Beloved for its unusual blue color, the blue diamond has been a rare and highly sought after gem for centuries. Hope, Blue Empress and Heart of Eternity are some of the grand names given to the largest and most famous blue diamonds. Worn by kings and queens, these diamonds have always been synonymous with regal elegance, wealth and style.
Blue diamonds, along with other colored diamonds, are considered fancy diamonds; diamonds that possess a strong and attractive color. Fancy diamonds are often more expensive than the colorless variety, but seekers of such diamonds are rarely concerned with the cost and only with their outstanding and unusual colors.
Fancy diamonds go through a process called irradiation. This process uses radiation to change a diamond's color from the inside out, and produces a permanent color change within the stone. Irradiation is a man-made attempt to recreate the natural, diamond producing conditions that existed within the Earth millions of years ago. Nearly all of the world's blue diamonds are produced this way.
Blue diamonds generally start as yellow or brown in color. Diamonds that have good to excellent clarity but are not a favorable color are wonderful prospects for the irradiation process. Inclusions or flaws are less noticeable in a colored diamond; however they can still be a factor in the overall value of the gem.
There is no way to know the exact color that irradiation will produce. Blue diamonds are one of several color possibilities, with clarity and depth of color of the stone being the most important factors in their resale value. When purchasing a blue diamond, dull looking or cloudy stones should be avoided.
Natural blue diamonds are almost non-existent, and anyone being offered one that is sold as such, should carefully consider the authenticity of the gem being offered. When seeking a blue diamond ring it is very important to deal only with reputable jewelers, to avoid a possible fraud relating to the color of the stone and its origin.
To locate a jeweler, ask around. See who your friends trust, and check with the Better Business Bureau. Try to locate a store or an individual who is a member of the American Gem Society (AGS).
The AGS upholds high ethical standards and requires its members to take annual tests for continued membership. It's important to know that anyone can say they are a jeweler or gemologist, but by seeking someone who is a Registered Jeweler or Certified Gemologist Appraiser through the AGS, you are making every attempt to protect yourself and your purchase.
A few retailers offer blue diamonds already showcased in settings, however for a personalized design consider having a unique ring made from a gem that you select yourself. This bold step in creating a symbol of love and commitment will also make the process that much more special.
If you are buying a loose stone, consider the cut or shape of the blue diamond that is to be the centerpiece of your blue diamond ring. Round cuts are the most popular, but because of the blue diamond's uncommon color, no one specific shape of diamond is better than the other when it comes to overall sparkle. By choosing a shape of diamond that you like, you will have the essential piece to building a one of a kind blue diamond engagement ring.
Once you have selected your diamond, select or design a setting to show it off. Choose the metal to be used in the setting; yellow gold, white gold or platinum. It's worth noting that while platinum is the most expensive of these metals; it is also the hardest and most durable. Lifestyle and personal preference regarding metal color should be taken into consideration as part of choosing an appropriate setting for your blue diamond.
In the end, an outstanding blue diamond, a thoughtful setting and a reputable jeweler are all you need to acquire a blue diamond engagement ring that will give you a lifetime of pride and enjoyment.
