How to Find Pink Diamonds
It is common knowledge that the diamond is the rarest gem; however, the pink diamond is among the most rare and valuable of diamonds. Understandably, with its lovely pink to orange tones, women all over the world covet the pink diamond. However, few people can own this precious gem, as pink diamonds have only been found in a few mines across the world. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Understand that pink diamonds are graded differently than other diamonds. While diamonds are judged by their clarity, pink diamonds have the added factor of color. Colors are differentiated by the saturation of pink in each diamond. Pink diamond colors range from "fancy vivid," the highest saturation, to "fancy light."
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Find a pink diamond of a lighter color if you are more concerned with the carat weight than the color. Fancy light pink diamonds are considered lower quality. However, this may make the stone more affordable. Remember that the pink diamond is a rare gem; insisting on clarity as well as color may not be realistic. A pink diamond with lighter color may have fewer inclusions, but another may have more intense color and more inclusions.
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Determine whether the diamond is natural or treated. The rare quality of pink diamonds comes from its natural pink color. When purchasing, make sure that the color is marked as "natural" rather than "treated." Understand common treatments for diamonds. HPHT is a process that can make a diamond colorless or produce color within the diamonds. CVD, or chemical vapor deposition, produces brown, faint pink, blue and black in diamonds. Irradiation is a radiation process that causes a gemstone's color to change. Gemstones marked "coated" have gone through a coating process that adds a thin layer of color to the diamond.
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Ask your local jeweler. Before you do this, make sure your local jeweler is qualified to sell natural, colored diamonds. This is very important, as colored diamonds are rare and their value would be compromised if their suppliers lack certification. Search the Natural Color Diamond Association's Buyer Guide to see if your local jeweler is qualified. Though your local jeweler may not have pink diamonds in stock, he might be able to special order one for you. Make sure to be specific with your request. Give him your preferred color, carat size and cut for the pink diamond. If you use this option, do this far in advance, as your jeweler needs ample time to conduct his search.
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Shop online at prominent jewelry retailers such as Bluenile.com or Angara.com. Often times, online jewelry retailers offer wider selections than your local jeweler. If you are wary about purchasing a diamond online, look up the company's record on the Better Business Bureau.
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Visit the Jewelry district in Los Angeles. Though this may very likely be out of your way, it may be worth it to travel to Los Angeles for a pink diamond. The pink diamond is extremely rare, and it is better to see the diamond in person. The jewelry district also has many loose gemstones suppliers. Take this opportunity to shop around to find the best pink diamond available.
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Look through vintage or pawnshops. Although this might not be your best option, you might stumble on a pink diamond ring in a unique style or design that is no longer available at retail jewelry stores.
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If you are unsatisfied with your search for a pink diamond, or realize that it is beyond your budget, you can look for synthetic pink diamonds. Your jeweler may be able to help you with this. He may have the tools to heat treat a regular diamond, or he may know a supplier that carries synthetic pink diamonds. Online jewelry retailers may also carry synthetic alternatives. Regardless of where you look, make sure that your retailer is upfront about how the diamond was treated. For example, diamonds that have undergone a coated process for its color have a greater tendency to lose its color.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the Natural Color Diamond Association's website to learn more about colored diamonds.
