B for Blue Diamond

Looking for something even more rare and unique than a white diamond? Choose a Blue one!

Description

As a rule, boron is responsible for the blue color of natural Diamonds. However, sometimes it is caused by radiation exposure or hydrogen: stones exposed to radiation usually feature green-blue shades, while those exposed to hydrogen come in gray-violet to gray-blue. 

Although Blue Diamonds are highly desired among jewelry designers and dealers all over the world, they pose a challenge for gem cutters. Raw blue stones are usually asymmetrical – this makes it difficult to determine how a Diamond should be cut and polished.

Moreover, Blue Diamonds have uneven color distribution. Such inconsistency complicates the work of a cutter who wants to enhance the color out of a diamond while retaining as much weight as possible. 

History

India has always been the source of Blue Diamonds. 

Such stones were initially found in India and brought to the West by a gem dealer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in the 17th century. He sold a large blue stone to King Louis XIV of France. Originally called the Tavernier Blue, it was recut into the French Blue and became an impressive part of the French crown jewels. It was stolen when the crown jewels were looted in 1792 and later recut to avoid detection. The notorious Hope diamond could have been recut from the French Blue. The Hope diamond is believed to be cursed and cause deaths and hurdles. 

The other famous Blue Diamond is called the Idol’s Eye and weighs 70,21 ct. This gem was probably found in India’s Golconda district in the early 17th century. According to the legend, it was plucked from the eye of a statue. However, it’s just a myth. The Idol’s Eye was sold to a mysterious buyer at Christie’s London on July 14, 1865. Later, in 1906, it was in the possession of Abdul Hamid II (1842–1918), the 34th Ottoman Sultan.

Today, notable Blue Diamonds are found at the Cullinan Mine in South Africa, in Sierra Leone, Borneo and Brazil.

Reuven’s comment

Magnificent blue diamonds are considered the world’s rarest precious stones. They acquire an investment character almost immediately: for them it is enough to be moderately clear and weigh more than 0.10 ct.

Finding such diamonds of Fancy Intense Blue or Fancy Vivid Blue colors is a huge success and an incredible rarity. Such diamonds are sold exclusively at auctions – and it is impossible to determine their price in advance.

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