Blue Diamond
Yes, there are blue diamonds and pink diamonds and all colors of diamonds. The
most popular kind is the clear or white diamond. I am not sure what
structurally makes a blue diamond blue, but any white diamond can be irradiated
to become blue. So, if you buy a blue diamond, you must find whether it is a
natural or a synthetically altered blue diamond. Myself, I would not consider
such a purchase because both types are more expensive than the white of the
same quality (the four C's: cut, carat, color, clarity). The color of the
diamond can also be yellow, but this is not considered good unless the diamond
is extremely yellow. Any other yellowish diamond is considered to have a poor
color. The range gemologists use is D-Z. A D-color diamond is considered to
be as white as a diamond can be. THese are the most expensive and are very
rare. One thing to look out for is some one trying to sell you a "blue/white"
diamond. This is not an accepted term by the GIA (gemological institute of
America) and anyone using this term doesn't know a thing about diamonds. THe
color range above gets increasingly more yellow or brown as you go to G then H.
Most diamonds in rings are I color or better but some people sacrifice color
for other properties of the diamond (like carat, mass). After this color
"breakoff" the diamonds are used for bracelets, necklaces, and earings, for the
most part. The Fancy colors (any diamond with a true alternate color) are down
in the X-Z range of the color grade.
As I said before, stick to the white diamond unless someone is specifically
asking for a blue or pink diamond (yes, pink is very popular in diamonds–they
are mined mainly in the Australian diamond mines). Also, be sure someone at
the store you purchase your diamond has a GIA degree. Go to more than one
store, asking all of them to teach you about diamonds and the grading process.
The one that gives the best explanation is probably the store to buy from.
Finally, don't buy diamonds as an investment. Almost any other investment is
better than diamonds. And if you want to be involved with diamonds, buy stock
in the diamond trade.
Hope this helps
Eric
(Chemist whose family is a bunch of gemologists-they had me get the
degree also)