Brown diamonds symbolize earthiness, stability, and resilience, making them meaningful for those looking to give a unique piece of jewelry. Presenting jewelry during engagements or weddings goes beyond mere tradition; it signifies commitment and connection. This connection is why couples feel a deep trust in their relationship through such gifts. In this article, we will first explore Chocolate diamonds, followed by a discussion on whether they are natural or synthetic.
What are Chocolate Diamonds?
Chocolate diamonds are a form of fancy color diamond characterized by rich, bright colors and a luxurious appearance. They are rated using the same 4Cs as ordinary diamonds, with a focus on their distinct color hues. Diamonds are known for their brightness and come in a variety of colors, with Fancy Color Diamonds demonstrating great elegance. Chocolate diamonds are known for their vivid brownish and golden tones that resemble fire.
Chocolate diamonds have a rich brown color that produces wonderful reflections, ranging from extremely light to very dark. Their internal coloring is a blend of black, brown, and yellow, known as the Bow-tie effect, which does not diminish their shine. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a top authority in the diamond industry. They introduced the 4Cs grading system and gave color grades for both colorless and fancy-colored diamonds. Brown diamonds are classified like Cognac, Champagne, and Chocolate by their color intensity. Darker shades are called Chocolate Diamonds.
Where are Brown Diamonds From?
One of the most remarkable qualities of brown diamonds is that, like most colorless diamonds, they may be found all over the world, including Australia, Angola, Borneo, Brazil, and the Congo. While this boosts the availability of chocolate diamonds suitable for usage in jewelry such as chocolate diamond wedding ring sets, chocolate diamond rings, chocolate diamond engagement rings, or chocolate diamond earrings, demand is greatly reduced due to their commonality. Brown diamonds are the most common colored diamonds in the world, and until recently, they were mainly employed in industrial applications. When brown diamonds made the transition to fine jewelry, their value remained lower than diamonds of any other color.
What Color Grade are Chocolate Diamonds?
A brown diamond must meet a few precise criteria before being considered a member of the Chocolate Diamond® family. First, it must be between C4 and C7 on the Argyle Color Scale. Next, it must be a natural color with no radiation and no obvious inclusions even under magnification.
Are Chocolate Diamonds Real or Synthetic?
Chocolate diamonds could be natural or man-made. Man-made chocolate diamonds are formed in laboratories from white diamonds that have been treated to turn brown. Despite their look, these synthetic diamonds are not genuine chocolate diamonds and are therefore less valuable than those found naturally.
Natural Color Brown Diamonds
Geologists believe that natural brown diamonds grow deep beneath the Earth under great pressure, comparable to the circumstances that produce pink diamonds. This pressure is even higher than that required to create white diamonds. Such extreme conditions frequently result in inclusions within diamonds. Although all diamonds have imperfections, the quantity and type vary. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades these inclusions based on their ‘clarity’. This grading method assesses the quantity, size, position, and kind of inclusions, as well as their visibility at 10x magnification. The value of white diamonds is heavily influenced by their clarity. However, the key factor impacting the value of colored diamonds is the color, specifically the face-up color, as defined by the GIA.
Synthetic Brown Diamonds
Synthetic brown diamonds are man-made in a lab and thus not natural. While the price of natural diamonds rises year after year, the cost of synthetic diamonds is predicted to fall as technology advances. Synthetic brown diamonds are less plentiful than irradiated brown diamonds because real brown diamonds remain inexpensive.
Irradiated Brown Diamonds
Irradiated brown diamonds are those that have been color-treated. Irradiated diamonds are made from low-quality natural brown diamonds that would not often be used in jewelry. Irradiation is used to increase the color and clarity of a diamond, making it more commercially acceptable. The United States government carefully limits the use of radiation on diamonds. Anyone selling or trading irradiated diamonds must receive certification from a Nuclear Regulatory Commission-certified lab to ensure that the diamond is safe to sell.
What are the Most Famous Chocolate Diamonds?
Many remarkable gems are recognized for their records or historical significance. Among these are numerous remarkable brown diamonds:
- The Star of the South, a delicate pinkish-brown diamond, was discovered by an African slave in Brazil in 1853. After she traded it for her freedom, it was cut into a 128.48-carat cushion diamond, establishing Brazil as a major diamond producer.
- The Lesotho Brown, a pale brown diamond discovered in Lesotho in 1967, was eventually cut into 18 distinct stones. Former First Lady Jackie Kennedy owned one of these, the Lesotho III.
- The Earth Star Diamond, a deep brown diamond unearthed in South Africa in 1967, measured 248.9 carats before being cut into a 111.59-carat gemstone.
- The Incomparable Diamond, discovered by a young girl in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1984, was the fourth-biggest raw diamond and the largest brown diamond. Originally weighing 890 carats, it was cut into a 407.5-carat gem and 14 lesser stones.
- Perhaps the most renowned is the Golden Jubilee Diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1985. It is the world’s largest faceted diamond, weighing 545.67 carats and blessed by religious dignitaries, adding to its historical and religious significance.
