Cultured diamonds are colored the same way as natural diamonds. At this
time, they owe their hue to the addition of either nitrogen (yellow) or
boron (blue) atoms to the carbon crystal lattice. Conversely, the
omission of as much nitrogen or boron atoms as possible will result in a
colorless stone. Because nitrogen is one of the most common elements
found in nature, it is almost impossible to eliminate it completely during
the formation of cultured diamonds. Once techniques are devised to
effectively control the elemental properties included in the culturing
process, the creation of certain hued diamonds in large crystal sizes can
be perfected. An interesting fact concerning boron-rich diamonds - Type IIb stones both natural and cultured - is that most (but not all) are
electrically conductive. Their irradiated counterparts do not conduct
electricity, however, and this aspect is tested when an origin of color
needs to be determined regarding whether it is natural or artificial.
With so many options from which to choose, how does a collector decide
upon what color diamond to pursue? Obviously, cost is the overriding
factor when considering a naturally formed diamond. But with the advances
being made within the synthetic diamond industry, it’s not unrealistic to
believe that we may all be able to own a real diamond in whatever color we
choose in the not too distant future. So, pick a color and get ready to
create a diamond legacy with your name attached to it! Why stop at one?
RESOURCES
Barnard, Amanda (2000) The Diamond
Formula Diamond Synthesis: A Gemological Perspective. Boston,
Butterworth-Heinemann
Gemological Institute Of America (1995)
Diamonds. Santa Monica
Gemological Institute of America (1994)
Diamond Grading. Santa Monica
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