Rare Diamonds: The World’s Most Unique Colored Gems and Their Stories
Rare diamonds intrigue us with their particular shades, formed by certain factors and situations—some of the rare coloured diamonds are red, pink, blue, and green diamonds. Stuff like boron causes blue diamonds to be blue, while green diamonds uniquely bounce light. Pink and red tones could come from nature’s pressure, although how they develop is still a bit of a puzzle. The Rarest Diamond Types [Source: CTDM] Red Diamonds are rare gems! Only about 20-30 exist worldwide. They’re unique, distinguished by their intense red shade, often with a touch of orange or brown. These gems are incredibly sought after. Pink Diamonds, on the other hand, are lovely and elusive. The cause of their soft hue is a mystery! Created from pure carbon and a specific crystal structure, these gems primarily hail from Australia’s Argyle mine. The most vibrant pinks are scarce, but lighter hues are more readily available. Blue Diamonds are also gems to cherish. They’re found mainly in South Africa, Australia, and India, representing only 1% of coloured diamonds. Remarkably, boron gives them their unique blue shade. People often link these gems with prestige and royalty. Green Diamonds, valued for the rarity, have a unique shade. It’s common for green gems to receive artificial enhancements, but natural green diamonds get their hue by absorbing red and yellow light, usually around their exterior. India’s Golconda mines hold a treasure – Type IIa diamonds. These diamonds are exceptional, making up only 1% of all diamonds. They stand out due to their absolute purity and clear colour. Now, you’d think that’s quite rare, right? Well, there are diamonds even rarer! Meet Type Ib and Type IIb diamonds. Not just any diamonds, these are known for their deep colours. And Type IIb? It does something unique – it conducts electricity. Most Expensive Diamonds in the World The Koh-i-Noor (Rarest of Rare diamonds) [Source: EDJeweller] The famed Koh-i-Noor, or “Mountain of Light,” is a globally recognised diamond. Its oval brilliant cut weighs 105.6 carats and has no colour. Its origin? Possibly the Kollur Mine in India many years ago. It has traveled through numerous hands before landing with Queen Victoria. Some argue it was taken by the British from India. Interestingly, it’s thought to bring bad luck to men. Thus, only women of the British royal family have worn it. Now, it adorns the Queen Mother’s Crown, a part of the impressive British Crown Jewels. Its worth? Beyond measure. The Cullinan Diamond [Source: ED Jeweller] The Cullinan Diamond, unearthed in South Africa in 1905, is worth over $400 million. Its original weight? A jaw-dropping 3,106 carats. Now, its biggest cut – known as Cullinan I or the Star of Africa – resides in the Sovereign’s Sceptre. No other gem-quality diamond tops it in size. The Hope Diamond [Source: ED Jeweller] Meet the Hope Diamond, also known as the “French Blue”. This unique diamond is stunningly dark blue and carries a whopping 45 carats. Valued at a cool $350 million, it probably came from the earth in the 1700s. Today, you can see this treasure in the Smithsonian. Throughout its exciting past, it’s had lots of different owners.
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