Diamonds are the most popular and sought-after gemstones in the world. We love them for their beauty, durability, and rarity. But not all diamonds are created the same way. So, how many types of diamonds are there? There are 4 main diamond types everyone should know: mined or natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds, fancy colored diamonds, and treated diamonds. They all have different characteristics and price points. If you own diamonds or you’re considering buying one, especially a diamond engagement ring, you need to know the basics and various diamond types. We’ll lay out the four main diamond types and give you what you need to know before investing in the right diamond for you.
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What You Will Learn
Natural diamonds - stones mined from the earth
Natural diamonds form deep beneath the earth’s crust over millions of years. They are created by intense heat and pressure combined with carbon. Diamond mines first became used in India around the 4th century. Today, there are diamond mines in Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia.
Like all diamonds and precious gemstones, natural diamonds get a grade based on the four Cs: carat weight, clarity, cut, and color. Diamonds graded according to the 4 C’s are a worldwide classification system, and each factor determines the value and quality of the stone. The carat weight refers to the weight of the diamond. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Clarity refers to the number and size of inclusions or blemishes in the diamond, with flawless diamonds being the most valuable. Cut refers to the overall shape of a specific cut diamond, like an emerald cut. Cut diamonds are not in their natural, rough form, making them easier to feature in a diamond engagement ring. Color refers to the presence of color in the diamond (yes, diamond colors are real due to their chemical composition during the formation process), with a colorless diamond or “white diamond” typically being the most expensive. Natural colored diamonds sometimes form in shades of pink, green, or yellow. These are also highly desired and valued for their rarity. For most diamonds, it is hard to tell with the naked eye the colors within because they are not heavily tinted, and it is best practice to have them evaluated by a professional.
One advantage of mined diamonds is that they are among the rarest types of diamonds on the market. Natural diamonds are a finite resource, and their supply is limited. Many people feel this means natural diamonds are rarer and more valuable. However, the mining process for a mined diamond can be environmentally destructive. Some diamond-producing countries also have concerns about labor practices and human rights.
Regarding pricing, natural diamonds will always be more expensive than lab diamonds because of their rarity. Factors like the 4 C’s and what type of cut or shape you choose will all play into their final price point.
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Lab diamonds - real diamonds, man-made
Lab grown diamonds, also called synthetic diamonds or cultured diamonds, are relatively new in the long history of the diamond industry. Creating diamonds in a laboratory requires advanced technology and replicates the natural process within the earth’s surface. The result? They’re virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds and remove any chemical impurities. A lab grown diamond has the same physical and chemical properties as a natural diamond. Even at a microscopic level, lab diamonds and natural diamonds have the same crystal structure. Like natural diamonds, they also classify diamonds made in the lab based on the four C’s. Lastly, these man made diamonds can create the perfect diamond and can even be internally flawless, too. So, if you have your heart set on those colorless diamonds but could never afford them, with lab grown diamonds, you can!
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One of the advantages of lab grown diamonds is their lower cost. Due to the manufacturing process in a lab, these diamond types are almost always less expensive. They’re also more environmentally friendly, as they do not require the same level of mining and excavation as natural diamonds. And you can have more peace of mind about the ethics behind their production. However, many people still feel that nothing competes with the value of a natural diamond. If you want a head-turning diamond for a much lower price point, then lab diamonds are for you. But if you want a piece of jewelry or engagement ring that’s truly one-of-a-kind, then you’ll need to shop for a natural diamond.
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The Disadvantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds: Pros vs. Cons of Lab-Created Diamonds
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Fancy colored diamonds
Fancy colored diamonds are natural or lab-grown diamonds that exhibit strong color hues.The diamond’s color can range from pale yellow or brown to intense shades of pink, blue, green, red, and even black. Fancy colored diamonds are graded based on the intensity of their color, with the most vibrant and intense colors being the most valuable.
Fancy colored diamonds are one of the rarer diamond types and are highly sought after. The fancy color diamond is a popular choice for high-end jewelry and wanted by most collectors. Here are some famous fancy color diamond engagement rings. Jennifer Lopez’s latest engagement ring from Ben Affleck features a green, natural diamond, and Blake Lively sports a massive pink diamond in her engagement ring. However, the most famous fancy colored diamond is the Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat blue diamond that is one of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds in the world.
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Treated diamonds
If we can grow diamonds in a lab, can we improve diamonds that came from a mine? Yep, that’s where treated diamonds come in. Treated diamonds are natural diamonds treated in a lab to boost the diamond’s clarity or add color enhancement. A process called heat treatment improves the clarity and color of diamonds. Fracture filling involves filling the cracks and inclusions in the diamond with a substance to enhance its clarity. Gemologists can even change the color of a diamond using radiation.
Like lab diamonds, some people don’t like the thought of their diamonds being anything but earth-made and natural. They don’t want anyone but Mother Nature tinkering with the structure of their diamond. Before purchasing a diamond, it’s standard policy to inform you of any treatments. Obtaining a GIA grading report is the best proof of any diamond alterations.
Suggested Read: Types of Diamond Clarity | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Insuring diamonds
Though there are different kinds of diamonds, they’re still all diamonds. And all diamond purchases need to be insured. Specialized jewelry insurance protects your fine jewelry from loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance.
BriteCo’s affordable specialized jewelry covers up to 125% of your ring’s appraised value and its fast and easy to get started.
Get an instant free quote for an affordable monthly or annual payment. Then all you have to do is upload the required documentation and you’ll be covered in minutes.
Obtaining and maintaining comprehensive jewelry insurance is easy and affordable.
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