Diamonds may be forever, but fancy color diamonds make forever a lot more fun. These vibrant stones have been capturing attention in engagement rings, earrings, and even wedding bands. No longer reserved for royalty or record-breaking auctions, fancy color diamonds are making their way into everyday fine jewelry collections. From soft yellow hues to striking black designs, fancy color diamonds allow you to express your personality in a way that traditional white diamonds simply cannot.
In this guide, we will explore what makes fancy color diamonds so special, how they get their unique shades, the appeal of popular colors, and the differences between natural, lab grown, and color enhanced stones. By the end, you will know exactly how to add a splash of color to your jewelry box.
What Are Fancy Color Diamonds?
Fancy color diamonds are diamonds that display distinct colors rather than the near-colorless look of traditional stones. These hues can range from subtle yellows to vivid blues, greens, and even rare reds. Unlike white diamonds, where lack of color usually increases value, fancy color diamonds gain prestige as their color intensifies.
To put their rarity into perspective, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) notes:
“Some experts estimate that only 2% of total rough diamond production is fancy colored. The percentage is even lower for fashioned diamonds: Only one out of 10,000 carats of fashioned diamonds displays fancy color, and a diamond’s chances of displaying intense color are even lower, one in 25,000.” GIA
That rarity makes fancy color diamonds a dream for collectors and romantics alike. If you want to understand how diamond color is evaluated across all types, visit Secrete Fine Jewelry’s resource on understanding diamond color.
How Do Fancy Color Diamonds Get Their Color?
Diamonds form under incredible heat and pressure deep within the earth. Trace elements and natural forces can affect how light passes through the crystal structure, creating brilliant hues. For example, boron gives diamonds a blue tint, while nitrogen often produces yellow. Radiation near the earth’s surface can even result in green diamonds.
Today, jewelry lovers are not limited to nature’s timeline. Lab grown diamonds created using HPHT (high pressure high temperature) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition) mimic natural conditions to produce colorful stones, including lab grown blue diamonds. These options make rare colors like pink and blue more accessible without sacrificing beauty or durability.
Color enhanced diamonds offer another alternative. Treatments such as irradiation or heat intensify or change a diamond’s color. These are typically more budget-friendly, perfect for experimenting with bold designs.
Each type has its pros and cons. Natural stones carry unmatched rarity and long-term value. Lab grown options, like a lab grown blue diamond, are environmentally conscious and more affordable. Color enhanced diamonds allow playful fashion statements at a lower price point.
The Appeal of Different Fancy Colors
Yellow Diamonds: Sunshine on Your Finger
This beautiful natural fancy yellow diamond engagement ring features an elongated cushion cut center stone set in 18k yellow gold, flanked by white emerald cut diamonds set in platinum. The contrast of metals accentuates the beautiful natural colors of the stones.
Yellow diamonds are some of the most common fancy colors, and for good reason. Sometimes known as canary diamonds for their bright yellow glow, their warm color feels cheerful and inviting. Because yellow diamonds are more plentiful, they are also often the most affordable entry point into the world of fancy color diamonds. They look stunning in engagement rings, pendant necklaces, and delicate everyday earrings.
These fancy yellow diamond engagement rings were custom made at Secrete. The contrast between the sunny yellow of the center diamond and the bright white of the side stones highlights the lemon-fresh hues perfectly. The yellow diamonds have been set in yellow gold and the white diamonds set in platinum.
Pink Diamonds: Rare and Romantic
Secrete created this unusal ring using white and fancy yellow diamonds surrounding a fancy light pink diamond center. We love all the color and personality in this ring.
Pink diamonds have long been symbols of romance and tenderness. Naturally occurring pink stones are incredibly rare, making them highly valuable. For most buyers, lab grown pink diamonds offer the chance to enjoy their soft, rosy tones without the astronomical price tag. A pink diamond engagement ring feels timeless and unique, while pink diamond earrings add a playful pop of color to any outfit.
Blue Diamonds: Serene and Striking
This beautiful blue diamond engagement ring features a center stone with a striking color, set on a romantic vintage inspired white diamond band.
Few gems capture the imagination like a blue diamond. Natural blue diamonds are exceptionally rare and command premium prices. Luckily, lab grown blue diamonds provide an accessible alternative with the same mesmerizing beauty. A lab grown blue diamond engagement ring or pair of blue diamond stud earrings makes a sophisticated statement. These stones bring a calming elegance, often compared to a clear sky or tranquil ocean.
Black Diamonds: Bold and Edgy
Secrete Fine Jewelry created this beautiful black diamond necklace featuring a black rough-diamond chain. The white diamond halo around the natural black diamonds provides beautiful contrast.
For those who prefer their jewelry with an edge, black diamonds are the perfect choice. Their deep, opaque color offers a striking alternative to traditional sparkle. A black diamond band has become a fashionable choice for modern weddings, appealing to couples seeking something unconventional. Black diamond earrings studs deliver a sleek, versatile look that transitions seamlessly from day to night.
Brown Diamonds: Warm and Understated Luxury
Secrete Fine Jewelry made this beautiful fancy vivid orangeish brown diamond engagement ring with contrasting white diamonds on the sides.
Brown diamonds may not get as much attention as pinks or blues, but they are quietly becoming a favorite. Often marketed as chocolate diamonds, whisky diamonds, or as champagne diamonds (light pinkish brown), these stones bring warmth and depth to jewelry. Their rich tones can range from light golden to deep mocha, making them versatile and elegant. Brown diamonds are also more abundant than other fancy colors, which often makes them more affordable. They pair beautifully with yellow and rose gold, creating designs that feel both modern and timeless.
Beyond the Classics: Greens, Purples, and More
Green diamonds symbolize life and renewal, while purple diamonds carry a regal, mysterious charm. Red diamonds are among the rarest of all, coveted by collectors. While these shades are harder to find, they create unforgettable statement pieces. Whether you are drawn to rare hues or prefer the approachable warmth of yellows, fancy color diamonds open endless possibilities for self-expression.
Salt and Pepper Diamonds: Bold, Unique, and Controversial
Salt and pepper diamonds are defined by their inclusions, which is a clarity feature, not a color feature. However, some salt and pepper diamonds appear gray because of their inclusions. Others have both inclusions and fancy natural color like brown, orange, greenish yellow, or other colors.
Salt and pepper diamonds are technically not considered fancy color diamonds, but they deserve a mention for their growing popularity. These diamonds feature visible inclusions that create speckled patterns, often giving them a gray or brown appearance. Some people see them as imperfect, while others love them for their raw, edgy look. Their one-of-a-kind appearance makes them perfect for non-traditional engagement rings. Salt and pepper diamonds are a polarizing trend, but for those who appreciate individuality and natural character, they can be irresistible.
Everyday Jewelry vs Statement Pieces
This spectacular necklace at Secrete Fine Jewelry features fancy yellow diamonds, a fancy blue diamond, fancy pink diamonds, a fancy green diamond, ruby, emeralds, white diamonds, and a rough diamond chain. This one of a kind piece is truly stunning.
Fancy color diamonds are not only for red carpet moments. Small designs like stud earrings, slim bands, or simple pendants are perfect for daily wear. Blue diamond stud earrings, for example, offer subtle elegance with a unique twist. A slim black diamond band adds just enough intrigue without feeling overwhelming.
For those who want to make an impression, larger designs deliver instant drama. Cocktail rings set with vibrant pink or green stones, or necklaces with bold center stones, showcase your style and demand attention. Another popular trend is mixing fancy color diamonds with white diamonds for contrast. The blend highlights each stone’s character and makes the colors pop.
Whether you lean casual or love glamour, there is a fancy color diamond design that fits your lifestyle.
Natural vs Lab Grown vs Color Enhanced
Natural fancy color diamonds are prized for their rarity and often considered investment pieces. Their value typically grows with intensity of color and size.
Lab grown options offer a modern solution. Techniques such as HPHT and CVD produce stunning stones that are chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds. A lab grown blue diamond is a perfect example of how these innovations make rare beauty accessible. These stones are also popular for eco-conscious buyers who want luxury with a lighter environmental footprint.
Color enhanced diamonds sit at the playful and budget-friendly end of the spectrum. Treatments create or intensify colors, making it easy to experiment with bold designs like black diamond earrings studs or brightly colored cocktail rings.
Choosing between natural, lab grown, and enhanced depends on your goals. If you want an heirloom, natural may be the way to go. If you want affordability and style, lab grown or enhanced could be the perfect choice.
Why Choose Fancy Color Diamonds?
Fancy color diamonds bring something rare to the jewelry world: personality. Each color tells a story, from the romance of pink to the strength of black. They allow you to express individuality while still enjoying the timeless beauty of diamonds.
For anyone inspired, Secrete Fine Jewelry offers the expertise to help you design your dream piece. You can schedule an appointment at our DC or Bethesda locations to start custom designing with fancy color diamonds that fit your vision.
Conclusion
Fancy color diamonds are more than a trend. They represent a shift in fine jewelry toward self-expression and individuality. Whether you are drawn to the warmth of yellow, the romance of pink, the elegance of a lab grown blue diamond, or the boldness of a black diamond band, there is a colorful option waiting for you.
From everyday studs to statement cocktail rings, fancy color diamonds are versatile, meaningful, and endlessly stylish. Explore Secrete Fine Jewelry’s collection and bring a vibrant twist to your next heirloom piece.
