Question 1

What is the rarest fancy colour diamond?

Accepted Answer

Natural red diamonds are generally regarded as the rarest, followed by pure purple, green and blue in strong grades. Rarity also depends on intensity and size: a Fancy Vivid pink or blue above a carat is far scarcer than a Fancy Light stone of the same hue. Brown and yellow diamonds are the most commonly available fancy colours.

Question 2

How can I tell if a coloured diamond is natural or treated?

Accepted Answer

Not by eye. Irradiation, HPHT processing and coatings can produce colours that look very similar to natural ones, and lab-grown coloured diamonds are also common. A report from a major laboratory such as GIA states whether the colour origin is natural. For any significant purchase, insist on a current report and check that the report number matches the laser inscription where present.

Question 3

What does Fancy Vivid mean on a GIA report?

Accepted Answer

Fancy Vivid is the GIA intensity grade for a diamond with strong saturation at a light to medium tone. It is usually the most valued grade for a given hue. Fancy Intense sits just below it, while Fancy Deep describes strong colour at a darker tone. The grade is judged face-up under controlled viewing conditions, so cut can influence it.

Question 4

Do fancy colour diamonds hold their value?

Accepted Answer

Natural fancy colour diamonds have a long record of strong demand, particularly in pink, blue and high-intensity yellow, but no one can guarantee future prices. Value depends on hue, intensity, size, clarity, cut and a reliable natural colour report. Buyers should treat them as gemstones first and seek independent advice before buying primarily as an investment.

Natural Fancy Colour Diamonds