color. This artificial process for producing colored diamonds is secure and long-lasting.

Several Types of Blue Diamonds

Type IIb diamonds, the bulk of which are blue, make up just 0.1% of all colored diamonds. However, a spectrum exists within blue diamonds. Their hues range from light to vivid, deep blue. Most diamonds contain a secondary tint that likewise alters their appearance, making them appear more, for instance, gray or green. Depending on the intensity of the color, blue diamonds can be categorized as light blue gemstones, intense blue gemstones, or jewels that combine two colors, like blue and purple. The stone's hue and individuality come from its secondary colors. A stone is bound to be a stunning, precious treasure wherever it appears on the blue diamond color chart.

Blue diamonds are categorized as Fancy Color Diamonds, the label given to vibrant-colored diamonds. A blue diamond's 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) determine its value, with Color Intensity being the most crucial element.

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The Okavango Blue

The "Okavango Blue," a 20.46-carat blue diamond, was presented by the Botswana government's wholly-owned Okavango Diamond Company in April 2019. The stone was given a Fancy Deep blue color grade and a VVS clarity grade by the Gemological Institute of America.

There aren't many nicer blue diamonds than this. The Okavango Blue was created from a raw diamond found in the Orapa Mine in Botswana, weighing 41.11 carats. According to the area, the Orapa Mine is the biggest open-pit diamond mine in the world. It is owned by Debswana, a partnership between the Botswana government and De Beers.

The Hope Diamond

The Smithsonian Institution owns the Hope Diamond; a 45.52-carat ancient cushion cut Fancy Dark grayish blue diamond. Since 1958, it has been part of their collection and on virtually constant public display. According to estimates, it is worth between $200 and $250 million. The Smithsonian's main draw has always been the diamond. It is also the Smithsonian's gem collection's most visited exhibit. The Hope Diamond is the most well-known diamond ever due to this fame and a colorful past dating back to 1653.

In addition to being the most well-known blue diamond, the Hope Diamond is one of the most legendary gems in the entire globe. The Hope Diamond has a stunning dark grayish-blue hue and a mind-blowing weight of 45.52 carats. At the moment, it is housed at the Smithsonian.

Blue Moon of Josephine

A 12.03-carat, cushion-shaped, fancy vivid blue diamond, The Blue Moon of Josephine. It sold for $48.4 million at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong in 2015. It was crafted using raw material discovered in 2014 at the Cullinan Mine in South Africa. According to David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby's international jewelry section, the Blue Moon auction set several records. It was "the most costly gem ever sold at auction and the most expensive diamond, regardless of color."

Levels of Intensity for Blue Diamond

The color intensity level of a diamond describes the strength of its color. Different intensity levels are used to evaluate each fancy diamond. The various grades for blue diamonds include Faint Blue, Very Light Blue, Light Blue, Fancy Light Blue, Fancy Blue, Fancy Intense Blue, Fancy Deep Blue, and Fancy Vivid Blue. If a secondary color is present, Fancy Dark is another option. Although every blue diamond is prized for its rarity, pure colors—those without a secondary modifier—are much more exceptional. However, it may be difficult to find pure blues, and certain color combinations are lovely. The most frequent secondary colors for blue diamonds are gray-blue and green-blue. However, several color combinations may be used. Leibish & Co.'s 0.46-carat fancy gray-blue diamond illustrates a stunning stone with a changing hue. Even such stones are regarded as extraordinary.

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Blue Diamond Treatment

Two ways to improve the blue diamond may be found at Shop LC. They could be exposed to radiation, which modifies the stone's crystal structure and yields the alluring blue we all like. Additionally, they might be treated with high pressure and high temperature (HPHT). It helps to brighten the color of the diamond and imitates the natural processes that produced these stones. This guarantees you will receive magnificent blue gemstones at a price you'll love. If the gemstone is maintained with the prescribed cleaning and care, the treatments given to these specimens are stable.

Caring for Blue Diamond

Diamonds are incredibly durable for daily use and rate 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. They also have good toughness. While they make wonderful companions, beautiful gemstone jewelry must be taken care of if you want it to live long. The safest ways to clean most jewelry are with a soft toothbrush and warm, soapy water, a dental hygiene machine with pulsed water, and a soft, lint-free cloth. It is preferable to avoid using ultrasonic and steam cleaners on treated diamonds since they can harm them. 

To keep diamond jewelry secure, it is necessary to clean it properly. Due to its hardness, keeping diamond jewelry with other jewelry in the same box or bag might result in scratches and damage. As a result, to retain its shine, diamond jewelry should always be stored apart from other items, preferably in a bag or velvet-lined jewelry box.

The Shade of Natural Fancy Blue Diamonds

Blue is thought to be the rarest color in the world of fancy-colored diamonds, impacting the price bracket it falls within. The diamond's primary and dominating color, in this case, blue, is represented by the word hue. This value will be noted on the official certificate, sometimes by itself and in conjunction with one or two secondary colors present in the diamond but to a lower degree. The dominant hue will show up last when there are many hues.

The tone represents how light enters a fancy-colored diamond and how that light affects the primary hue. Very light, Light, Medium light, Medium, Medium Dark, Dark, and Very dark are the different tonal categories. Blue diamonds exhibit their highest saturation level in a medium to dark tones. The power and intensity of color are shown by its saturation. The rarity of a diamond increases with color intensity and vibrancy. And as a result, the price rises. Compared to other fancy colored diamonds, the intensity range of blue diamonds is very small, although the tone range is rather large.

The Effect of Hues on the Pricing of Blue Diamonds

Secondary hues, also known as overtones or modifying colors, are impurities present in diamonds but to a lesser degree than the primary hue that defines the diamond's color. The diamond may occasionally even have two auxiliary colors. The hue is written close to the dominant color in the certificate, which shows the impact of changing colors on the diamond's color definition. The first requirement is that the primary hue is always stated after the subsidiary hues.

The second criterion is that the overtones be listed to indicate their dominance. For instance, Greenish denotes the presence of a relatively low concentration of Green, whereas Green denotes the presence of a larger concentration of Green, but one that is still below that of the primary hue. Secondary hues are frequently present in naturally occurring loose blue diamonds, and the rarity of the overtone about the primary hue determines the price of the diamond. Because of its relative availability in comparison to the rare blue color, a secondary gray hue, for instance, will drive down the cost of a blue diamond, whereas a rare and valuable hue like violet will increase it.

How Much Does a Blue Diamond Cost?

The four primary factors, or the "4Cs," are used to grade diamonds, whether they are colorless or fancy colored.

The Cut

The diamond cut is an important consideration when determining the value of rare and organic stones like blue diamonds. The best cuts for blue diamonds are those that bring out their color. A genuine blue diamond costs more per carat the more evenly dispersed the blue color is. The cut's size and shape also significantly impact how a blue diamond seems to be colored. It is well known that fancy diamond shapes may heighten the blue hue and increase the price. Blue diamonds can thus be cut into heart, pear, oval, or trillion shapes.

Even blue diamonds may have their hue affected by the cut, which is true of all colored gemstones. Like the clarity, white diamonds are cut to have greater brightness and fire than blue diamonds. Hence the cut is more important in white diamonds. It is advised to place the intensity of the blue diamond's color as the primary consideration and brilliance and fire as secondary qualities. Even the most traditionally crafted gemstone jewelry can benefit from the contemporary edge that a blue diamond adds.

The Carat Weight

Given the extreme rarity of genuine blue diamonds, their price per carat will skyrocket for bigger stones. You could have to fork up a six-figure sum for a one-carat natural stone with a bright blue hue. In general, blue diamonds, in their natural state, are prized. For instance, blue emerald-cut engagement rings and bands with round blue diamonds are extremely costly and difficult to locate. Because of this, these stones aren't utilized in common jewelry and are a favored choice for vintage items like antique engagement rings.

They may also be used to make necklaces and earrings. A large number of customers have placed orders for earrings with blue diamonds. Finding two blue diamonds of comparable size for earrings is difficult, which is the dilemma. You'll need to uncover an authority source with contacts abroad to obtain the ideal size and intensity for your blue diamond earrings. It won't be easy to search every jewelry store on your own without an expert. Additionally, it's not always easy to locate the greatest blue diamond at the proper price.

The Color

The color intensity level measures the strength of a diamond's color. According to the GIA, hue, saturation, and tone are the three elements that make up a diamond's real color. The word "hue" is used to define the main color of a diamond, in this case, blue. The dominant color will appear last on the official certificate if there are several colors. The principal hue of a fancy-colored diamond is affected by how much light can penetrate the stone, represented by the tone. The degrees of tone for blue diamonds include Faint Blue, Very Light Blue, Light Blue, Fancy Light Blue, Fancy Blue, Fancy Intense Blue, Fancy Deep Blue, and Fancy Vivid Blue.

Saturation is a measure of a color's strength and intensity. The rarity of a gemstone increases with color intensity and vibrancy. As a result, the cost increases. Blue diamonds have a wider range of tones than other fancy colored diamonds but a relatively small intensity range.

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Without a secondary modifier, a pure blue diamond is more difficult to find and hence more expensive. Some hue pairings, like green-blue and gray-blue, are magnificent, though. For instance, consider how stunning this 0.46 Carat Fancy Gray Blue diamond seems.

In a nutshell, the absence of a secondary hue makes a pure blue diamond the most desirable and precious. However, compared to a gray-blue or green-blue diamond with a more vibrant hue, a pure blue diamond with a faint tint may be less desirable and expensive.

Any colored gemstone's hue is one of its most important characteristics, which is also true in this case. The presence of boron, an impurity, gives blue diamonds their distinctive hue. The color will be deeper if there is a greater concentration of boron. Straight blue, greenish blue, violet-blue, and greyish blue are some of the different hues of blue diamonds. The green and yellow colors are caused by nitrogen residues, whereas the presence of hydrogen causes the grey or violet hues. The color, saturation, and tone all affect the blue diamond's quality.

The dominant color is blue. Green and grey are the secondary colors that are frequently seen. The value of a color is determined by its saturation. Pale blue diamonds are less valued than those with rich tones and vibrant colors, which are quite pricey.

The Clarity

When it comes to fancy-color diamonds, the gem's value is greatly influenced by the predominant hue. However, even high-quality specimens will have some imperfections since genuine blue diamonds are uncommon.

Having a lot of inclusions might make a blue diamond less valuable since they hide the gem's genuine brilliance and clarity. They could eventually jeopardize the gem's longevity. Small inclusions won't, however, have a big impact on the diamond's clarity grade. Additionally, suppose a diamond has a desirable face-up color. In that case, even those with multiple imperfections that result in a poor clarity rating are coveted by enthusiasts.

Since blue diamond inclusions are more difficult to spot than white diamonds, clarity is less important for blue diamonds than for white diamonds. The clarity and cost of the gemstone increase as outward faults and imperfections decrease. As a Type 2 gemstone, blue diamonds are often found with little imperfections. It is advised to use blue diamonds still eye-clean and rated SI1-SI2 or Type1.

Shape Buying Tips: Additional Diamond Buying Advice

Most people have a preferred shape when receiving diamonds as gifts or for an engagement. If at all feasible, the recipient of the diamond should have a say in the form selection, while the buyer should decide on other aspects such as price and quality. If no choice has been stated, think of a round diamond. Round diamonds can fit into any ring setting, have greater sparkle and scintillation than other forms, and are always in style.

The length-to-width ratio significantly impacts a fancy diamond's form. Each Lumera Diamond is displayed with the appropriate length-to-width ratio, allowing you to distinguish between diamonds of the same form easily (e.g., a narrow vs. a fat marquise or a square vs. a rectangular princess cut). If you are unsure about your tastes, look for a form you like, then examine diamonds in that shape with different length-to-width ratios until you discover what you want. Search for diamonds within 10% of your preferred length-to-width ratio after that.

Key Takeaway

Genuine blue diamonds are among the most costly ones in the Fancy Color Diamond market because of the decreasing availability and rising demand. They may only be accessible to those with large budgets because their costs increase yearly in record-breaking increments.

Due to their scarcity, significance, and worth, blue diamond stones are a great choice for investors, jewelers, and collectors wishing to profit from them. A genuine blue diamond is one of the most striking blue diamonds.

Purchase only certified diamonds from a reputed lab. Even if they assert to be GIA trained, they do not accept certifications made by shops.

Save your certificate somewhere secure. In the event of loss, exchange, or resale, it offers priceless protection (helping to determine the grade and size of the diamond necessary for an appropriate replacement). Always inform the person taking ownership of the diamond that you have a certificate if it must leave your possession for instance, to be cleaned. Your ability to positively identify your diamond eliminates any incentive for a third party to conduct fraud such as switching the diamond for one of lower quality.

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