If you were wondering about the history of enhanced blue diamonds, then you’re just in time and at the right place, as this blog has all that you seek.
A sparkling enhanced blue diamond is the rarest piece of gem and a perfect gift for your loved ones. It is not only gorgeous and coveted the world over, but possesses many powerful qualities that can heal and benefit the wearer. The bluish-green hue in the enhanced blue diamond not only appears vibrant but is also a shade or two deeper than the naturally available blue diamond. This, besides other interesting facts about blue diamond are all mentioned in the sections that follow, so read on!
History of Enhanced Blue Diamonds
Diamonds are not uncommon, but blue diamonds are rare. Therefore, the uniqueness of blue diamonds is in their rarity.
- The earliest notable find was a Hope Diamond in Kollur Mine in Golconda in India, later renamed Tavernier Blue after its founder, a French traveler Jean Baptiste Tavernier purchased it in 1660.
- In 1668, Tavernier sold the diamond to King Louis XIV of France, which was again recut to fit the French crown jewel. It suddenly disappeared in 1792 amidst the French Revolution. It reappeared in London after 40 years, then changed hands several times during the century. The Hope Diamond got its name from its owner at the time, named Henry Philip Hope.
- Apart from the hope diamond, we have several others like Tereshenko, owned by the Tereshenko family in Russia; the Wittelsbach-Graff, which is supposed to have been cut from the same rough stone that produced the Hope; and the Winston Blue, a flawless fancy vivid blue pear shape diamond owned by Harry Winston in 2014.
- Natural blue diamonds are also found in the Cullinan mine in South Africa and the Argyle Mine in Australia.
- Enhanced blue diamonds are natural blue diamonds enhanced with treatments that remove naturally occurring flaws. These treatments are naturally long-lasting and do not damage the diamond’s chemical structure.
- Natural blue diamonds and enhanced blue diamonds are of different colour tones. The enhancement process is termed “Irradiation, “and the diamonds are often called enhanced diamonds or treated diamonds. The rarity of natural blue diamonds makes them incredibly expensive, while enhanced blue diamonds are comparatively affordable.
- Scientists began irradiating diamonds several decades ago, after Sir William Crookes in 1904, discovered that a diamond’s colour could be altered after being revealed to radium salts. In this research, the colour changes were confined to thin zones near the surface of the stones and diamonds were rendered radioactive.
Nowadays, only a small percentage of natural diamonds are irradiated. Most diamonds under 10 carats are subjected to radiation due to the risk of damage. Depending on the type of radiation used, the colour may be restricted to the exterior or penetrate the whole stone.
Also Read: Diamond Colour vs. Clarity – Which Is More Important?
Additional Facts
Here are a few facts about enhanced blue diamonds:
1. Colour:
Naturally available blue diamonds have the same properties as any other diamond except for the colour blue.
Enhanced blue diamond is heat-treated and a shade darker than natural blue diamond.
2. Hardness:
On a scale of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, blue diamond ranks ten which depicts its solidity. Mohs Hardness scale is used to measure the relative resistance of a mineral when tested with harder material.
3. Natural Appearance:
By nature, it is found in transparent or teal blue colour.
Also Read: Diamond Depth and Table: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
4. Existence
Mostly found in South Africa, Australia, India and in more recent times, Canada.
5. Category
Blue diamonds belong to the fancy colour diamonds subcategory under diamonds.
6. Formation
Like most gems, it takes millions of years to form blue diamonds. Blue diamonds are formed when elements of carbon fuse together during periods of intense heat and pressure. Similarly, enhanced blue diamonds are formed with constant heat of chemical treatment.
Also Read: Discover the Different Types of Diamonds
Different Types
The colour blue in the diamond is because of the presence of a chemical element called Boron. The higher the presence of Boron, the deeper the blue would appear.
Enhanced blue diamonds come in attractive colour tones. It depends primarily on the desirability of the colour-Deep rich greyish-blue hue and greenish-blue colours, which gives a turquoise ocean look.
Below are a few types of Enhanced blue diamonds
1. Light or Pale Blue:
When the intensity level of the blue colour is less, enhanced light blue diamonds are formed. The presence of a secondary hue is almost nil or very less here.
2. Fancy Blue:
This colour gem has a slightly deep blue with a tint of a secondary colour, making it look a bit darker than the light blue version.
3. Deep Blue
This is the darkest version of all, with the presence of deep blue colour along with a variety of secondary colours. Greyish-blue and Greenish-Blue are the most common colours in this version of enhanced blue diamond.
You can also find a few secondary colours available apart from standard light and deep blues, which include the following.
- Grey
- Greyish
- Green
- Greenish
- Violet
- Grey Greenish
- Greyish Greenish
Also Read: How To Find Out If A Diamond Is Fake Or Real?
Enhanced Blue Diamond Engagement Rings
Blue symbolises trust, devotion and faith which is the foundation of any relationship. Blue diamonds are also said to protect relationships from misunderstandings and fights and restore peace. These elements make enhanced blue diamond engagement rings a perfect catalyst for couples to have a happy and content life.
Enhanced Blue Diamond engagement rings are available in different colour intensities, shapes and sizes which can be customised based on one’s taste and preference.
Also Read: Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: What Are the Differences and Similarities?
Final Thoughts
Apart from rings, enhanced blue diamonds look elegant and give an imperial look to pendants, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Cheque out Angara’s beautiful collection of enhanced blue diamond jewellery and get a customised piece for yourself or for someone special.
