Man-made chocolate diamonds, similar to other colored synthetic diamonds, are created in laboratories. These diamonds, initially white, undergo heat treatment to acquire their brown hue.
As a result, synthetic chocolate diamonds aren’t true chocolate diamonds. The value of lab-created chocolate diamonds is significantly lower than that of natural brown diamonds due to their artificial origin.
Evaluating the Worth of Chocolate Diamonds
Among colored diamonds, chocolate diamonds are some of the least valuable. This is because many chocolate diamonds exhibit a lack of brilliance and transparency. Moreover, synthetic chocolate diamonds often contain many inclusions, as producers tend to use lower-quality white diamonds due to cost and ease. Thus, it’s crucial for buyers to purchase chocolate diamonds from certified and reputable diamond producers to validate their authenticity.
Origins of Brown Diamonds
Brown diamonds, like most colorless diamonds, are found globally. They can be mined in places such as Australia, Angola, Borneo, Brazil, and the Congo, with Le-Vian primarily sourcing from the Argyle mine in Australia. While this wide availability enhances the supply of chocolate diamonds for jewelry, such as chocolate diamond wedding rings, engagements rings, and earrings, their commonality reduces demand. Historically, brown diamonds were used primarily in industrial applications until their recent adoption in fine jewelry, where their value remains lower than other colored diamonds.
Advantages of Choosing a Chocolate Diamond
Chocolate diamonds, specifically those from Le-Vian, boast higher value due to their guaranteed rich color and superior quality. Although Le-Vian does not own all high-quality brown diamonds, it is regarded as the designer brand in this category.
A significant benefit of selecting a brown diamond for an engagement ring is the affordability. The unique color allows buyers to personalize their rings without exceeding their budgets, making brown diamonds a great option for couples desiring colored diamonds without the higher costs associated with other colors.
Famous Brown Diamonds
The Golden Jubilee Diamond, the world’s largest cut diamond, is a brown diamond discovered in 1985, initially weighing over 755 carats. It was later cut down to 545 carats and presented to King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 50th coronation anniversary.
The Earth Star Diamond, another notable brown diamond from South Africa, was found in a 2,500-foot strip of a volcanic pipe and is celebrated for its extraordinary brilliance.
In popular culture, Elizabeth Taylor wore a cognac diamond ring and matching brown diamond earrings at the 1974 Oscars, a tenth-anniversary gift from Richard Burton, thereby enhancing the appeal and popularity of brown and other colored diamonds.
Chocolate Diamond Engagement Rings
Brown diamonds, like other colored diamonds, can be used in various types of jewelry. Despite their lower popularity for engagement rings, this provides buyers the opportunity to design unique and customized rings.
Chocolate diamonds come in a range of browns, from light to deep and dark shades, offering hues of orange, yellow, or pink. Many buyers are drawn to these diamonds not only by their colors but also by enticing names like chocolate, champagne, and cognac. However, despite these names, chocolate diamonds are not meant to be tasted!
