Fancy Blue Diamonds

“Fancy blue” is an official color grade assigned by gemological laboratories indicating a diamond with medium blue color saturation—stronger than “light blue” but less intense than “fancy intense” or “fancy vivid” blue. This standardized grading considers both color hue (blueness) and saturation (intensity), ensuring consistent evaluation across the industry. Fancy blue diamonds display a clear, unmistakable blue color visible without specialized lighting conditions.

Fancy blue diamonds display noticeably stronger color saturation than “light blue” or “very light blue” grades, making their color immediately apparent even to untrained observers. This increased color intensity typically commands 40-70% price premiums over lighter blue diamonds of similar size and quality. Light blue diamonds often appear grayish or washed-out under normal lighting, while fancy blues maintain their distinctive color across different viewing conditions.

When purchasing a fancy blue diamond, prioritize proper certification from respected laboratories like GIA that specifically confirms natural, untreated color. Look for even color distribution without concentrations or “windows,” and consider stones where secondary hues (like gray) don’t significantly diminish the blue appearance. Additionally, since blue diamonds effectively mask inclusions, you can often prioritize color intensity over clarity grade to maximize value.

Collectors specifically seek fancy blue diamonds for their combination of beauty, rarity, and investment potential unmatched by almost any other gemstone. Blue diamonds from historic sources like the Cullinan Mine carry additional provenance value, while certain secondary hues (slightly greenish-blue or violet-blue) are particularly prized for their unique aesthetic qualities. The proven auction performance of exceptional blue diamonds also attracts serious collectors seeking tangible assets with historical appreciation.