BROWN DIAMOND: From Industrial to Irresistible

Brown diamond is among the most common varieties of natural diamonds, but was not always fashionable as a gemstone. For decades, brown diamonds were worthless for jewelry and used mainly for industrial purposes. Yet things have changed. Brown diamonds are now popular and fashionable. What exactly are brown diamonds? Are they worth it?

Brown Diamond for Industrial Use

Before brown diamonds became popular as gemstones, they were mainly used for industrial purposes. Because of their hardness, toughness and low value, brown diamonds were often crushed and used to make abrasive granules for cutting, grinding, polishing and drilling tools. Brown diamonds wound up in diamond-set tools such as rock-coring drills, saws, lathes and glass cutters.

Other brown diamonds, on the other hand, underwent high-pressure high-temperature treatment to change their color to yellow or colorless, and thus increase their value. Indeed, because of their abundance and reduced brilliance, brown diamonds were not fashionable as gemstones unless they turned white or yellow.

Change of Brown Diamond’s Fate

Change in the reception of brown diamonds earnestly began to change in the 1980s, when the Argyle mine of Australia started producing large quantities of brown diamonds, along with rare pink and red diamonds. The mine owners realized that they had to market their brown diamonds differently to attract consumers and create demand. Thus, they came up with names to describe the different shades of brown and make them sound more appealing. This move rebranded brown diamonds, and stimulated a rediscovery of the colored gems.

Names for Brown Diamond

As a result of diamond companies’ efforts to market brown diamonds under new and more attractive names, one would often hear the following terms instead of ‘brown diamond.’

Champagne Diamond

Champagne diamonds are a type of colored diamonds that have a brown color with a yellow tint. They resemble the color of champagne, hence the name. Like deep-colored stones from the yellow variety of diamond, champagne diamonds also frequently come across as golden-colored gems. They are popular for their unique and warm color, and are in addition more affordable than other colored diamonds.

Cognac Diamond

Cognac diamond are a type of brown diamond that have a deep orangey hue resembling the color of cognac, a type of brandy. They are a subset of champagne diamonds, but are darker and more intense than the rest. They are rare and expensive compared to other brown diamonds, but they are still more affordable than other colored diamonds such as pink, blue or green. Cognac diamonds are popular for their unique and warm color.

Chocolate Diamond

Chocolate diamond is a type of brown diamond that has a rich and deep color resembling that of chocolate. The name is a brand trademarked by the jewelry company Le Vian, which sets strict standards for the quality, color, clarity, size and cut of these diamonds. Popular for their unique and fashionable color, chocolate diamonds are rare and thus more expensive compared to other brown diamonds, but are still more affordable than other colored diamonds.

What Makes a Brown Diamond?

Given the different names that this gem now goes by, it is essential to ask, what is a brown diamond? What makes the color brown, and what causes this in diamonds?

A brown diamond is a type of natural diamond that has a brown color reminiscent of the earth. This can come in different shades, from very light to almost black, with possible secondary tones of yellow, orange or red.

There are two factors that cause the color of brown diamonds: nitrogen impurities and structural distortions in the crystal lattice. The inclusion of nitrogen absorbs blue light and reflects yellow or brown light, thus giving the diamond a brownish hue.

Structural distortions, on the other hand, occur when the diamond undergoes stress during its formation or transport in the earth. This stress deforms the diamond’s crystal lattice and produces a texture known as graining within the crystal. Graining affects how the diamond absorbs and reflects light, thus resulting in a brown color.

The more nitrogen or structural distortion that occurs in a diamond, the more intense the brown color becomes.

Advantages of Brown Diamond

What makes brown diamonds great for jewelry? There are several advantages that make a brown diamond an attractive choice.

1. Unique Beauty

Brown diamonds possess a distinct and warm beauty that sets them apart from colorless diamonds. Their earthy and rich tones, ranging from light champagne to deep cognac, offer a unique and unconventional aesthetic appeal. The variety of shades and secondary hues found in brown diamonds also adds to their distinctiveness, allowing for personalized and eye-catching designs. For these reasons, brown diamonds are unique and fashionable.

2. Affordability of Brown Diamond

Compared to colorless diamonds and other fancy diamonds – such as pink, blue and green – brown diamonds tend to be more affordable. This affordability makes them an attractive option for individuals looking to acquire a natural diamond without breaking the bank. The favorable pricing of brown diamonds allows for larger carat weights or more elaborate jewelry designs within a given budget.

3. Versatility

Brown diamonds are incredibly versatile and can be suitable for various types of jewelry. Whether it is an engagement ring, earrings, pendant or bracelet, these diamonds can appear in stunning designs that suit individual styles and preferences. The warm hues of brown diamonds also complement different metal settings – including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum – as well as match various skin tones and outfits.

4. Rarity of Brown Diamond

While brown diamonds are more abundant compared to colorless diamonds, natural brown diamonds are still rare and valuable. Truly exceptional and deeply saturated brown diamonds are even rarer. This rarity adds to their allure and desirability, as it offers the opportunity to own a distinctive gemstone that stands out from the more common diamond colors.

5. Natural Appeal

Brown diamonds are valued for their natural color. Unlike some other fancy color diamonds that may require treatments to enhance or modify their hues, brown diamonds typically undergo minimal treatments. People seeking genuine gemstones that showcase their inherent beauty appreciate this natural appeal of brown diamonds.

6. Symbolism and Meaning

Like all diamonds, brown diamonds carry symbolic meanings. They are associated with warmth, stability and grounding energy. Brown diamonds supposedly bring a sense of comfort, security and balance to the wearer, thus making them meaningful choices for personal adornment or gifts.

7. Investment Potential

Though not the most reliable form of investment, certain rare and high-quality brown diamonds have shown potential for appreciation in value over time. This makes them attractive investments that could grow significantly in value.

Brown Diamond the Most Affordable

The biggest advantage of brown diamond is its affordability compared to colorless diamonds and other fancy diamonds. This affordability is a significant factor that sets brown diamonds apart and makes them highly popular to a wide range of consumers, including those who may have budget constraints or are looking for more economical options. Brown diamonds allow individuals to acquire a natural diamond with unique color and characteristics without the premium price usually associated with diamonds.

Moreover, by choosing brown diamond, individuals can often obtain larger carat weights or more intricate jewelry designs within their budget. This advantage opens up possibilities for creating eye-catching personalized pieces without compromising on the beauty and elegance of a diamond.

In addition, the value of brown diamonds can appreciate over time. Given their lower prices and increasing popularity, brown diamonds may pay higher growths in value, thus proving to be viable investments.

Disadvantages of Brown Diamond

While brown diamonds have their own unique appeal, they also come with a set of disadvantages.

1. Perception of Lower Value

Brown diamonds are generally priced lower compared to colorless diamonds. While affordability comes across as an advantage, some individuals may perceive the lower price of brown diamonds as an indication of lesser quality or desirability. This perception in turn may impact the stone’s perceived worth and resale value.

2. Limited Market Demand

The market demand for brown diamonds is lower in comparison to colorless diamonds or other fancy diamonds. While their popularity has been increasing in recent years, colorless diamonds still dominate the market. The narrower demand may affect the resale potential of brown diamonds, and thus limit the options for trading them in the future.

3. Lower Rarity

While certain rare and high-quality brown diamonds can be quite valuable, the overall rarity of brown diamonds is less in comparison to other fancy diamonds. This relatively lower rarity makes them less desirable to collectors, who seek truly exceptional and scarce gemstones.

4. Color Preferences

Personal preferences vary, and some individuals may simply not like the warm tones of brown diamonds. The earthy hues of brown may not align with their style or desired aesthetic. Ultimately, personal taste plays a significant role in determining whether the color of a brown diamond is appealing or not.

5. Reduced Brilliance of Brown Diamond

Brown diamonds generally exhibit less brilliance and fire compared to colorless diamonds. This is due to the absorption of light by the brown hue. The reduced glimmer and dull color make brown diamonds less attractive to some people. Those who seek maximum sparkle and brilliance in diamonds may simply prefer colorless diamonds, or other fancy colored stones of greater brilliance.

6. Confusing Names

Since they have different names – such as chocolate, champagne or cognac diamonds, depending on their shade and merchants – brown diamonds can be confusing to some consumers. One of these names is a brand trademarked by the diamond company Le Vian, which may inflate the diamonds’ prices.

Less Demand for Brown Diamond

The biggest disadvantage of brown diamonds is a lower market demand compared to that of colorless diamonds and other fancy stones. While brown diamonds have gained popularity in recent years, they still face a limited demand. This can have implications for their resale potential and liquidity. Thus, if one plans to sell a brown diamond in the future, it may be more challenging to find buyers who are specifically seeking brown diamonds. This limited market can result in a longer selling process or potentially lower offers compared to more in-demand diamond colors.

Rise in Popularity of Brown Diamond

Despite historically being less desirable than white diamonds and other fancy gems, brown diamonds have managed to become increasingly popular in recent years. There are several factors that have contributed to the rise in popularity of brown diamonds.

1. Unique Aesthetic Appeal

Brown diamonds offer a distinctive and warm aesthetic appeal that has resonated with many consumers. Their earthy and rich tones, ranging from light champagnes to deep cognacs, provide a unique and unconventional beauty. The variety of shades and secondary hues found in brown diamonds also allow for creative and personalized jewelry, attracting individuals seeking a non-traditional and eye-catching look.

2. Affordability of Brown Diamond

The affordability of brown diamonds is a significant factor in their growing popularity. Compared to colorless diamonds and certain other fancy diamonds, brown diamonds are often more accessible in prices. This affordability allows individuals to acquire a natural diamond without the premium price associated with colorless diamonds, thus making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

3. Increased Marketing and Education

Efforts by the diamond industry and jewelry designers to market brown diamonds and educate consumers about their beauty and value have resulted in their growing popularity. Through targeted campaigns, showcasing unique designs and highlighting the distinct qualities of brown diamonds, consumers have become more aware of their appeal and versatility.

4. Celebrity Endorsements

Brown diamonds eventually became more popular and fashionable among celebrities and trendsetters who wanted something unique and different from the traditional colorless diamonds. The endorsement and use of these celebrities and influencers have played a role in increasing the popularity of brown diamonds. When celebrities appear wearing brown diamond jewelry on red carpets, in magazines or on social media, it generates interest and inspires others to consider brown diamonds as a fashionable and stylish choice.

5. Embracing Individuality and Uniqueness

The current trend of celebrating individuality and embracing unique personal styles has also influenced the popularity of brown diamonds. Many consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional white diamonds and prefer instead the distinctiveness and character that brown diamonds offer. These gems provide an opportunity for self-expression, and allow individuals to stand out with a truly one-of-a-kind gemstone.

6. General Popularity of Colored Diamonds

Brown diamonds also benefited from the general increase in interest for colored diamonds, as people became more aware of their rarity and beauty.

Brown Diamond Today

Today, brown diamonds are popular for their distinct beauty. They have carved out a niche as an attractive and fashionable choice for those seeking non-traditional diamonds. Thus, brown diamonds appear in stunning jewelry showcasing their sparkle and warmth. Brown diamonds have proven that they are not merely fit for industrial use, but can also be irresistible gems.

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Writing A Book About Diamond

The author wrote in this article during his research for a book about diamonds. ‘Diamonds, Their Magic and History’ is still in progress, but his existing publication is available for readers to enjoy.

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About the Author

Jomar Pandan

Jomar ‘Deomar’ Pandan is the author of Power Birthstone. He’s on the fourth draft of a high-fantasy novel, Cybelym, and the first of a historical fiction, Gem Faerie. He hopes to release a nonfiction book about diamond soon. Follow him for updates. Or see his jewelry and designs.

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