Pink Diamonds

What Makes a Diamond Pink?

Only a tiny percentage of diamonds are vivid pink, so they’re scarce. While lab diamonds offer a more affordable route to the pink flair, they can't match the actual, evocative coloration of their natural counterparts. 

Although most fancy diamonds acquire their color from impurities during formation (such as nitrogen), the GIA believes that 99.5% of pink diamonds form under extreme pressure, causing plastic deformation. Under that pressure, the crystal lattice distorts, changing how the stones absorb and reflect light. The color is concentrated in narrow parallel bands, which diamond cutters then orient to maximize the visible body color for that jaw-dropping tone.

This process is a rare structural anomaly, and there is no set formula as to how it happens. This explains why each pink diamond is naturally one-of-a-kind and why there is a minimal quantity worldwide. 

Pink Diamond Color Grading Scale

The GIA uses fancy-color terms specific to pink diamonds for their grading, instead of the regular D-Z colorless scale that you may be familiar with: 

• Faint Pink

• Very Light Pink

• Light Pink

• Fancy Light Pink

• Fancy Pink

• Fancy Intense Pink

• Fancy Vivid Pink

• Fancy Deep or Fancy Dark Pink

What Shapes and Cuts Maximize Pink Diamond Beauty?

Brian Gavin Diamond’s approach to high-end precision cuts ensures precise proportions, symmetry, and polish in shapes that bring out the best in pink diamonds. These include:  

Cushion Cuts

With larger facets and softly squared outlines, cushion cuts help pink diamonds look deeper in colour. They are a perfect choice for a romantic and classic aesthetic. 

• Recommended: 0.71 Pink VS1 Fancy Color Cushion Diamond

Oval Cuts

Oval cuts create an illusion of elongated fingers while still offering intense brilliance. This gives the pink diamond a lively sparkle. They also appear larger than round stones of the same carat weight, which can be very valuable given the rarity of pink diamonds. 

• Recommended: 1.28 Pink I1 Fancy Color Oval Diamond

Pear Cuts

Pear-cut pink diamonds combine a tapered point with a rounded end, creating a gorgeous teardrop look. The pink seems to almost flow along the length of the stone and is considered romantic and vintage. 

• Recommended: 1.04 Pink VVS1 Fancy Color Pear Diamond & 0.53 Pink I1 Fancy Color Oval Diamond

Radiant Cuts

The many brilliant facets break up light and color, helping the pink appear vivid and lively (even in a lower color grade). They can be perceived as sparkling and colorful. 

FAQs: Pink Diamonds

What Makes Pink Diamonds So Valuable?

Pink diamonds have gained substantial value over time due to their extreme rarity and highly sought-after color. Larger pink diamonds are even more scarce, so you’ll notice that the price per carat rises steeply. Should you use a seller with precision expert cutting and higher clarity, then the value increases further. 

How are pink diamonds graded?

Like all diamonds, pink diamonds follow the ‘4Cs’ (cut, clarity, carat, and color). However, they use a more complex color grading system than you’ll see with white diamonds, which is known as the ‘fancy-color system’ and can be found above on this page.

Can I create a custom pink diamond engagement ring?

Yes. At Brian Gavin Diamonds, we welcome you to contact us to create a custom pink diamond ring design, with expert advice on fine-tuning details such as side stones, pavé stones, band width, and metal choice.