VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem

For centuries, diamonds of all colors had dazzled the world, but the violet diamond remained hidden in the shadows. Unknown to most people, violet diamonds awaited their moment in the spotlight, which came in recent years. What are violet diamonds? How accessible are they to you and me?

Arrival of the Violet Diamond

Before the discovery of violet diamonds, the traditional colorless diamonds dominated the world of gems. While colored diamonds in shades of yellow, blue, pink and green were known and appreciated, violet diamonds were relatively unknown and undiscovered. Of the violet gemstones, the most popular was the amethyst.

The first violet diamonds popularly known in Europe came in the shades of mauve, or light purple. The discovery of these stones added a new dimension to the world of colored gems. The unique and captivating colors of violet diamonds introduced a rarity that had been previously unnoticed.  What are violet diamonds? What gives these magnificent gems their color?

Nature of the Violet Diamond

A violet diamond is a very rare and valuable diamond that exhibits a violet or purple hue. Exceptionally uncommon in nature, this violet coloration comes in a range of hues within the violet and purple spectrum, from pale and subtle shades to deep and vivid colors.

Violet diamonds get these colors from the presence of trace elements in the crystal. Hydrogen and boron contribute to their violet color, with the exact cause varying from one diamond to another. The intensity and even distribution of color are key factors in determining their value.

Though people often refer to violet diamond and the purple diamond as the same gem, there are subtle differences between the two. The violet gem typically exhibits a color that is closer to blue, while its purple counterpart leans toward the warmer end of the spectrum. In addition, violet diamonds are even rarer than the purple gems. See also —

Advantages of Violet Diamond

Like other colored diamonds, violet diamonds have several characteristics that make them highly desirable.

1. Rarity

Violet diamonds are exceptionally rare, making them coveted by collectors and investors. This scarcity adds to their allure and value.

2. Distinctive Beauty

The violet color in these diamonds is captivating and unique, providing a spectrum of choices for those seeking distinctive gemstones.

3. Individuality

Each violet diamond is one-of-a-kind, with its own color intensity and qualities. This uniqueness appeals to those who value individuality in their jewelry.

4. Investment Value

Due to rarity and increasing demand, violet diamonds can be valuable investments. Over time, their value may appreciate significantly.

5. Prestige and Exclusivity

Owning the violet gem is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. These diamonds often figure in high-end jewelry, and can thus be a status symbol.

6. Versatility

Violet diamonds can complement a wide range of styles and settings. They can suitably appear in various jewelry, from classic solitaire rings to elaborate necklaces and earrings.

7. Emotional Appeal

The rarity and beauty of violet diamonds can hold sentimental value, and make them meaningful gifts for special occasions.

The Rare Violet Diamond

The biggest advantage of violet diamond is its exceptional rarity. Among colored diamonds, violet diamonds are one of the rarest. This rarity is due to the specific geological conditions required and the trace elements necessary to produce the violet color in these diamonds. As a result, violet diamonds are far less common than the colorless stones or other colored diamonds, including blue, pink and yellow.

The rarity of violet diamonds makes owning one of them exclusive. Very few people have the opportunity to possess such a rare gem, which is thus a prized possession.

Due likewise to their scarcity, violet diamonds often appreciate in value over time. Thus, in addition to being a beautiful piece of jewelry, violet diamonds can serve as valuable investment. Hence, collectors of rare gemstones and diamonds often seek out violet diamonds to add to their collections. The limited availability of these gems makes them highly desirable.

Disadvantages of Violet Diamond

While violet diamonds have many unique advantages, they also come with several downsides.

1. Exceptional Cost

The extreme rarity of violet diamonds makes them extremely expensive. They can be far costlier than colorless diamonds and many other colored gemstones. This puts them out of reach of many potential buyers.

2. Limited Availability

Due to their scarcity, finding a high-quality violet diamond can be a challenging task. It may take a considerable amount of time and effort to locate one in the desired size and quality.

3. Difficulty in Matching

If one intends to use violet diamonds in a jewelry setting with other stones, finding a matching pair of violet diamonds can be particularly challenging. Variations in hue and intensity are common among these stones.

4. Color Preferences

Personal preferences for diamond colors vary, and not everyone may appreciate the violet hue. Some individuals thus prefer the traditional colorless stones or other colored diamonds. This could make it harder to find buyers if one decides to sell his violet diamond.

5. Clarity and Size Trade-Offs

To obtain a violet diamond with intense and even coloration, one might need to accept lower clarity or smaller sizes. This can be a drawback if he prizes clarity or size in his choice of gems.

6. Market Volatility

While violet diamonds have shown appreciation in value, their worth is subject to market fluctuations, as in the case of any investment.

Scarcity of Violet Diamond

The biggest disadvantage of violet diamonds is their exceptional rarity. Violet diamonds are among the rarest of all colored diamonds, and this scarcity significantly drives up their price. While an advantage for those who own them as investments or collector’s items, their rarity can be a significant drawback for individuals who simply want to purchase a beautiful violet diamond for personal use or as part of a piece of jewelry.

The combination of rarity and high demand can make violet diamonds prohibitively expensive for many people. This is especially true of larger, more intensely colored stones. As a result, violet diamonds are often out of reach of individuals with budget constraints, or those looking for more affordable gems.

Rare thus Famous Violet Diamond

While their extreme rarity makes violet diamonds inaccessible to many, the same exceptional rarity is precisely what makes them famous and desirable. Their exclusivity and the fact that they are among the rarest gems on earth make violet diamonds highly sought after by collectors, investors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. The unique combination of scarcity and beauty sets violet diamonds apart, and elevates their status among gems.

Violet diamonds have accordingly become symbols of luxury and prestige. While the high prices resulting from their rarity may be a disadvantage for some potential buyers, it is also the very factor that adds to their allure and fame.

Indeed, a few violet diamonds have come under the spotlight due to their rarity and cost.

1. Argyle Violet Diamond

This is the largest and most valuable violet diamond ever discovered. Weighing 2.83 carats, the Argyle Violet has a fancy deep violet color of a grayish, bluish tint. The stone came to light in the Argyle mine of Australia in 2015, and sold at the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender in 2016 for an undisclosed amount. The Argyle Violet is one of the most extraordinary diamonds ever unearthed.

2. Royal Purple Heart

This is a stunning and rare violet diamond that weighs 7.34 carats. A fancy vivid purple of a rather bluish tint, this diamond has a heart shape, although lacking the cleavage commonly associated with hearts. Originally found in Russia, the Royal Purple Heart is the largest vivid-purple diamond known to exist.

Growing Popularity of Violet Diamond

As gemological knowledge expanded and appreciation for colored diamonds grew, violet diamonds found their place in the spotlight. Once relegated to obscurity, these diamonds became symbols of rarity and exclusivity. Collectors and enthusiasts alike marveled at their uniqueness, and the once hidden treasures became sought-after gems that graced the world’s most prestigious collections.

The story of the violet diamond is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of our understanding of the earth’s geological wonders. It serves as a reminder that even in the depths of our planet, secrets and surprises await those who are willing to explore and uncover the beauty that lies hidden beneath the surface.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on X
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Reddit
• Share on Tumblr

Explore Diamond’s Cuts

Check the different shapes and patterns that bring out the beauty of diamond.

View Diamond’s Cuts

Sneak Peek into the World of Diamonds

The author of this article is working on a book that explores the fascinating aspects of diamonds, such as their magic and history. ‘Diamond, its Magic and History’ is still in progress, but the author has another book that readers can check out.

Learn about your birthstone and zodiac gems

• View on Google Books

Other Bookstore

• Kobo
• Barnes & Nobles
• Amazon

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.