Pink Diamond Guide

They may be small, but pink diamonds are creating big buzz right across the globe. Connoisseurs, collectors, and investors alike are scrambling to get a hold of these elusive and beguiling gemstones, and with their scarcity only increasing, this highly sought-after status shows no signs of fading.

Though hotly coveted by those in the know, many consumers remain in the dark about pink diamonds, and what exactly makes them so special when compared to their white counterparts. If you find yourself falling into this category, fear not; here’s everything you need to know to become a veritable pink diamond expert.

What are pink diamonds?

Pink diamonds are identified, understandably, by their blushing pink hue. Most naturally-coloured diamonds obtain their tones from the presence of trace elements such as nitrogen, sulphur, and boron during the stone’s creation, and it’s easy to assume the same process would be responsible for the rosy variety. This, however, has been found to not be the case.

In fact, no such trace elements have ever been discovered in pink diamonds. Rather, they’re formed through a unique process befitting their dramatic beauty. The colour is created by a disruption of the diamond’s crystal lattice after the stone has taken shape in the earth. Intense heat and pressure from all directions (non-isotropic stress) displaces carbon atoms from their usual positions, and alters the type of light they reflect, causing observers to perceive the diamond as pink.

While these rare conditions are to thank for all pink diamonds, the results they produce are not always consistent. The ‘graining planes’ found in the stones can either be densely packed, resulting in a vivid and enrapturing hue, or few and indistinct, producing much more subtle shading.

Where do pink diamonds come from?

Though few and far between, pink diamonds have been discovered across all continents except Antarctica.

They were first unearthed in India several hundred years ago, and have remained a point of fascination for royalty, celebrities, gemologists, collectors, and the general public ever since. Queen Elizabeth II was even known to don these blushing beauties from time to time.

Today, more than 90% of the world’s stock of pink diamonds can be traced back to one single source: a now-closed mine in Western Australia.

So, how rare are they?

Pink diamonds are incredibly rare. Of the approximately 14,000,000 carats worth of diamonds that are produced, polished, and sold each year, just 0.01% of these are coloured diamonds, and just 0.0001% of those are pink diamonds. With such rarity, a year’s supply could fit into the palm of your hand.

What pink diamond sizes, colours, and gradings are available?

Like any gemstone, pink diamonds can be found in a vast spectrum of sizes, shapes, and hues, with the most important determinants of their value being their carat weight and colour saturation.

Sizes

Though the largest pink diamond ever discovered in Australia weighs in at an impressive 8.01 carats, the vast majority on the market today are between 0.01 carats (1.30mm) to 0.20 carats (3.80mm). Depending where they fall on the scale, these jewels can be classified into four categories:

• Jewellery Size: 0.01ct to 0.07ct - Suitable for jewellery garnishing and bespoke designs.

• Collectable Size: 0.08ct to 0.14ct - “Pretty and precious” gems that are jewellery-set or displayed loose.

• Semi-Investment Size: 0.15ct to 0.19ct - The most common pink diamonds.

• Investment Size: 0.20ct and above - Thanks to their impressive proportions, these rare examples are able to be set into single-stone jewellery, and command sizable market value.

While helpful, It’s important to note that these labels are general, and by no means confine the function or worth of a pink diamond. Even the smaller specimens can attract high value depending on their complementary qualities.

Colours

All pink diamonds have, by necessity, at least a little rosy tint to them, but not all pinks are created equal. In fact, there’s at least four different hues that fall under the ‘pink diamond’ umbrella, these being purplish pink, pink, pink rosé, and pink champagne. 

Intensity

The colour saturation, or ‘vividness’, of pink diamonds is one of the key factors that distinguishes their rarity and value. The deeper and richer a gem’s colour, the higher price tag it attracts.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) categorises the intensity of all coloured diamonds from very soft to very strong, using the following scale:

• Faint
• Very Light
• Light
• Fancy Light
• Fancy
• Fancy Intense
• Fancy Vivid
• Fancy Deep

Those familiar with jewellery may have already come across these terms, as they are used in the industry to label all manner of coloured stones. Because each grade needs a specific range of tone and saturation to be met, you should always take a closer look at your prospective pink diamond. Comparing two fancy pink diamonds could see different tones and saturation levels, so it's crucial to refer to the GIA's colour chart to understand what class of pink diamond you're looking at.

Why it’s a great time to invest in pink diamonds

The Australian record for diamond auctions was smashed recently when a 2-carat fancy intense purplish pink diamond fetched a staggering $2.2 million dollars. The price is nearly double that of the previous record, and has drawn significant attention from experts, investors, and the media.

Despite this sharp increase in interest, the halt of pink diamond mining in Australia means reserves are unlikely to be replenished soon. Expect the remaining examples to only become more valuable and highly coveted as they're snapped up by eager investors.

Whether as a family heirloom, investment, or just as part of a collection, those that wish to lay claim to an entrancing pink diamond would do well to act quickly, lest they miss out entirely through scarcity and price inflation.

How to secure beautiful pink diamonds

Pink diamonds are precious, incredibly rare, and in high demand. Thankfully, there’s a reputable, family-owned business that’s giving jewellery lovers and investors the chance to take home these unique gemstones - York Jewellers.

Boasting a range of stunning pink diamond jewellery, York delights in allowing customers to experience the beauty of pink diamonds. Whether set in an eye-catching ring, dazzling necklace, or unforgettable earrings, there’s something for all tastes. For those looking to pursue a pink diamond investment, we’re happy to arrange viewings of loose pink diamonds of exceptional quality, size, and rarity.

To experience the beauty of pink diamonds, simply peruse our catalogue online, give the friendly team a call, or visit us in-store.