Over the last few years, people have been getting more and more interested in colored diamonds. The intrigue actually shot up when Ben Affleck proposed to Jennifer Lopez in 2002 with a 6 carat pink diamond from Harry Winston, and now consumers are really starting to see the appeal of natural colored diamonds as accents or as centerpieces of major pieces of jewelry. I actually have a personal connection with colored diamonds--my boyfriend recently proposed with an amazing 2.5 carat oval champagne diamond set in rose gold.
If you're interested in learning more about colored diamonds, one organization to check out is NCDIA, the Natural Color Diamond Association. Or, if you just want to gaze at a beautiful collection, I highly recommend clicking over to Aurora Gems, headed by industry expert Alan Bronstein. Bronstein has put together two amazing collections of natural colored diamonds, one of which, the Aurora Butterfly of Peace, was recently displayed at the Smithsonian and is now moving to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
This collection of 240 stones that took over 12 years to collect is put together in the shape of a butterfly. Comprised of 176 carats, the diamonds represent a huge range of colors, shapes and sizes. If you'd like to see it in person, the Butterfly will be displayed at the GIA in Carlsbad, California, through April 2010. The exhibit, called "Facets of GIA", also features 30 other important gemstone pieces.
If you're interested in colored diamonds, here are some great Portero pieces to take a look at:
Gregg Ruth cognac diamond platinum three-stone ring. This gorgeous ring has a vintage quality but with a modern twist. I love the three ovals and the contrast of the deep cognac with the white diamonds.
GIA certified fancy brown greenish-yellow diamond engagement ring. Bronstein himself once told me that the beauty of colored diamonds are truly in the eye of the beholder--one should always choose based on beauty rather than on stats. An unconventional bride would love this unique piece.
Gregg Ruth platinum and gold diamond ring. This fashion ring uses yellow and white diamonds set in different colors of gold to create a striking balance.
Image courtesy Aurora Gems.
