VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (2024)

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VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (1)

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Jomar Pandan

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For centuries, diamonds of all colors had dazzled the world, but the violet diamond remained hidden in the shadows. Unknown to most people, violet diamonds awaited their moment in the spotlight, which came in recent years. What are violet diamonds? How accessible are they to you and me?

Time to read :

8 minutes

Table of Contents
VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (2)VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (3)

Arrival of the Violet Diamond

Before the discovery of violet diamonds, the traditional colorless diamonds dominated the world of gems. While colored diamonds in shades of yellow, blue, pink and green were known and appreciated, violet diamonds were relatively unknown and undiscovered. Of the violet gemstones, the most popular was the amethyst.

The first violet diamonds popularly known in Europe came in the shades of mauve, or light purple. The discovery of these stones added a new dimension to the world of colored gems. The unique and captivating colors of violet diamonds introduced a rarity that had been previously unnoticed. What are violet diamonds? What gives these magnificent gems their color?

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (4)

Nature of the Violet Diamond

A violet diamond is a very rare and valuable diamond that exhibits a violet or purple hue. Exceptionally uncommon in nature, this violet coloration comes in a range of hues within the violet and purple spectrum, from pale and subtle shades to deep and vivid colors.

Violet diamonds get these colors from the presence of trace elements in the crystal. Hydrogen and boron contribute to their violet color, with the exact cause varying from one diamond to another. The intensity and even distribution of color are key factors in determining their value.

Though people often refer to violet diamond and the purple diamond as the same gem, there are subtle differences between the two. The violet gem typically exhibits a color that is closer to blue, while its purple counterpart leans toward the warmer end of the spectrum. In addition, violet diamonds are even rarer than the purple gems. See also —

  • PURPLE DIAMOND: The Most Elusive Diamond Color

Advantages of Violet Diamond

Like other colored diamonds, violet diamonds have several characteristics that make them highly desirable.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (6)

1. Rarity

Violet diamonds are exceptionally rare, making them coveted by collectors and investors. This scarcity adds to their allure and value.

This article is part of the series
DIAMOND COLORS

  • BLACK DIAMOND: From Obscurity to Fashion
  • BLUE DIAMOND: From Misfortune to Eternal Love
  • WHITE DIAMOND: From Unsightly Stone to Symbol of Light

2. Distinctive Beauty

The violet color in these diamonds is captivating and unique, providing a spectrum of choices for those seeking distinctive gemstones.

3. Individuality

Each violet diamond is one-of-a-kind, with its own color intensity and qualities. This uniqueness appeals to those who value individuality in their jewelry.

4. Investment Value

Due to rarity and increasing demand, violet diamonds can be valuable investments. Over time, their value may appreciate significantly.

5. Prestige and Exclusivity

Owning the violet gem is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. These diamonds often figure in high-end jewelry, and can thus be a status symbol.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (10)

6. Versatility

Violet diamonds can complement a wide range of styles and settings. They can suitably appear in various jewelry, from classic solitaire rings to elaborate necklaces and earrings.

7. Emotional Appeal

The rarity and beauty of violet diamonds can hold sentimental value, and make them meaningful gifts for special occasions.

The Rare Violet Diamond

The biggest advantage of violet diamond is its exceptional rarity. Among colored diamonds, violet diamonds are one of the rarest. This rarity is due to the specific geological conditions required and the trace elements necessary to produce the violet color in these diamonds. As a result, violet diamonds are far less common than the colorless stones or other colored diamonds, including blue, pink and yellow.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (11)

The rarity of violet diamonds makes owning one of them exclusive. Very few people have the opportunity to possess such a rare gem, which is thus a prized possession.

Due likewise to their scarcity, violet diamonds often appreciate in value over time. Thus, in addition to being a beautiful piece of jewelry, violet diamonds can serve as valuable investment. Hence, collectors of rare gemstones and diamonds often seek out violet diamonds to add to their collections. The limited availability of these gems makes them highly desirable.

Disadvantages of Violet Diamond

While violet diamonds have many unique advantages, they also come with several downsides.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (12)

1. Exceptional Cost

The extreme rarity of violet diamonds makes them extremely expensive. They can be far costlier than colorless diamonds and many other colored gemstones. This puts them out of reach of many potential buyers.

2. Limited Availability

Due to their scarcity, finding a high-quality violet diamond can be a challenging task. It may take a considerable amount of time and effort to locate one in the desired size and quality.

3. Difficulty in Matching

If one intends to use violet diamonds in a jewelry setting with other stones, finding a matching pair of violet diamonds can be particularly challenging. Variations in hue and intensity are common among these stones.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (13)

4. Color Preferences

Personal preferences for diamond colors vary, and not everyone may appreciate the violet hue. Some individuals thus prefer the traditional colorless stones or other colored diamonds. This could make it harder to find buyers if one decides to sell his violet diamond.

5. Clarity and Size Trade-Offs

To obtain a violet diamond with intense and even coloration, one might need to accept lower clarity or smaller sizes. This can be a drawback if he prizes clarity or size in his choice of gems.

6. Market Volatility

While violet diamonds have shown appreciation in value, their worth is subject to market fluctuations, as in the case of any investment.

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Scarcity of Violet Diamond

The biggest disadvantage of violet diamonds is their exceptional rarity. Violet diamonds are among the rarest of all colored diamonds, and this scarcity significantly drives up their price. While an advantage for those who own them as investments or collector’s items, their rarity can be a significant drawback for individuals who simply want to purchase a beautiful violet diamond for personal use or as part of a piece of jewelry.

The combination of rarity and high demand can make violet diamonds prohibitively expensive for many people. This is especially true of larger, more intensely colored stones. As a result, violet diamonds are often out of reach of individuals with budget constraints, or those looking for more affordable gems.

Rare thus Famous Violet Diamond

While their extreme rarity makes violet diamonds inaccessible to many, the same exceptional rarity is precisely what makes them famous and desirable. Their exclusivity and the fact that they are among the rarest gems on earth make violet diamonds highly sought after by collectors, investors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. The unique combination of scarcity and beauty sets violet diamonds apart, and elevates their status among gems.

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Violet diamonds have accordingly become symbols of luxury and prestige. While the high prices resulting from their rarity may be a disadvantage for some potential buyers, it is also the very factor that adds to their allure and fame.

Indeed, a few violet diamonds have come under the spotlight due to their rarity and cost.

1. Argyle Violet Diamond

This is the largest and most valuable violet diamond ever discovered. Weighing 2.83 carats, the Argyle Violet has a fancy deep violet color of a grayish, bluish tint. The stone came to light in the Argyle mine of Australia in 2015, and sold at the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender in 2016 for an undisclosed amount. The Argyle Violet is one of the most extraordinary diamonds ever unearthed.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (16)

2. Royal Purple Heart

This is a stunning and rare violet diamond that weighs 7.34 carats. A fancy vivid purple of a rather bluish tint, this diamond has a heart shape, although lacking the cleavage commonly associated with hearts. Originally found in Russia, the Royal Purple Heart is the largest vivid-purple diamond known to exist.

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Growing Popularity of Violet Diamond

As gemological knowledge expanded and appreciation for colored diamonds grew, violet diamonds found their place in the spotlight. Once relegated to obscurity, these diamonds became symbols of rarity and exclusivity. Collectors and enthusiasts alike marveled at their uniqueness, and the once hidden treasures became sought-after gems that graced the world’s most prestigious collections.

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The story of the violet diamond is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of our understanding of the earth’s geological wonders. It serves as a reminder that even in the depths of our planet, secrets and surprises await those who are willing to explore and uncover the beauty that lies hidden beneath the surface.

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More from the Series
DIAMOND COLORS

  • BLACK DIAMOND: From Obscurity to Fashion
  • BLUE DIAMOND: From Misfortune to Eternal Love
  • WHITE DIAMOND: From Unsightly Stone to Symbol of Light
  • YELLOW DIAMOND: Defective or Expensive?
  • RED DIAMOND: Rarest Beauty Born from Flaw
  • PINK DIAMOND: A Glamorous Anomaly
  • GREEN DIAMOND: A Lesser-Known Rarity
  • ROSE DIAMOND: The Glorious Story of Vivid Pink Diamonds
  • BROWN DIAMOND: From Industrial to Irresistible
  • PURPLE DIAMOND: The Most Elusive Diamond Color
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  • ORANGE DIAMOND: Lesser-known Yet Most Expensive
  • GOLDEN DIAMOND: A Treasure Among Inferior Diamonds
  • GREY DIAMOND: Rise in Popularity of an Unknown Gem
  • CHAMPAGNE DIAMOND: From Undesirable to Popular
  • VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem
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VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (36)

Explore Diamond’s Cuts

Check the different shapes and patterns that bring out the beauty of diamond.

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Sneak Peek into the World of Diamonds

The author of this article is working on a book that explores the fascinating aspects of diamonds, such as their magic and history. ‘Diamond, its Magic and History’ is still in progress, but the author has another book that readers can check out.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (37)

Learn more about your birthstone and zodiac gems.

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (38)

About the Author

Jomar Pandan

Jomar ‘Deomar’ Pandan is the author of Power Birthstone. He’s on the fourth draft of a high-fantasy novel, Cybelym, and the first of a historical fiction, Gem Faerie. He hopes to release a nonfiction book about diamond soon. Follow him for updates. Or see his jewelry and designs.

Know Your Birthstone

See your zodiac stone from the Bible

  • The Aries Birthstone from the Bible: Jasper
  • The Taurus Birthstone from the Bible: Lapis Lazuli
  • The Gemini Birthstone from the Bible: Chalcedony
  • The Cancer Birthstone from the Bible: Emerald
  • The Leo Birthstone from the Bible: Sardonyx
  • The Virgo Birthstone from the Bible: Sard or Carnelian
  • The Libra Birthstone from the Bible: Topaz
  • The Scorpio Birthstone from the Bible: Beryl
  • The Sagittarius Birthstone from the Bible: Peridot
  • The Capricorn Birthstone from the Bible: Chrysoprase
  • The Aquarius Birthstone from the Bible: Sapphire
  • The Pisces Birthstone from the Bible: Amethyst

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VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem (2024)

FAQs

VIOLET DIAMOND: From Hidden Treasure to Sought-after Gem? ›

Growing Popularity of Violet Diamond

Are violet diamonds rare? ›

The only source of Violet diamond worldwide is the Argyle mine in Australia. However, less than 100 carats of natural Violet diamonds have been found worldwide, which is why these diamonds are exceptionally rare. Due to the rarity nature of purple diamonds, they are also priced higher.

What are the famous violet diamonds? ›

Due to the rarity of the color, there are not many famous purple diamonds. In fact, there are only two; one being the Supreme Purple Star. The second famous purple diamond is the Royal Purple Heart Diamond. The latter stone is a 7.34-carat, fancy vivid purple, heart-shaped diamond, which originated from Russia.

What does a violet diamond symbolize? ›

For some, purple diamonds represent royalty and opulence, as the colour is often associated with wealth and luxury. For others, the meaning of purple diamonds may be more spiritual in nature, as the hue is linked to intuition, creativity, and imagination.

What is the difference between purple and violet diamonds? ›

Purple diamonds are more often very light and pastel in tone, even with intense and vivid grades, and violet diamonds are more often deep or dark in tone.

Where do violet diamonds come from? ›

Violet diamonds come from the Argyle Mine in Western Australia. Their colour is related to Hydrogen, but the exact colour formation is relatively unknown, adding to their mystery.

What is the rarest color for a diamond? ›

Red diamonds are the rarest and some of the most expensive in the world. Also known as Fancy Reds, they come in a variety of shades ranging from orange-red to brownish red. Majority of the world's red diamonds come from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia.

How much is the argyle violet worth? ›

However, diamond experts believe the Argyle Violet is worth between $1 million to $2 million per carat, with a final price somewhere between $2.8 million to $5.6 million.

What is the most expensive diamond color in the world? ›

Red diamonds are the most expensive colored diamonds. Currently, only about 20 to 30 exist in the world. These diamonds derive their red shade during the mining formation. The process is uncommon, explaining why red diamonds are rare and extremely small in size.

What is the most cursed diamond in the world? ›

The Hope Diamond

Arguably the most famous and most cursed precious gemstone in history, this 45.52-carat sparkler has a long and storied past. The Hope Diamond has been blamed for a laundry list of tragedies, including but not limited to: beatings, stabbings, murder, insanity, and suicide.

What is the most beautiful purple diamond? ›

The most famous purple diamond is the Royal Purple Heart, which is a 7.34-carat Fancy Vivid Purple I-1 clarity diamond, the largest of its kind known to exist. Originating from Russia, the diamond is named for two of the diamond's most famous traits: its color and its shape.

What is the largest violet diamond? ›

The 2.83-carat Argyle Violet is the largest and most valuable violet diamond recovered to date from the Argyle mine and is a diamond of historic significance in size, colour and clarity. It's GIA certified as Fancy Deep Greyish Bluish Violet.

What are purple diamonds called? ›

Similarly, purple diamonds are also known as Orchid diamonds, Plum diamonds, Mauve diamonds, Lilac diamonds, Grape diamonds, and Lavender diamonds.

Do real diamonds glow purple under black light? ›

Around 35% of diamonds grown naturally have this component in them, and 95% of them glow a bluish color when exposed to a black light. The other 5% may glow in a variety of other colors, including red, yellow, white, green, and orange.

Are purple diamonds more expensive? ›

In some cultures, it was a color that was reserved for only the elite to wear. While we have shed these societal limitations regarding the use of the color, natural purple diamonds remain so rare and expensive that they are still an ultra-exclusive gem. They are the second rarest diamond color behind red.

What letter is the best diamond color? ›

In the letter-grade diamond color scale, D (colorless) is the highest and best grade, and Z is the lowest. Diamond used to be graded like gemstones on a range that included AAA, AA, A, and B, so the new scale started at D to avoid confusion.

Are purple gems rare? ›

Purple gems have a wide range of prices and quality, but they're generally considered to be of higher value than other colors due to their rarity.

What color diamond is the most expensive? ›

Red diamonds are the most expensive colored diamonds. Currently, only about 20 to 30 exist in the world. These diamonds derive their red shade during the mining formation. The process is uncommon, explaining why red diamonds are rare and extremely small in size.

What causes purple diamonds? ›

Aspects of their color and the various structural defects in these purple diamonds are due to their post-growth plastic deformation in the earth. All the samples exhibited prominent parallel planar lamellae along which the purple color was concentrated.

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