Green Diamond: A Rare Color, A Fascinating History
Why is the green diamond so fascinating?
The green diamond is one of the rarest and most intriguing gemstones in the world. Unlike other colored diamonds, its natural green hue does not come from chemical impurities, but from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years. This slow and exceptional geological process gives the green diamond its unique and subtle color.
A Unique Formation at the Heart of the Earth
Green diamonds form like all diamonds: under high pressure and temperature, several hundred kilometers below the Earth's surface. What distinguishes them is that they are subsequently exposed to natural radiation that slightly alters their atomic structure. This produces a green coloration, sometimes on the surface, sometimes in depth. This phenomenon, although caused by natural radiation, is completely harmless to human health and poses no risk when wearing the jewelry.
This natural alteration is extremely rare: it is estimated that less than 0.1% of extracted diamonds have a naturally occurring green hue. This extreme rarity, combined with the difficulty of certifying the origin of the color, explains the exceptional value of these stones.
The Shades of Green: A Rarity in Itself
Green diamonds come in a range of hues from pale green to intense green, sometimes with bluish or grayish overtones. The color can be uniform or nuanced, and the more vibrant the shade, the rarer and more precious the stone.
Some green diamonds are artificially treated, but those whose color is 100% natural (certified by laboratories such as the GIA) are extremely prized.
The Green Diamond in History: Some Emblematic Examples
Among the few known green diamonds, three specimens stand out for their history and exceptional rarity:
The Dresden Green Diamond:
Probably the most famous, this 41-carat diamond is displayed in the Green Vault in Dresden, Germany. Its intense and perfectly homogeneous green color makes it a global reference. Discovered in India in the 18th century, it is believed to have belonged to Augustus III of Poland, who acquired it to adorn his royal crown. This jewel has survived eras and regimes, and was carefully protected during World War II.
The Aurora Green Diamond :
This intense green diamond of 5.03 carats is considered one of the most precious ever sold at auction. It was put up for sale by Christie's in Hong Kong in 2016 and sold for over $16.8 million, setting a world record for a green diamond. Mounted on a ring signed by Moussaieff, this jewel stands out for its vibrant color, exceptional purity, and GIA certification of natural color.
The Ocean Dream Diamond:
This exceptional 5.5-carat diamond is famous for its unique hue between green and blue, a very rare shade. It is believed to have been discovered in Central Africa and is one of the few diamonds to combine an intense aquatic color with a natural color certification. Auctioned by Christie's in 2014, it reached a record price, solidifying its status as an iconic piece.
These rare stones are not only admired for their beauty, but also for the stories they carry through centuries and continents.
Evaluation Criteria for a Green Diamond
The estimation of the value of a green diamond is based on several criteria:
The hue: the more vibrant and uniform, the rarer the stone
The clarity: like all diamonds, inclusions impact the value
The carat weight: stones above 1 carat are very rare
The cut: a cut that enhances the color increases the value
The natural origin: certified by an independent laboratory
Understanding Diamond Evaluation Criteria
What is the Value of a Green Diamond?
Natural green diamonds are among the most expensive on the market. A certified stone, even small in size, can reach considerable sums. In 2014, the 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream Diamond" was sold at Christie's for over $8.6 million, a record for a diamond of this color. In 2022, a documented private sale of a 3.1-carat natural green diamond certified by the GIA reached over €3.2 million, confirming the strong demand in this segment. The price varies according to the criteria mentioned above, but also according to the origin: some mines in Africa or Brazil are known to have produced unique specimens.
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Why Choose a Green Diamond?
Beyond its rarity, the green