Fancy colored diamonds are gaining more and more mainstream popularity every day. But while you may be familiar with the look and emotional 'feel' of pink, yellow and even blue diamonds, if you are a fan of colored diamonds have you ever considered gray diamonds?
Some people do tend to associate the color gray with drabness and boredom. But that is only one side of the color and it's certainly not a suitable way to describe a beautiful gray diamond!
From a color psychology perspective, gray is the color of compromise – being neither black nor white, it is the transition between two non-colors. The closer gray gets to black, the more dramatic and mysterious it becomes.
The closer it gets to silver or white, the more illuminating and lively it becomes. And that is certainly true when it comes to gray diamonds which, although you may only just be learning about them here, can be some of the most stunning and unique colored diamonds of all.
What Are Gray Diamonds?
Gray diamonds are as rare than yellow or blue diamonds and since they are a member of fancy colored diamond family are becoming equally as prized. Gray diamonds come in a range of hues, from dark and stunningly dramatic to light, silvery and rather dreamy. These unusual diamonds can also be found in a speckled pattern (in which case they are known as salt-and-pepper diamonds) or a rich, metallic, somewhat blue color (called galaxy diamonds).
Like their reasonably close cousins blue diamonds, gray diamonds are believed to be created when they come into contact with the elements hydrogen, nitrogen, or boron during their long formation period. This interaction produces diamonds in all different hues and intensities of gray and many gray diamonds also boast gorgeous secondary colors that make them even more beautiful and unique.
Where are Gray Diamonds Mined?
Gray diamonds have been discovered in mines in South Africa, India, Russia and Brazil, but the largest concentrations of them were found at the Argyle Mine in Australia. Does that name sound familiar? If you are a fan of colored diamonds it should, as it is also home to the largest concentrations of pink diamonds in the world. What makes the land so special that it is so rich in fancy colored diamonds is something that scientists are still trying to figure out, although it is believed that it has a lot to do with the natural radiation
in the area.
Unfortunately, the Argyle Mine has now ceased operations, meaning that it's likely that all the fancy colored diamonds that the land there produced - including gray diamonds - will increase even further in value over the coming years.
Gray Diamond Variations
Like all colored diamonds gray diamonds vary in hue and intensity. Their intensity varies from faint to fancy dark and you can also find gray diamonds that have vibrant secondary colors.
Do Gray Diamonds Still Sparkle?
They certainly do! Even though a diamond is gray, it is still a diamond. It will dazzle, shine, and glow when it catches the light. If you're all about the glitz and glam, and who isn't?, you might want to explore customizing a gray ring with light gray or white diamonds in the band or halo. Those enhancements will increase the brilliance even more, resulting in a fancy colored diamond ring that is absolutely unique and gorgeous to behold!
Gray Diamonds As Jewelry
When you shop for fancy color diamonds, including gray diamonds, when working with a reputable diamond broker you can shop for the diamond alone and then choose later how it is set. A ring is what perhaps springs immediately to mind, but that would be far from your only option.
Because gray diamonds have such a distinctive, commanding appearance, they make fantastic statement jewelry. Every woman who loves jewelry normally has one of those. A brilliant, wear everywhere necklace, a stunning pair of earrings, part of a stunning diamond bracelet can all make great signature pieces that help define your style and grey diamonds would be perfect for use in any of those.
Then there are, of course, gray diamond engagement rings. There was once a time – not so long ago – when it was almost assumed that an engagement diamond ‘should’ be a traditional clear diamond. Recently though fancy colored diamond engagement rings have become more and more popular. Today’s bride often values individuality in every aspect of the nuptials, and that included her engagement ring. And as gray is such a striking choice it is becoming a favorite among those who are looking for something truly different that they can make their own.
Can You Really Create a Custom Gray Diamond Engagement Ring?
Gray diamonds are popular among those who desire a non-traditional engagement ring style, as we've already explained. An off-the-shelf ring isn't sufficient for those who truly desire something unique. A custom gray diamond ring is an excellent choice in this instance.
The experts at Asteria Diamonds can indeed take the gray diamond, or diamonds, of your choice and use them as the heart and soul of a designed just for you custom engagement ring.
Our method for creating iconic, one-of-a-kind, and unforgettable gray diamond rings includes the following steps:
Understanding your requirements - Before we present you a single gray diamond or discuss ring bands, we'd like to learn more about you and what you're looking for.
Sketching your ring - We'll start sketching out design concepts as we learn more about your vision. We'll also use computer design software to assist you in visualizing the final ring.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the process is selecting your gray diamond. We'll show you a range of gray diamonds, from light to dark, salt and pepper to galaxy, and assist you in selecting the ideal one.
Creating the ring setting - The next step is to create a ring setting that matches and enhances the gray diamond - or gray diamonds - you've chosen.
Creating the ring - It's time to put your ring together! Using the design components you picked, our jewelers meticulously craft your bespoke ring. The final result will be a totally one-of-a-kind ring that showcases the beauty of gray diamonds perfectly.