Chocolate Diamond Grading
by Celes
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The chocolate diamond is an alluring, exotic stone that is as versatile as it is stunning. It is easy to understand why these sparkling brown diamonds in their appropriately named tones of champagne, cognac and chocolate are becoming even more popular.
What Is A Chocolate Diamond?
Before we discuss chocolate diamond grading it is important to understand a little bit about what a chocolate diamond is. A chocolate diamond is basically a brown diamond. When diamonds are formed in the earth various elements like hydrogen, nitrogen and boron or even things like radiation and pressure can affect the color of the stone as it is created. The type and amount of the element will determine both the color and the intensity of color. Because the conditions required to create a jewelry quality chocolate diamond are more rare the color is given more weight when grading these diamonds.
Colored natural diamonds like this that are of jewelry quality are more rare than traditional white diamonds. And certain colors are more rare than others. Brown and yellow diamonds are a bit more common so they are more affordable than some, like pink diamonds. When grading and valuing diamonds how rare or common a specific type of stone is plays a big role.
Grading Chocolate Diamonds
Similar to a traditional diamond the brown diamond is graded by the famous 4 Cs as well: color, cut, clarity and carat. But with colored diamonds the color is a strong determining factor in the value of each stone.
The color is graded by hue, tone and saturation. The hue is the strongest or core color in the stone. The tone is the amount of lightness or darkness in the stone, ranging from light to dark. Saturation is a measurement of the intensity of the color, which can range from a pastel to a vivid, intense color. The darker the color of a natural diamond the more expensive it is, as the darker tones are more rare.
Diamond Certificate Example
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which is recognized worldwide, uses hue, tone and saturation in their color grading system. A GIA diamond grading report for brown diamonds has the same detail and information found in a grading report for a regular diamond, but they also have a color report that provides a specific color grade.
The Argyle Diamond Mine, one of the largest producers of brown diamonds, has also devised a color grading scale for these brown gems. Their scale ranges from C1 (a light champagne) to C7 (a deep cognac). However this grading scale is generally not recognized by diamond grading institutions like the GIA when grading a chocolate diamond.
Keep in mind not every chocolate diamond is natural. Some of them are man made or cultured diamonds to keep up with the demand and to help make affordable chocolate diamonds. Some are natural but if the color is lacking or dull the color may be enhanced to make the stone more desirable. Make sure you get a diamond grading report to confirm authenticity.
It is important to get a gem lab report or diamond certificate with any diamond you buy, including colored stones like brown diamonds. A certificate will provide specific details on that specific diamond including color, cut, clarity and carat. This certificate will help value the stone and it should also let you know if the diamond has been treated to enhance its appearance.
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Le Vian And Chocolate Diamonds
It’s important to note that diamond grading institutions don’t typically use the term chocolate diamond. Blending the words chocolate and diamond together was a smart marketing move on the part of Le Vian, the company who coined the term chocolate diamonds. You’ve probably heard the term Le Vian chocolate diamonds especially around Valentine’s Day or other similar holidays. But this appealing name has stuck and other companies are also marketing their rich, brown diamonds as chocolate diamonds – even though this is not a typical grading term. The lighter brown tones are often called champagne diamonds while the deeper tones are often called chocolate or cognac diamonds depending on their exact color and hue.
Buying Chocolate Diamond Jewelry
Because the lighter tones are a little less expensive than the darker tones champagne diamond jewelry is often more affordable than chocolate diamond jewelry. Of course the price will also vary depending on which precious metals and other jewels were used to make the jewelry.
Chocolate Diamond
The bigger the carat and the deeper the color of the stone the more expensive it will be, if it is a natural diamond with a diamond certificate. Since the smaller brown diamonds are more common you will see a lot of chocolate diamond ring settings that contain multiple small chocolate diamonds, they are often mixed with small white diamonds creating a beautiful combination.
You can find chocolate diamond jewelry in most jewelry stores and online. Because of the warm tone brown diamond jewelry goes well with gold. But when mixed with white diamonds or light stones a chocolate diamond looks stunning with platinum or silver, making it vary versatile for all skin tones and hair colors. Aquamarine and chocolate diamonds particularly, make a great combination.
You can find chocolate diamond rings, including chocolate diamond engagement and wedding rings, chocolate diamond necklaces, chocolate diamond bracelets and of course chocolate diamond earrings, either in matching sets or individual pieces.
What To Consider
When buying something this expensive make sure you go to a reputable jeweler whether you are buying from a local shop or online. Unfortunately fraud is often found in this industry because of the high value of jewelry, so you want to make sure you know what you are getting. Sadly even diamond certificates can be forged or created so make sure the diamond you buy has an authentic certificate from a reputable institution like the GIA, where you can verify it.
If you are buying the jewelry for looks only and don’t care about the value of it you may consider buying a simulant, treated or enhanced diamond, but be sure you know what you are buying because some of these require special care to keep their original appearance.
The chocolate diamond is fashionable and sophisticated. It adds that special finishing touch to any outfit for any occasion. But do your research and make sure you have a basic understanding of chocolate diamond grading before you start shopping so you know what you are buying.
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