GOLDEN DIAMOND: A Treasure Among Inferior Diamonds

Being between yellow and brown, a golden diamond is generally inferior in perceived quality and value. However, golden diamonds can be rather attractive, exhibiting a unique appeal with their warm and radiant glow. How good, or bad, are golden diamonds? And how much are they truly worth?

The Arrival of Golden Diamond

Golden diamonds used to be largely unknown in Europe. Yellow diamonds were very rare then, and diamonds were almost entirely white gems. Arguably the most valuable golden-colored gemstone at the time was the yellow sapphire, also known as ‘oriental topaz.’

When golden diamonds came, they did not instantly become popular. Golden diamonds challenged the traditional perception of diamonds as colorless or near-colorless gems. The industry had long emphasized the beauty and desirability of colorless diamonds, and the introduction of diamonds with noticeable yellow or golden hues was a departure from this standard. Hence, people were hesitant about having golden diamonds for their jewelry. See also —

Aversion from golden diamonds continued up to the recent decades. In color, golden diamonds come between yellow and brown, which gemological authorities widely considered to be inferior, even as they classify some brown diamonds as fancy stones instead of bort, fit only for industrial use. Besides being less vivid in appearance, brown diamond was one of the more common varieties of diamond, hence their lower value. See also —

However, perception of diamond colors has evolved over time, and there is now a greater appreciation for the unique beauty and charm of diamonds in various colors, including golden hues. What is there to love about golden diamonds?

Advantages of Golden Diamond

In fact, there are several advantages that endear the golden diamond to many consumers.

1. Unique Beauty

Golden diamonds possess a distinct and captivating beauty. Their warm and radiant golden hues set them apart from colorless diamonds, thus offering a unique and alluring choice. The combination of their color and the brilliance of a diamond creates a mesmerizing appeal.

2. Rarity

Golden diamonds are relatively rare compared to colorless diamonds, thus making them highly coveted. Natural diamonds of intense golden hues are of limited occurrence, adding to their exclusivity and allure. This scarcity contributes to their value and makes them desirable for collectors and diamond enthusiasts. Intensely colored golden diamonds are particularly in demand on account of their scarcity.

3. Individuality

Golden diamonds offer a sense of individuality and personal expression. They stand out from traditional colorless diamonds and allow some individuals to showcase their unique style and taste. Golden diamonds make a bold statement, and can add a touch of warmth and personality to pieces of jewelry.

4. Warmth and Versatility

The warm and inviting tones of golden diamonds can complement a wide range of skin tones and jewelry designs. They blend well with various metals, such as yellow gold, rose gold and platinum, and can match other gemstones to create striking and versatile jewelry.

5. Investment Value

Golden diamonds, like other colored diamonds, have become increasingly valued as investments. The rarity and growing demand for these unique gems contribute to their potential for long-term value appreciation, making them attractive for those seeking both aesthetic pleasure and a potential investment opportunity.

6. Symbolism and Meaning

Golden diamonds symbolize wealth, abundance and luxury. They evoke a sense of elegance and opulence, making them highly desirable for those who appreciate such a symbolism and emotional connection that diamonds can represent.

The Greatest Golden Diamond

One notable instance that drew attention to golden diamonds was the discovery of the Golden Jubilee Diamond. The Golden Jubilee is the largest faceted diamond in the world, and holds significance both for its size and golden color.

In 1985, the diamond came to light at the Premier Mine in South Africa, the same mine that produced other famous diamonds like the Cullinan. Originally known as the Unnamed Brown, the diamond weighed a remarkable 755.5 carats in its rough form.

The diamond later sold to a group of investors from Thailand. After several years of cutting, the stone came out as a breathtaking cushion-cut golden-colored diamond of 545.67 carats. It was in 1997 that the Golden Jubilee Diamond was officially unveiled to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The diamond went to the king as a gift, and acquired the name the Golden Jubilee in his honor.

The Golden Jubilee Diamond made history not only for its immense size at the time of its discovery, but also for being the largest faceted diamond in the world. Its impressive golden color and the significance behind its presentation to a reigning monarch further added to its historical significance. The story of the Golden Jubilee Diamond showcases the historical significance and impact that a remarkable golden diamond can have, capturing the imagination of people around the world and solidifying its place in the annals of diamond’s history.

Indeed, the Golden Jubilee Diamond has become an iconic symbol of Thailand, as well as a testament to the magnificence of golden-colored diamonds in general.

Disadvantages of Golden Diamond

While golden diamonds have their unique beauty and appeal, there are a few potential cons to consider.

1. Perception of Inferiority

Historically, golden diamonds, with their yellow or brownish hues, were inferior in perceived quality to colorless diamonds or other fancy colored diamonds. This perception has evolved over time, but some individuals may still hold biases or preferences for diamonds with less noticeable color.

2. Rarity and Cost

Golden diamonds are relatively rare, which can make them more expensive compared to other diamonds. The combination of their scarcity and unique coloration contributes to their higher price points. This high cost of acquiring a golden diamond can be a significant disadvantage for those with budget constraints.

3. Scarcity of Intense Golden Color

Golden diamonds with intense and vivid golden hues are even rarer than those with lighter shades. The majority of golden diamonds fall within a range of soft champagne to light yellow tones, while intense golden hues are much more uncommon. Thus, finding a golden diamond with a specific intensity and shade can be challenging.

4. Impact on Brilliance

The presence of color in a diamond, including golden hues, can affect its brilliance and sparkle. Due to the absorption of light by the color, golden diamonds tend to reflect less light compared to colorless diamonds.

5. Color Preference

Personal preferences for a diamond’s color vary. While some individuals may find the warm hues of golden diamonds appealing, others may prefer colorless or other fancy colored diamonds instead. Proof was the time when golden diamonds were undesirable for jewelry due to their coloration, especially if this showed a prevalent brown tint.

Rediscovery of Golden Diamond

As the understanding and appreciation of colored diamonds expanded, so did the recognition of the captivating characteristics of golden diamonds, even of those within the brown category. The unique warm glow of golden diamonds has its own allure and is beautiful in its own right. Thus, over the years, gemologists and jewelers started to recognize the unique beauty and charm of golden diamonds.

This newfound appreciation led to the rebranding of some shades of brown diamonds as ‘champagne diamonds,’ highlighting their warm and inviting tones reminiscent of the effervescence of champagne. Jewelers and designers embraced the allure of champagne diamonds, and incorporated them into their creations. These people discovered the versatility of golden diamonds, which complemented various metals and other gemstones, thus allowing for unique and innovative jewelry designs.

The unique beauty and increasing popularity of champagne diamonds played a significant role in shifting the perception of brown diamonds, which transitioned from being primarily for industrial purposes to being desirable and valuable gemstones in their own right.

Popularity of Golden Diamond

Of course, besides the champagne diamonds, golden diamonds also come from yellow diamonds, particularly those of a deep, intense saturation.

In recent years, golden diamonds in general have gained significant popularity. While colorless diamonds still hold a dominant position in the market, the demand for fancy colored diamonds, including golden diamonds, has steadily increased.

Golden diamonds have carved out their own niche. With their warm and vibrant hues, they offer a unique and captivating alternative to colorless diamonds. Having gained the admiration of consumers, golden diamonds now often figure in high-end jewelry designs, including engagement rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets.

Golden Diamond Today

While still considered a specialized segment within the market, golden diamonds have enjoyed growing appreciation, which has expanded their popularity and demand. The unique beauty and rarity of golden diamonds continue to attract those seeking a distinctive and exquisite gem. This popularity is likely to remain, if not grow, for years to come.

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Sneak Peek into a Diamond Book

The author is currently working on a book that will reveal the secrets and stories of diamond, the most coveted gemstone on earth. This article shares some of his findings and insights from his research. Meanwhile, readers can also check out his existing publication: