Natural fancy-colour diamonds, such as vivid pinks and blues, are some of the rarest and most expensive gems in the world. Laboratory-grown coloured diamonds bring those colours within reach, as real diamonds.
How lab-grown diamonds get their colour
- Yellow: traces of nitrogen in the crystal, the same element that colours natural yellow diamonds.
- Blue: traces of boron, often in HPHT-grown stones.
- Pink and red: usually created by a controlled post-growth treatment that alters the crystal structure.
- Green: typically produced by treatment after growth.
- Black: dense inclusions or treatment producing an opaque stone.
A grading report states the colour origin and any treatment. Always read the comments section.
How coloured diamonds are graded
Instead of the D–Z scale, coloured diamonds are graded by hue (the main colour), tone (light to dark) and saturation (strength), giving grades such as Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense and Fancy Vivid.
Popular uses
- Pink ovals and pears for engagement rings
- Blue accent stones in halos and bands
- Yellow radiants and cushions for statement rings
- Black diamonds in men's bands
Why choose lab-grown for colour?
A natural Fancy Vivid pink is beyond most budgets. A lab-grown pink of similar appearance costs a small fraction, and it is still a diamond with a diamond's hardness and brilliance.
Buying tips
- Look at the stone in daylight; colour looks different under shop lighting.
- Ask for the report and read how the colour was produced.
- Pair colours with the right metal: pinks glow in rose gold, yellows in yellow gold, blues in white gold or platinum.
Looking for a specific colour? Tell us and we'll source it.
