Types Of Diamonds

In the diamond industry, a round-cut diamond is known as the most popular diamond shape. Yet, some other diamond cuts  like princess cut, cushion cut, or emerald cut  are making their way in popularity too. So, if you’re a traditional diamond lover, go out of your comfort zone! With this guide, we encourage you to learn more about the sparkling types of diamonds with which you can fall in love.

The 10 Types Of Diamonds

Types of diamonds refer to the various classifications of diamonds based on their physical characteristics, including cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These classifications help determine a diamond’s value, appearance, and rarity in the gemstone market

1. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: The most popular cut, known for maximum brilliance and light reflection.
2. Princess Cut Diamonds: Square or rectangular shape, the second most popular for engagement rings.
3. Cushion Cut Diamonds: Square or rectangular with rounded corners, offering a vintage appeal.
4. Emerald Cut Diamonds: Rectangular with cropped corners, known for its elegant hall-of-mirrors effect.
5. Oval Cut Diamonds: Elongated shape that can make fingers appear slimmer.
6. Pear Cut Diamonds: Teardrop shape, combining round and marquise cuts.
7. Colorless Diamonds: Graded D-F on the color scale, these are the most valuable white diamonds.
8. Fancy Colored Diamonds: Natural colored diamonds including yellow, pink, blue, and red, which are extremely rare.
9. Flawless Diamonds: The highest clarity grade, with no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification.
10. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created in controlled laboratory environments, chemically identical to natural diamonds.

Types Of Diamonds Overview

Type I Diamonds: These contain nitrogen impurities and are the most common type.

• Type Ia: Nitrogen atoms are grouped in clusters.
• Type Ib: Nitrogen atoms are scattered individually throughout the crystal.

Type II Diamonds: These have no measurable nitrogen impurities.

• Type IIa: Pure carbon crystals with no impurities, extremely rare and valuable.
• Type IIb: Contain boron impurities, often resulting in a blue or gray color.

These classifications can help you appreciate the uniqueness and value of different diamond types.

The Types Of Diamonds Ranged By Their Cut names

Every diamond gets its name based on the cut or labeled by its rarity. The latter situation is relevant for blue diamonds among its types, you can spot the Oppenheimer Blue, Blue Moon of Josephine, or the Cullinan Dream. Unfortunately, labeling all these rare diamonds takes too long. Thus, in this article, we’ll only list the types of diamond cuts by their diamond-shaped name.

The types of diamonds ranged by their names are:

• The princess cut diamonds
• The cushion cut diamonds
• The oval cut diamonds
• The pear cut diamonds
• The round cut diamonds
• The Asscher cut diamonds
• The marquise cut diamonds
• The radiant cut diamonds
• The heart cut diamonds
• The trillion cut diamonds
• The emerald cut diamonds

In addition to these popular ones, many diamond names are still to be discovered. Among them, there are the baguette cut diamond, square cut diamond, tapered cut diamond, and rose cut diamond.

The Types Of Diamonds Ranged By The Popular Diamond Colors

Next to the different types of diamonds ranged by cut, there are many diamond colors. Everyone knows the colorless diamonds, but have you heard about mint-colored diamonds, for example?

The most popular diamond colors on the diamond market are:

• Yellow diamond
• Blue diamond
• Red diamond
• Pink diamond
• Orange diamond
• Green diamond
• Black diamond
• Purple diamond
• Olive green diamond
• Brown diamond
• Grey diamond

Note that colored diamonds are graded by hue, saturation, tone, and distribution. Also, colored diamonds of one color are more valuable than mixed-colored diamonds.

The Types Of Diamonds Ranged By The Diamond Clarity Quality

You can also categorize diamonds by looking at their quality. For this, GIA, or the Gemological Institute of America, has developed the 4Cs-based diamond grading scale. It divides the diamonds by the quality of their color, carat, clarity, and cut.

Next to the generally known 4Cs-based quality measurement, a diamond can get the special classification type IIa. This is a small group of diamond types that contains no or very little nitrogen atoms in its crystal structure. As a result, it becomes the most valued and purest diamond type ever.

The most popular diamond clarity on the diamond market are:

• Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF): No visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification
• Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Minute inclusions difficult for a skilled grader to see
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Minor inclusions somewhat easy to see under magnification
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Noticeable inclusions under magnification
• Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions visible to the naked eye, affecting brilliance

The Types Of Diamonds Ranged By The Diamond Carat

Diamond carat weight significantly influences both the appearance and value of a diamond, creating distinct categories based on size. Melee diamonds, weighing under 0.2 carats, are often used in intricate designs or as accent stones. Quarter-carat (0.25ct) and half-carat (0.50ct) diamonds are popular for smaller budgets or secondary stones. The three-quarter carat (0.75ct) offers a balance between size and affordability. One-carat diamonds are a benchmark in the industry, highly sought after for engagement rings. Diamonds weighing two carats and above are considered large stones, prized for their rarity and impressive presence. Each carat category represents a different type of diamond experience, from delicate accents to show-stopping centerpieces, catering to various preferences and occasions.

The most popular diamond carats on the diamond market are:

• 1 carat – Very popular
• 2 carat – Very popular
• 3 carat – Very popular
• 4 carat – More rarly
• 5 carat – More rarly
• 6 carat – More rarly
• 7 carat – Rare
• 8 carat – Rare
• 9 carat – Rare
• 10 carat – Rare

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are the classic gems cherished by jewelry lovers for centuries. Formed over billions of years under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth, these stones are known for their rarity and timeless elegance.

Each natural diamond is unique, with distinct characteristics that enhance its charm. Extracted from kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits, natural diamonds come in various shapes and cuts, such as the Round Brilliant, Tiffany True®, and princess or emerald cuts. Their allure goes beyond aesthetics; they carry a rich history and symbolize love, making them a preferred choice for engagement rings and special occasions.

Lab Grown Diamond

Lab grown diamonds, or synthetic diamonds, are a popular alternative to natural diamonds. They are created using advanced technology, making them virtually indistinguishable from mined diamonds.

Two main methods, High Temperature High Pressure (HTHP) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), produce high-quality gemstones ethically and affordably. HTHP mimics natural conditions for diamond formation, while CVD involves carbon-rich gas to create diamond crystals.

These lab diamonds are typically 20% to 40% cheaper than their natural counterparts, allowing buyers to afford larger stones. Additionally, lab grown diamonds are eco-friendly, avoiding the habitat destruction associated with mining. They are graded by the 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity) and often come with certificates of authenticity. As awareness of ethical sourcing grows, lab grown diamonds are increasingly favored for engagement rings, offering a sustainable yet attractive option for expressing love.

Treated Diamonds

Treated diamonds present a fascinating option in the diamond market, allowing those seeking value and beauty without the high costs of natural stones. These diamonds undergo various processes to enhance their appearance, closely resembling more expensive gems. Fracture filling is the most common treatment, filling imperfections with materials like silicone to make the diamond appear flawless. Color enhancement methods, such as irradiation, modify a diamond’s hue, resulting in striking colors like blue or green. Controlled heating through annealing produces stable colors like pinks and yellows, ideal for regular wear. Treated diamonds are often priced lower than untreated ones, making them appealing to budget-conscious shoppers; a treated diamond with high clarity can be significantly less expensive. Transparency is crucial when purchasing treated diamonds, as reputable sellers disclose any treatments to ensure informed choices. Treated diamonds offer an attractive blend of beauty and value. With a clear understanding of treatment processes and the importance of transparency, shoppers can confidently explore these options to find a piece that suits their style and budget.

Natural Fancy Color Diamonds

Natural Fancy Color Diamonds are among the most exquisite and rare gemstones available, distinguished by their captivating hues that result from the presence of trace elements during their formation. Unlike traditional colorless diamonds, these colored diamonds exhibit a spectrum of colors, ranging from vibrant yellows and pinks to deep blues and greens, making them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The rarity of Natural Fancy Color Diamonds is staggering, with an estimated occurrence of just 1 in 10,000 diamonds, further enhancing their allure and value in the market. Each colored diamond’s unique hue, intensity, and saturation contribute to its overall beauty and desirability, commanding premium prices in comparison to their colorless counterparts. With their enchanting colors and exceptional beauty, Natural Fancy Color Diamonds

Final Thoughts

We hope you have discovered one or more types of diamonds to fall in love with. If not, have a look at those fancy-colored diamonds again! There must be one colored diamond in that group that can make your heart beat faster.