Blue Diamonds

Understanding Blue Diamond Rarity & Grading

How Rare Are Blue Diamonds?

Around just 0.02% to 0.1% of natural fancy diamonds are blue, making them only second to reds in the battle for the rarest diamond color of all. 

The rarity stems from ‘Type llb’ classification. Type IIb diamonds contain boron in their structure, which gives them a blue tint. Their extremely unique aesthetic makes them both a collector's dream and extremely rare. 

The GIA’s Grading of Blue Diamonds

Grading for blue diamonds from The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks them on a fancy color scale of: Faint (a subtle blue tint), Very Light, Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Deep, Fancy Vivid, and Fancy Dark (a very rich, saturated hue)x. 

The scales grade them based on hue, saturation, and tone. Note that this is a different grading system from that used for regular white diamonds. 

The Impact of the Color Scale of Pricing

When it comes to fancy diamond pricing, it’s color intensity that drives the price. Price can also be heavily affected by clarity and carat weight, but primarily, it’s the fancy color scale to focus on. For example, vivid blues can command millions per carat. 

While there are plenty of grayish blue-toned diamonds in circulation, just 1% of studied blues are believed to hit ‘Fancy Vivid’. 

Light Performance

As with all diamonds, cut quality is the defining factor in light performance. A precision-cut diamond will maximize scintillation, spreading color evenly and preventing light leakage from dulling the hues. As a result, the blue pops from all angles. 

Our Blue Diamonds Showcase

1.50ct Fancy Blue VS1 Pear 

BGD’s 1.50-carat fancy blue pear-shaped diamond is a VS1 clarity stone, offering an eye-clean, fancy blue tone. The pear cut helps maximize the blue’s spread while offering wonderful light return thanks to its superior proportions and our precision-cutting standards. 

1.18ct Fancy Blue VS1 Heart

The 1.18ct fancy blue VS1 heart diamond is an utterly romantic stone, perfect for a heart-fluttering engagement ring. Its eye-clean VS1 clarity and light blue tone complement the precision cutting we provide, allowing for optical symmetry and optimised color dispersion. 

0.17ct Fancy Blue SI1 Pear 

The smaller 0.17ct fancy blue SI1 pear diamond is another pear-shaped offering and a wonderful entry into blue-toned diamonds with an SI1 clarity. Its fancy light hue and precision proportions for light performance make it perfect for side stones in blue diamond rings or blue diamond jewelry. 

FAQs for Blue Diamonds

What makes blue diamonds so rare?

Blue diamonds make up a mere 0.02 to 0.1% of mined diamonds. That’s because their unique formation occurs at depths of around 660km below ground. There, in areas far deeper than other diamonds, they’re formed over millions of years via intense pressure and crystallized carbon. The blue hue arises from boron impurities in the lattice, which absorb red and yellow light. If that sounds miraculous, it’s because it is!

How are blue diamonds graded?

Blue diamonds are graded using the GIA’s specialized fancy color system, ranking them from Very Light Blue, Light Blue, Fancy Light Blue, Fancy Blue, Fancy Intense Blue, Fancy Deep Blue, to Fancy Vivid Blue. 

You should also look for a cut and clarity rating, such as the VS1. 

Can blue diamonds be used in engagement rings?

Yes! Blue diamond rings are a wonderful choice for making your partner’s jaw drop time and time again. Rarity is one thing, but the evocative blue never fails to impress.  

How do I choose the right blue diamond?

We recommend balancing the 4 Cs of diamonds: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Color often gains a higher priority in fancy diamonds than in white diamonds, as you may want a truly saturated blue. VS1 to SI1 is also recommended for clarity, as it provides a clean stone. 

The cut and shape of the stone largely come down to preference, but pear and heart shapes are known for maximizing the spread of blue color. 

Carat will be affected by your budget.

Does BGD offer custom blue diamond jewelry?

Yes, we do. Brian Gavin Diamonds welcomes you to contact us today to discuss a custom blue diamond jewelry idea. We can help you dream up a vision before carefully crafting it for you, bespoke.