What is a Purple Diamond?
All naturally colored diamonds are influenced by certain minerals, gasses beneath the earth, or other foreign materials they encounter during formation. Purple diamonds follow the same principle. To form a naturally colored purple diamond, rough diamond ore needs to be exposed to high levels of hydrogen during its creation. The longer and more concentrated the hydrogen exposure, the deeper the purple hue will be.
Other Names for Purple Diamonds
Purple diamonds, like other naturally colored diamonds, are often referred to by different names depending on the jeweler, region, and marketing strategy. They are known as grape diamonds, orchid diamonds, and plum diamonds. Diamonds with lighter purple shades are sometimes called lilac or mauve diamonds.
Origin of Purple Diamonds
Purple diamonds have been available through traveling merchants, jewelry shops, and retail stores worldwide for centuries, but their sources are quite limited. Studies indicate that 100% natural purple diamonds are mined exclusively in Canada, Russia, and Australia.
True natural purple diamonds make up about 1% of all diamonds mined from Serbia, Canada, and Australia, making them almost as rare as natural red diamonds. Despite their rarity, their popularity is on the rise. According to reports from jewelry retailers and gemstone professionals, purple diamonds and jewelry crafted from these lavender gems rank among the top three most popular diamond gems and are within the top 10 most sought-after gemstones.
Their popularity is growing rapidly; in the past two years, sales and shipments of loose purple diamonds and jewelry crafted from them have nearly doubled. The number of diamond collectors is increasing, as is the number of those specifically seeking purple, lavender, lilac, and plum-hued stones.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Purple Diamonds
Shopping for purple diamonds and purple diamond jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings, or bracelets, requires careful consideration. The recipient’s lifestyle, hobbies, job, personal interests, and color preferences play a significant role in your choice. Avoid choosing a mauve purple diamond for someone who dislikes pink, as this could negatively impact your relationship!
Your budget is another crucial factor to consider. Diamonds with lighter purple shades, slight imperfections, or hints of brown or blue hues will generally be less expensive than deep purple diamonds with fewer flaws.
Decide whether you need loose purple diamonds for custom jewelry crafting or prefer premade pieces. Researching and making a decision beforehand can save you time and reduce stress during your shopping journey.
Popular Jewelry Types
Purple engagement rings and wedding band sets are rising in popularity, driven by the increasing demand for naturally colored gemstones. Their associations with royalty, honor, courage, strength, and loyalty make them perfect for anniversary, high school graduation, 18th birthday, and baby shower gifts.
Square or round-cut diamond tennis bracelets are popular choices among jewelry crafted from natural purple gemstones. Teardrop-shaped earrings and matching necklaces, often set in 14ct white or yellow gold, are also in high demand. Princess cut white gold rings, round cut yellow gold rings and bracelets, and heart-shaped jewelry in silver or white gold continue to captivate women year after year.
