Brown Diamonds

Terms like “champagne” and “cognac” were introduced as marketing strategies to enhance brown diamonds’ appeal by associating them with luxury products. These descriptive names reference the distinctive golden-brown to amber color spectrum these diamonds exhibit, making them more appealing to consumers than simply calling them “brown.” The terminology helps customers visualize the exact shade and creates a more prestigious image for these naturally colored diamonds.

Brown diamonds are unique because they form through different geological processes than most colored diamonds—typically through plastic deformation or lattice distortion in the earth rather than trace elements. Their color spectrum ranges from light champagne to deep chocolate, often with secondary hues of yellow, orange, or pink. Unlike many other fancy colored diamonds, brown diamonds are more readily available in larger carat weights, making them both distinctive and more accessible for statement pieces.

Yes, brown diamonds are generally more affordable than other colored diamonds, offering excellent value for those seeking natural fancy color diamonds. While rare pink, blue, and green diamonds can cost tens or hundreds of thousands per carat, quality brown diamonds typically range from $2,000-$10,000 per carat depending on intensity and secondary hues. This price advantage allows collectors to purchase larger, more impressive stones for the same investment that would yield only a fraction of the size in other fancy colors.

The most valuable brown diamond shades are those with strong secondary hues, particularly pinkish-brown (sometimes marketed as “cognac” or “champagne rosé”) and orangish-brown diamonds. Deep, saturated chocolate browns with no color zoning command premium prices, especially in larger sizes over 3 carats. Fancy Intense and Fancy Deep brown diamonds with even color distribution significantly outvalue lighter champagne shades, with prices increasing by 30-60% for each step up in color intensity.