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Frequently Asked Questions
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The following are frequently asked questions by our customers and website users.
Please read below to find any answers to questions you may have, or feel free to contact us directly.
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| What is the difference between Natural Color Diamonds or Treated Colors? |
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Natural and treated color diamonds are two completely different products that operate on two completely different markets. Natural fancy color diamonds area product of nature formed by millions of years of crystallization. They are the most prized diamonds among high-end jewelry and continuously being worn by celebrities on red carpets. A natural color diamond is unique and rare; it is a symbol of status and highly admired.
Treated diamonds are man-made and artificial. Mainly, lower quality white diamonds are used to synthesize a given color. Similar to a replica of a famous painting or original ancient sculpture, the appreciation and value of a treated diamond cannot be compared to a natural colored diamonds whose value continues to rise. Treated diamonds, though rich in color, are mere imitations mass-produced and sold at low-cost.
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| How do you price fancy color diamonds? |
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Prices for fancy color diamonds depend on several factors:
- The hue of the diamond - dominant color or any modifiers exhibited
- The intensity or saturation of the color: (Light ' Fancy ' Intense ' Deep ' Vivid)
- Purity - Brightness and clarity of color
- Market availability - difficulty to source, uniqueness and rarity
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| What are modifiers? |
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A secondary overtone that can either complement the color of a diamond or detract from it. Many people often mistake in assuming that all modifiers are negatives. In fact, some modifiers are proven to be a plus and increase the value of the diamond.
For example, a purplish-pink color diamond may be worth more than a straight pink diamond, and a green-blue combination is an appealing shade and indeed as rare as their solo counterparts.
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| What shapes are most popular in fancy color diamonds? |
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When cutting a colored diamond beauty and color are the main priority. The shape of the cut will be determined based on the one that will intensify it best.
This is why fancy color diamonds most often are cut into fancy shapes - such as Radiant, Cushion, Pear, or Oval, which amplify color.
Round (brilliant) stones are worth more than fancy shapes, mainly because there is a higher loss in weight when the stone is cut as a brilliant and color may
not be maximized. Emerald Cut and Round shapes with strong color are less available and sell at a premium.
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| How does clarity play a role in fancy color diamonds? |
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In a white diamond, clarity can make or break the stone, and VS clarity is usually ideal. But for fancy color diamonds, clarity is not the most important factor.
A fancy color diamond that is graded SI is still what is known as "eye clean," meaning that inclusions cannot be seen with the untrained, naked eye.
Additionally, small pinpoints or feathers do not usually affect fancy colors due to the deeper coloring of the diamond.
Fancy diamonds of VS or better clarity are more uncommon in nature and therefore command a greater price.
Color is the most important factor in determining a color diamond's value.
Clarity is not as critical, and unless inclusions are directly on the diamond's table affecting the look of the diamond and its sparkle.
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| Does size matter? |
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The aim of polishing colorless diamonds is mainly to produce a cut stone that is as pure as possible, with a weight as close to that of the rough as possible - in order to maximize yield. With color diamonds, however, it is not rare that weight will be sacrificed for color. Indeed, it is often possible to strengthen the intensity of the color and the sparkle of the diamond by cutting it.
Most times color, cut, and clarity seem of secondary importance to carat weight. It is very important to realize that small shifts in quality and size can make tremendous differences in value. As the size of the diamond increases, the price increases significantly. Diamonds weighing two-carats will sell for far more per carat than one-carat diamonds. The price of a diamond tends to increase exponentially as the size increases.
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| What makes Fancy Color Diamonds good investments? |
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Colored diamonds are the world's most concentrated form of wealth. A colored diamond portfolio fits inside an envelope and can easily be transported in your coat pocket. They can be transported quietly and legally, and sold globally in most major cities. These facts alone make colored diamonds worthy of consideration by sovereign individuals seeking discreet investment opportunities.
Prices for the highest grades of colored diamonds have increased in value by an average of between 10%-15% per year, with rarer colors and higher grades enjoying the greatest appreciation. In addition, this appreciation has statistically been non-correlated to the stock and bond markets, an important consideration for investors seeking a diversified portfolio.
A Colored diamond should be viewed as a mid-to-long-term investment. With demand for colored diamonds continuing to grow and supply becoming very scarce, experts predict prices will significantly outperform the historical averages over the next five years.
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