INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Jewelry Trends
SPONSORED CONTENT
Colored Diamonds Add Some Pizzazz to a Girl’s Best Friend
I
n 2012 pop singer Rihanna released the catchy single “Shine Bright
Like a Diamond.” As a more recent pop-culture
reference to the precious stone, also known
as “a girl’s best friend,” diamonds have
been praised in song, literature and mass
media for quite some time. Most of us
envision a round, colorless, brilliant
rock gleaming in all of its glory. While
diamonds are available in an array of
shapes and sizes, the desire for natural
colored diamonds is gaining momentum.
Perhaps the most recognized natural
colored diamond is yellow. Also referred to as
“Canary” diamonds, these sunny baubles contain high levels of nitrogen,
making them sing like the birds of their nickname. Value is determined
by higher saturation of color. The dramatic and brilliant statement yellow
diamonds convey has made them a favorite among celebrities.
Running a close second in popularity to yellow diamonds are shades
of brown. Depending on the strength of color, brown diamonds are often
coined as either “champagne” or “cognac.” Brown diamonds boast a warmth
and intensity that is maximized when set in rose or yellow gold. While there
is not a specific element that determines a brown diamond, extreme heat and
pressure alter the crystal structure, causing a change in color.
A rarer, and surely the most romantic, natural colored diamond
would have to be pink. Also caused by crystal distortion due to
heat and pressure, pink diamonds get their color from
absorbing higher levels of green light. A vast majority
of these diamonds comes from one mine in western
Australia known as the Argyle. These diamonds are
highly coveted whether they are a delicate pastel or
a vivid raspberry.
Interestingly, natural colored diamonds are not
limited to the above three. Shades of almost any color
can occur naturally and are making their way into finished
jewelry. Unique cuts, shapes and setting techniques make
a beautiful statement and vibrant alternative to traditional looks.
Diamonds are forever. They will always be known as a girl’s best friend.
And they will always shine bright no matter what color!!!
This Industry Insight was written by Amie Guarino.
Guarino is a jewelry stylist for Louis Anthony Jewelers.
She has a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising
from West Virginia University and has studied at the
Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Amie has been involved in the family business since
high school. For more information, visit Louis Anthony
Jewelers at 1775 North Highland Rd., call 412.854.0310
or visit www.louisanthony.com.
Peters Township | April/May 2014 | icmags.com 47