What are Blue Diamonds? Unveiled Secrets of Blue Diamonds
Key Takeaways
- The significant increase in fancy colored diamonds in recent years is a remarkable phenomenon in the world of gemstones. Large and intensely colored blue diamonds, often sold at very high prices at...
The significant increase in fancy colored diamonds in recent years is a remarkable phenomenon in the world of gemstones. Large and intensely colored blue diamonds, often sold at very high prices at prestigious auctions. Let's learn about blue diamonds and why they are so valuable in the following article from Jemmia!
What is a blue diamond?
Blue diamonds, also known as Blue Diamonds, are natural diamonds with a characteristic blue hue. This color appears due to the presence of boron in the diamond's crystal structure.
Blue Diamond
Sapphire blue diamonds were primarily mined in India. However, Africa has now become the main mining area, especially at the Cullinan mine. Additionally, blue diamonds are also mined at the Argyle mine in Australia.
Origin of blue diamonds
After centuries of research, geologists used to believe that all diamonds, including blue diamonds, were formed at depths of about 100-150 km below the earth's surface. However, a remarkable discovery in 2018 changed this perception.
A research team discovered that some blue diamonds were formed at depths of at least 410-660 km below the Earth's surface and contained impurities originating from the ocean crust. This makes blue diamonds even rarer and more valuable.
Origin of blue diamonds
How many colors do blue diamonds have?
Like other colored diamonds, blue diamonds come in many color grades, from light to intense. The blue color of diamonds can be mixed with purple, gray, or green hues, creating a diverse and captivating beauty. The color creates uniqueness, enhancing the value of blue diamonds.
The color scale for blue diamonds typically includes:
- Light Blue: This is the most common color, usually valued lower than more intense colors.
- Blue: Medium blue, the second most common, and valued higher than light blue.
- Fancy Blue: This color is very rare and highly valuable.
- Fancy Deep Blue: This is the rarest and most expensive color among blue diamonds.
Colors of blue diamonds
Furthermore, light can also affect how we perceive the color of a diamond. Under different lighting conditions, the same diamond may appear to have a slightly different hue.
How much do blue diamonds cost?
The price of blue diamond rings varies widely and depends on many factors. Here are some of the influencing factors:
- Color: The more intense the blue diamond's color, the rarer and more expensive it is. Fancy Deep Blue diamonds are typically the most valuable.
- Clarity: The purer the diamond, meaning the fewer inclusions, the higher its value.
- Carat weight: The higher the carat weight of a blue diamond, the greater its value.
- Cut: The cut affects the diamond's beauty and brilliance, thereby influencing its value.
- Origin: Blue diamonds mined from famous or historically significant mines tend to be more expensive.
How much do blue diamonds cost?
According to statistics, light blue diamonds have an average price of about $15,700 per 0.25 carat. Meanwhile, intense blue diamonds are priced higher, up to about $75,000 per 0.25 carat.
Top 5 most expensive and famous blue diamonds in the world
The world's most beautiful blue diamond – The De Beers Cullinan
The blue diamond named De Beers Cullinan is one of the most famous and rare gemstones in the world. This diamond is considered one of the most perfect blue diamonds ever found, creating a sensation in the global gemstone market when it sold for a record price.
The De Beers Cullinan Blue diamond sold for HKD 450.9 million, equivalent to approximately $57.5 million at Sotheby's Hong Kong. This was a record price for a blue diamond at the time.
The world's most beautiful blue diamond – The De Beers Cullinan
Auction house Sotheby's announced that the 15.1-carat blue diamond "The De Beers Cullinan" was sold on April 27, 2022, to an anonymous buyer. This is the most "vivid blue diamond, perfectly step-cut internally" certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Initially, Sotheby's estimated the sale price at around $48 million, but during the auction on the evening of April 27, the auctioneers pushed the price up to HKD 390 million (equivalent to $49.7 million). Adding fees, the total purchase price became HKD 450.9 million ($57.5 million).
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond, weighing 45.52 carats, is estimated to be worth $350 million. Legend has it that this stone carries a deadly curse.
The Hope Diamond
The origin of The Hope Diamond is believed to be from India, then it was brought to France and became part of King Louis XIV's collection. After the French Revolution, the stone disappeared and reappeared in England. After several changes of ownership, the diamond is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.
Tereshchenko Diamond
The Tereschenko Diamond, weighing 42.92 carats, is one of the largest and rarest blue diamonds in the world. This stone was once sold for a record $4.6 million at a Christie's auction in 1984 and is now known as the Mouawad Blue. Currently, the price of the Tereschenko Diamond ranges from 20 to 25 million USD.
Tereshchenko Diamond
The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond
With its rare deep blue color and exceptional beauty, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is considered a formidable rival to the world's largest blue diamond – The Hope Diamond. After a tumultuous journey through royal and world history, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond was eventually sold to gemstone billionaire Laurence Graff for a record price of $23.4 million.
The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond
Sultan of Morocco Diamond
This natural Sultan of Morocco diamond has a classic cushion cut and was purchased by an American merchant for over $250,000. This has placed the diamond among the ranks of the largest and most expensive blue diamonds in the world.
Sultan of Morocco Diamond
Jemmia has helped you learn about the origin and characteristics of blue diamonds – a diamond that represents the epitome of luxury, suitable for unique personalities that stand out from the crowd. Follow Jemmia's articles to learn more about diamonds and jewelry!
