Diamonds of pure water or colorless diamonds are not cheap pleasure. No less valuable are natural diamonds of bright colors: 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 valued so highly.
Origin
The natural causes that give rise to different shades of diamonds 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 during the formation of the stone.
The green tone of diamonds is achieved through the followingconditions:
- nitrogen impurities in a certain amount - it is known that green diamonds with minimal transparency contain a higher concentration of nitrogen than yellow diamonds, but they are significantly inferior in terms of the amount of this substance in black diamonds;
- irradiation with thorium or uranium during stone formation - the degree of irradiation determines the depth of color and its distribution over the entire area of the stone.
In some cases, green-colored diamonds will only have a superficial color or so-called green pigmentation that disappears during cutting along with the top layer of the stone.
Such stable color diamonds are much rarer in nature. This is due to the influence of beta or gamma radiation, which penetrates deep into the crystal lattice and evenly distributes the color. Stones with this origin are valued much higher.
The largest number of green diamond deposits are found in Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Congo, India.
How is artificial green achieved?
The shade of green in precious stones can be both pastel tones and bright saturated ones. But in nature, most often you can find diamonds of yellow-greenish, gray-greenish and olive hues.
This alignment, coupled with the increased interest of buyers in green diamonds, has led scientists to more seriously study dyeing methods. Gemologists began to look for the best options to give diamonds a green color or enhance an existing hue.
Noteworthy is the fact that ordinary natural diamonds (not lab-grown) are used for this, the color and quality of which improve during processing.
This is what leads to a higher cost of stones, but it does not exceed the cost of natural fancy color diamonds.
Artificial beautification
The principle 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 are carefully processed: their color and expressiveness are enhanced, which ultimately leads to a bright and saturated color.
Modern techniques also help to completely change the color of stones or to reward colorless diamonds with the necessary shade.
Gemologists use high-energy particles such as microwaves or X-rays to carry out these operations.
This is the peculiarity of green diamonds (the photo can be seen in the article): artificially refined natural stones and stones that were formed as a result of natural radiation are almost indistinguishable.
The magical properties of stones
Traditionally, diamonds are considered masculine stones, which goes against the belief that "diamonds are a girl's best friend." A woman is charged with wearing diamonds only after the age of 40, when her main functions (birth and upbringing of children) have already been fulfilled. However, the green diamondexception to the rule.
A precious stone of this shade is considered a purely "feminine" decoration. He is credited with the properties of a powerful amulet that can bestow beautiful ladies with fertility, as well as protect the child while in the mother's womb from an external unfavorable environment. It is also believed that the stone can 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 studying. The talisman also has a beneficial effect on the state of mind of its owner, reduces anxiety and worries, leads to peace and tranquility.
Unique Features
Those who are lucky 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 healing - they are credited with healing properties to get rid of apoplexy and sclerosis. It is believed that jewelry is a good prevention of kidney disease, and also helps to eliminate severe headaches.
Interesting facts
The Dresden Green Diamond is the most famous diamond of its kind. It acquired an apple color naturally. Weighing 41 carats, the green diamond came about as a result of natural radioactivity, so it was used inas a sample for experiments with artificially colored diamonds. Such measures were necessary to detect differences between natural and laboratory coloration.
"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 did he return to Dresden again, he became part of the museum collection. This stone has a highly professional cut in the shape of a pear. According to sources, the original weight of the green diamond before processing was about 100 carats.
The second most popular green diamond is the Great Gruosi, a flawless 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.
Gemstones can be found in the popular animated series "Steven Universe": Green diamond, as a boss, plays a dominant role in a fantasy world and protects her subordinates.
Rare "fish"
Only one such stone enters the diamond market every year, which has an intense color and is not contaminated with various impurities. These diamonds have a certificate of authenticity. They are purchased either on an individual order, or sent for sale at well-known auctions like Christie's and Sotheby's.
Fancy diamonds are so rare that sometimesmany eminent jewelers fail to see a stone of such purity in their entire lives.
Buying diamonds
Contract prices per carat for green stones up to 1 carat at jewelry shows start at $250,000. For larger diamonds, the price can reach $1,000,000.
The purchase of such products can be a major investment.
However, when buying such a stone, you should be guided by the presence of a GIA certificate, which reflects all the properties of the stone and confirms its authenticity.
Green diamonds are among the most expensive in the world, due to the fact that they are rarely found in nature.
