Green Diamonds

What Makes a Diamond Green?

Their Miraculous Formation 

Fancy color diamonds get their coloration from a natural process, unique to green diamonds. Over millions of years, the crystal absorbs radiation from nearby uranium or thorium, knocking carbon atoms out of place in the lattice. The lack of atoms allows green light waves to dominate the stone. 

Color concentration varies due to variations in radiation penetration. At a short distance, the green tint is visible at the surface. Whereas, deep gamma radiation provides a more uniform green coloration, which is a rarer phenomenon and makes them extremely sought after.

GIA Certification

Natural and lab-irradiated green diamonds are extremely difficult to distinguish, yet understandably, many people wish to be the owner of a stone formed over millions of years (especially considering the high prices they receive). Therefore, a GIA report is essential for natural green diamond authenticity. 

GIA certification will determine if coloration is from natural radiation, or artificial irradiation, or coating.

Green Diamond Color Grading

GIA grading is used to grade the green coloration, on a nine-step intensity scale - from Faint to Fancy Dark. Color intensity is the primary value driver in green diamonds.

Note that green diamonds are ‘fancy diamonds’, which receive a specialized color-grading system, compared to regular white diamonds. 

The green color grading scale is:

• Faint Green

• Very Light Green

• Light Green

• Fancy Light Green

• Fancy Green

• Fancy Intense Green

• Fancy Vivid Green

• Fancy Deep Green

There are also secondary hues:

• Yellowish green

• Grayish green

• Bluish green

Create Your Natural Green Diamond Ring with Brian Gavin Diamonds

Brian Gavin Diamonds welcomes you to pair one of our curated natural green diamonds with a setting and ring design of your choice.  

We offer customized designs, allowing you to make any dream vision a reality, alongside our expert advice on metal selection and ways to maximize the green color to the naked eye. 

Our Featured Green Diamonds 

0.10ct Fancy Vivid Green VS1 Radiant

With exceptional color intensity, this compact and brilliant vivid fancy green diamond uses a radiant cut to maximize green fire, with a hue on the yellow side of the spectrum.

Its VS1 clarity grade means minor inclusions are hard to see even under 10x magnification, making the 0.10ct Fancy Vivid Green VS1 Radiant a truly stunning collector's piece for anyone after a vivid green diamond. 

0.13ct Fancy Green VS2 Radiant 

Slightly larger and with excellent clarity, the 0.13ct Fancy Green VS2 Radiant showcases a notable green hue with very minor inclusions even under 10x magnification. Closer to the blue end of the spectrum, the sea-green tone evokes Art Deco yet contemporary charm and is a true miracle of nature. 

FAQs on Green Diamonds

Are green diamonds natural?

Fancy green diamonds can be naturally formed or colorised by lab artificial irradiation. Natural green diamonds receive a GIA certification and are extremely rare, resulting in considerably higher value. 

What makes green diamonds so rare?

Green diamonds are extremely rare, making up 0.1% of fancy diamonds. This is due to the rare occurrence of natural radiation interacting with the diamond’s crystal structure over millions of years. Should a diamond have a uniform green color, it is even rarer. 

How are green diamonds graded?

Green diamonds are graded using the fancy-color diamond chart, like other colored stones. This is different to the grading system used for white diamonds, which value a lack of coloration. 

The GIA uses a nine-step fancy-color scale, from faint to fancy dark. But, like all diamonds, they’re also still evaluated for cut, clarity, carat weight, and color. 

How can I tell if a green diamond is natural or treated?

To confirm if you’re looking at a natural green diamond, you should check if it has a GIA certification. If the report lists it as air-irradiated, HPHT-treated, or coated, then the coloration is not natural. 

Which diamond shapes look best in a fancy green diamond?

Green diamonds suit fancy shapes that bring out colorations, as sparkle is not the priority. Radiant, cushions, pear, marquise, asscher, and emerald are all great choices. 

Can I customize a green diamond engagement ring?

Yes, with Brian Gavin Diamonds, you can customize a natural green diamond ring, including the stone, the setting, and the material. We welcome you to contact us today to get started.