Pure water diamonds or colorless diamonds are not cheap. Natural diamonds of bright colors have no less value: black, yellow, red and others are popular.
However, the most preferred option, perhaps, can be considered green diamonds. In nature, such a stone is rarely found (only red bypasses it in rarity). In this article, you will learn why green diamonds are so highly valued.
Origin
The natural causes that contribute to the appearance of diamonds in various shades are as follows:
- due to plastic deformation of the crystal lattice;
- as a result of exposure to natural radiation;
- due to the ingress of impurities at the stage of stone formation.
The green shade of diamonds is achieved due to the following conditions:
- nitrogen impurities in a certain amount - it is known that green diamonds with a minimum transparency contain a higher concentration of nitrogen than yellow ones, however, they are significantly inferior in terms of the amount of this substance in black diamonds;
- irradiation with thorium or uranium in the process of stone formation - the degree of irradiation determines the color depth and its distribution over the entire area of the stone.
In some cases, diamonds of a green hue will have only a surface color or the so-called green pigmentation, disappearing during cutting along with the top layer of the stone.
Such diamonds with a stable color are much less common in nature. This occurs as a result of the influence of beta or gamma radiation, which penetrates deeply into the crystal lattice and evenly distributes color. Stones with this origin are valued much higher.
The largest number of deposits of green diamonds is noted in Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Congo, India.
How is artificial green achieved?
The shade of green in precious stones is both pastel colors and bright saturated. But in nature, most often you can find diamonds of yellow-greenish, gray-greenish and olive shades.
This alignment, coupled with increased customer interest in green diamonds, has led scientists to a more serious study of dyeing methods. Gemologists began to look for the best options to give the diamonds a green color or enhance the existing shade.
Noteworthy is the fact that ordinary natural diamonds are used for this (but not grown in the laboratory), the color and quality of which improve during processing.
This is what leads to a greater cost of stones, however, it does not exceed the cost of natural fancy-colored diamonds.
Artificial Ennoblement
The principle of operation of this method is that stones with a slightly pronounced shade are selected for work. For example, pale green diamonds are not of great interest to potential buyers, and therefore they undergo thorough processing: their color and expressiveness are strengthened, which ultimately leads to a bright and saturated color.
Modern techniques also help to completely change the color of stones or to award colorless diamonds with the necessary shade.
To carry out such operations, gemologists use the influence of high-energy particles, for example, microwaves or x-rays.
This is the feature of green diamonds (the photo can be seen in the article): artificially enriched natural stones and stones that formed as a result of natural radiation are practically indistinguishable.
The magical properties of stones
Traditionally, diamonds are considered male stones, which runs counter to the belief that “girls’s best friends are diamonds.” A woman is charged with wearing diamonds only after 40 years, when her main functions (giving birth and raising children) are already fulfilled. However, green diamond is an exception to the rule.
The gem of this shade is considered a purely “feminine” decoration. He is credited with the properties of a powerful talisman that can give beautiful ladies fertility, as well as protect the child while in the womb of the mother from an external adverse environment. It is also believed that the stone is able to facilitate childbirth. Therefore, green diamonds have been considered a symbol of motherhood for many centuries.
In addition to the above properties, stones have a positive effect on intellectual abilities. It turns out that a diamond with this color can be a good help in learning. The talisman also has a beneficial effect on the mental state of its owner, reduces anxiety and feelings, leads to peace and tranquility.
Unique properties
Those who are fortunate enough to wear green diamonds live in harmony with themselves and the world around them, almost always experience joy and satisfaction from life. There is a belief that this stone protects a person from lightning strikes and the evil eye.
Green diamonds are also considered medicinal - they attribute healing properties to get rid of apoplexy and sclerosis. It is believed that jewelry is a good prevention of kidney disease, and also help to eliminate a severe headache.
Interesting Facts
The green diamond from Dresden is the most famous diamond of its kind. He acquired the color of apple color in a natural way. Weighing 41 carats, green diamond appeared as a result of natural radioactivity, so it was used as a model for experiments with artificially colored diamonds. Such measures were necessary to detect differences in natural and laboratory color.
"Dresden Green" was found in the 18th century in India. Merchants first took him to England, then to Germany, much later he appeared in Russia. Only in the middle of the 20th century he returned to Dresden, he became part of the museum collection. This stone has a highly professional pear-shaped cut. According to sources, the initial weight of green diamond before processing was about 100 carats.
The second most popular green diamond is the Great Gruosi, an impeccably cut stone weighing 25 carats. It was discovered in South Africa.
The unique “flawless” diamond is currently part of the ring and is surrounded by a cavalcade of black diamonds.
Mention of gems can be found in the popular animated series "Stephen's Universe": The green diamond in the role of boss performs a dominant role in the fantasy world and protects its subordinates.
Rare fish
In a year, only one such stone enters the diamond market , which has an intense color and is not contaminated with various impurities. These diamonds have a certificate of authenticity. They are purchased either by individual order, or sent for sale at well-known auctions like Christie and Sotheby's.
Fancy color diamonds are so rare that sometimes many eminent jewelers fail to see a stone of such purity in their entire lives.
Buying diamonds
The contract price for a carat of green stones weighing up to 1 carat at jewelry shows starts at $ 250,000. When it comes to larger diamonds, the price can reach $ 1,000,000.
The acquisition of such products can be a major investment.
However, when buying such a stone, you should focus on the presence of a GIA certificate, which reflects all the properties of the stone and confirms its authenticity.
Green diamonds are one of the most expensive in the world, due to the fact that they are rarely found in nature.