Pink Diamonds

What Forms Pink Diamonds

A colorless diamond is comprised of pure carbon, while colored diamonds have a chemical variation that affects how the stones reflect light, resulting in different hues. Other factors, such as radiation present during formation or twists in the crystal structure of the stone can also affect a diamond’s color. While gemologists are certain of what causes certain shades – boron, for example, creates blue stones – they haven’t yet discovered what creates pink shades. Pink is one of the rarest colors of diamonds, and commercial quality stones are only found in the Argyle Mine in Australia, making them even more mysterious and sought after.

Quality of Pink Gems

All diamonds, regardless of their specific color, are judged by their carat weight, cut proportions, purity of clarity, and overall color. While most diamonds with a tinge of color are considered inferior and less valuable, an intense, consistent color is highly valued. That characteristic is one of the most prevalent when judging the quality of pink diamonds.

Loose pink diamond.

Color Intensity

Pink stones are available in a range of hues, from a very light salmon to an intense, vibrant magenta. The deeper the color, the more valuable the stone and hence, the higher its price. The majority of pink stones are lighter shades, but because of their inherent rarity they still command a high price, up to ten times the cost of a similar quality colorless stone.

Flaws

All diamonds, regardless of their color, are subject to the same types of flaws and inclusions. Normally any flaw will decrease the value of a gem, but because of pink diamonds’ rarity, jewelers may manipulate the flaw to create a unique design – a starburst, for example – rather than discard the stone as unworkable. Ideally, however, the stone should be flawless to keep from detracting from the distinctiveness of its unusual color.

Pink Diamonds in Engagement Rings

Ever since Jennifer Lopez was given a pink engagement ring, these stones have been immensely sought after for engagement jewelry. Pink diamond engagement rings can be found in a number of styles, settings, and designs, or if a couple is fortunate enough to procure a loose gem, most jewelers would welcome the opportunity to create a custom ring with the unusual shade.

To preserve the stone’s color, most colored diamond rings are set in white gold or platinum rather than yellow gold, which may cast a yellowish hue onto the stone. In the case of pink diamonds, simple settings perhaps accented by smaller colorless diamonds or coordinating gemstones are the most prevalent designs.

Alternative Stones

Because pink stones are far more expensive than most couples’ budgets, alternative gems are a wise choice to create a distinctive look at a lower cost. Rubies, pink tourmaline, and pink sapphires are the most popular choices, though synthetic pink stones are also available. Other options include using the pink gems as accent stones rather than the central diamond, perhaps in a distinctive pave setting or other unusual setting that will still draw the eye toward the exquisite gems.

Pink diamonds are a rare but beautiful option for couples interested in unique diamond jewelry, including engagement rings. Though they are expensive, the sophistication and rarity of the gems has made them increasingly popular in today’s jewelry market.