In the diamond world, there is none so rare, so coveted and sometimes so astronomically expensive as colored diamonds. When the great Mother Earth graces us with one of these gems, it is a cause for celebration. And celebrate these rock stars we do! Currently, the Hope Diamond, decked out in a new setting, has left the Smithsonian for a world tour of the Harry Winston stores and the Wittlesbach-Graff is being exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. But those two stones pale in comparison to the headlines generated by the newest celebrity gem, the 24.78-carat pink diamond that sold at Sotheby’s in Geneva for $46.2 million (see diamond on cover and story on page 62). The purchase of this diamond by Laurence Graff has generated headlines and viral buzz around the world, creating a new interest in colored diamonds well beyond the scope of the industry and the usual diamond connoisseur. This stone has everyone taking notice, even if they know nothing about diamonds. The divine color and stunning price paid for this jewel have done wonders to raise the awareness of colored diamonds and their value for the everyday person who knows very little about diamonds — let alone colored diamonds — and who may not even own a diamond. This type of publicity also does wonders for the diamond industry overall by adding to the allure of diamonds, their glamour and their value. The good news for the everyday person who aspires to own a colored diamond is even if they can’t afford the rarest and most exclusive gem, there are colored diamonds at accessible price points — beautiful browns, sensual grays and avant-garde black. Even off-color opaque diamonds have been made special by the innovative manufacturers who facet those stones and the creative designers who use them to make enticing jewelry at a pocketbook-friendly price. From the very top echelons to the more humble stones, colored diamonds are creating a new excitement and are inspiring desire in consumers to buy these rare gems. It’s a combination that brings the sparkle back to all diamonds.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - December 2010. To subscribe click here.