Blue Diamonds

Blue diamonds have an air of mystery and intrigue unmatched by other colored gemstones. Their rarity and hues have made them symbols of great wealth and power throughout history.

This article explores the origins and stories behind these rare natural treasures.

First Blue Diamond Discoveries

The earliest records of blue diamonds were found in India during periods of Mughal rule in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were initially thought to have mystical healing properties due to deep blue coloration.

Blue diamonds were used first as charms and later gained monetary value as Mughal rulers acquired and traded them

Famous Blue Diamonds Through History

Some of the most famous blue diamonds found over centuries include:

These diamonds have rich histories, having been owned by royalty throughout multiple eras before being sold to private collectors and museums in modern times. Their costs also illustrate the extreme rarity and coveted status of blue diamonds.

Modern Significance and Symbolism

Today, the discovery of blue diamonds is still quite rare, adding to their mystery and intrigue. Their distinct color and association with royalty have made them timeless symbols of:

• Great wealth
• Prestige
• Personal achievements

Blue diamonds continue to captivate jewelry lovers and collectors in New York City alike with their stunning depth of color and enigmatic pasts. As exceptionally scarce colored diamonds, they will likely remain highly desired gemstones for years.

Varieties and Colors of Blue Diamonds

Blue diamonds amaze with their range of blue, gray, and green hues. Unlike other fancy-colored diamonds classified into one color grade, blue diamonds have multiple categories depending on the intensity and secondary colors present.

Learning the intricate color scale can help us appreciate the diversity among these rare diamonds.

Intensity Scale of Blue Diamonds

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades blue diamonds on a nine-grade intensity scale:

• Faint- Very light blue, nearing colorlessness
• Very Light- Detectable yet delicate blue hue
• Light- Distinct icy blue tone
• Fancy Light- Vibrant light blue
• Fancy- Intense blue coloration
• Fancy Dark- Deeper strong blue
• Fancy Deep- Maximum saturated blue hue
• Fancy Vivid- Exceptional vivid blue color

The stronger intensities like Fancy Deep and Fancy Vivid command higher values for their rarity and beauty.

Secondary Colors

Besides pure blues, many blue diamonds exhibit secondary gray and green hues:

• Green- Moderate green secondary tinges
• Gray-Blue- Dominant gray tone diluting blue color
• Gray-Green Blue- Mixture of gray and green secondary hues

These combined hues make many blue diamonds stand apart with more complex, unique colorations.

Our jewelry store, vividcarat.com, offers a broad spectrum of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, spinels, alexandrites, and other types of gems. We sell both loose gemstones and jewelry pieces with stones that are set into them. We operate in New York City and offer full assistance when it comes to purchasing precious stones.

Price Per Carat Factors

A blue diamond's value depends on the classic 4Cs system:

• Color- More saturated blues command exponentially stronger prices
• Clarity- Internally Flawless or VVS clarity ideal
• Carat- Larger stone sizes increase value
• Cut- Excellent cut to optimize color

Additionally, value rises for:

• Pure blue hues without secondary colors
• Historical or noble provenance

These factors can lead to differences of millions of dollars between two blue diamonds. As we all know, there are no two identical gemstones in the world.

Recent Record Sales

The rarest blue diamonds are sold for incredible sums, like these two examples:

As more Asian and Middle Eastern investors enter the market, peak prices per carat continue to crack records.

Worthy Investment

Extremely scarce even among fancy-colored diamonds, blue diamond prices outpace most alternative investments. Their enduring mystique and rich histories offer the potential for high resale and excellent portfolio diversification for the right investor.

Mining Locations and Methods

The journey from deep within the Earth to polished gemstone showcases the perseverance required to extract blue diamonds in a sustainable, ethical way.

Where Blue Diamonds Are Found

While trace amounts come from other countries, the majority of blue diamonds originate from two main sources:

• South Africa- The Cullinan mine yields rare blues occasionally
• India- Golconda region mines produced historic blues like Hope Diamond

Blue diamonds also have geographical ties to Russia, Australia, and South America, but far less frequently.

How Blue Diamonds Are Mined

Mining methods vary depending on the location and company, but some common techniques for blue diamond mining include:

1. Pipe mining – extracting material from volcanic pipe deposits.
2. Alluvial mining – sifting through sedimentary deposits to find diamonds.
3. Marine mining – collecting diamonds from coastal waters.

Mines strictly limit and track outputs to comply with Kimberley Process ethical standards.

Environmental Considerations

Modern mining operations focus on:

• Preserving local ecosystems
• Safely handling waste
• Minimizing environmental impact
• Investing in community development

However, small-scale illicit mining continues to be an issue, highlighting the need for improvement in ensuring a sustainable blue diamond supply.

Chemical Properties, Treatments, and Certification

Natural blue diamonds acquire their signature color from structural defects related to the presence of the element boron during formation. The precise alignment of the boron atoms scatters light to produce blue wavelengths.

Effects of Treatments

Unlike many diamonds that are subjected to enhancement treatments, most blue diamonds are left untreated to preserve their high market value, based on their natural color rarity.

However, certain methods, such as high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) processing, have risked altering the appearance of blues negatively and irreversibly.

Distinguishing Natural Blue Diamonds

Gemological labs use advanced testing methods to distinguish natural blue diamonds from:

• Synthetic diamonds – Often visible differences under microscopy
• HPHT-treated blues – Detectable residue elements/luminescence
• Irradiated blues – Luminescence and spectroscopic testing

Certifying a blue diamond's authentic natural properties is essential for verification before sale.

Importance of Reputable Diamond Certificates

Respected grading reports from GIA, AGS, or GGL provide:

• Diamond quality assessments
• Confirmation of natural blue color
• Reliable documentation for buying/selling

Investing in Blue: The Future of Blue Diamonds

From Egyptian pharaohs to modern auction houses, blue diamonds have commanded incredible value across centuries. Savvy investors stand to capitalize on their enduring prestige and scarcity into the future.

Outlook on Factors Influencing Value

Key influences on blue diamond value to track include:

• Supply Constraints- Blue diamond mining rates stay extremely low
• Increasing Wealth in Asia- More buyers are entering the market
• Record Breaking Auction Sales- Pricing benchmarks reach new heights

Barring new major deposits, costs for natural blues in good color and clarity grades will likely keep rising.

Tips for Entering the Blue Diamond Market in New York City

To make a real bang for the buck, new investors should:

• Learn grading standards for color/clarity
• Verify any certification documents
• Buy only from trusted retailers
• Consider purchasing lower-carat blues (1 carat or below)
• Be wary of deals drastically under market rate

Conducting diligence allows buyers to make informed decisions on this rare gem.

To purchase a diamond for investment or personal use, please visit our website at vividcarat.com. Here, you'll find dozens of loose gems and jewelry pieces decorated with precious gems. Our team has carefully selected and marked treated gems, providing fair information about each item available in stock. Our jewelry store in New York City offers full support to our clients when buying diamonds.