Blue diamonds are anyone’s special intriguing gems . Diamonds are being formed by fusion of carbon atoms in cubic lattice structure. Diamonds are being formed by carbon atoms under extreme pressure and heat deep below earth’s surface. Volcanic eruption and lava flow can bring it up to the earth’s surface.
Diamonds are usually graded for its carat(size) , cut, color and clarity. According to Gemological institute of America D- are colorless diamonds. E-F trace of color in the diamonds, G-H small trace of color in the diamonds , I,J,K -small colored diamonds. Color of the diamond is the result of impurities in the diamond like boron. One part of boron in one million carbon atoms creates the beautiful blue diamond. When there are more impurities of Boron, the star of vivid blue diamond is born. Naturally produced billion and million years old blue diamonds are rare and exquisite gems. Blue diamonds are expensive and special ones.Color of the diamond depends also on the structural flaws in the crystal lattice formation of the carbon atoms. Blue diamond’s clarity can be affected by whitish hue which is common to blue diamonds.
Cullinen mine near Pretoria is the world’s only known mine producing blue diamonds. This mine also produced the biggest diamond of the De Beers Millennium Jewels collection-the exquisite, vivid blue Heart of Eternity , 27 carats.
Blue and pale pink diamonds are more valuable than yellow or brown diamonds. Diamonds with odd or strong pigmentation are often labeled as “fancy”by the diamond industry. There is a separate rating system for colored diamonds. But it is not in common use due to the rarity of color gems. It’s good idea to have a one 1/2 carat blue diamond rather than choosing two 1/4 carat blue diamonds. Cost , can vary depending on the color, carat .Sky is the limit.
India was known for its diamonds from ancient times. Kaudilya, an ancient sage talked about diamond trade in India. Golconda was known for its major diamond production from ancient times until 17th century. The famous “Hope diamond “(blue diamond) was the product from Golconda, central India.
The infamous “Hope Diamond”(112 3/16 carat) was bought by a french travel merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier . It was being described as “un bleu violet “.He sold it to king Louis XIV of France in 1668 along with other diamonds cache. This famous diamond has passed hands many times and owned by royalties and common folk during different times. In 1673 , the stone was cut in to 671/8 carat stone. In the inventory its color has been described as steel intense blue. The stone was known as the “the blue diamond of the crown”. During 1792 the famous diamond was stolen. Later It was bought by Henry Philip Hope in 1839. Harry Winston Jewelers bought the “Hope diamond” from Mrs. McLean in 1947. It has been the center of exhibit attraction for next decade as court jewel collection. It brought misfortune to many of its owners. The “Hope diamond” has been donated to Smithsonian Institute in 1958 by Harry Winston Jewelers.
The largest known polished blue diamond is “Idol’s eye”, 70 carats. This one is a Golconda stone and it is described as delicate blue(rosy blue) in Gem literature. According to mythological tale, it has been set as an Idol’s eye in a Benghazi temple. This blue diamond was being sold to Mrs.May Stanton, an American Aristocrat after World War II.
Blue diamonds are interesting and intriguing gem from past,present, and future. Blue diamonds and Hope diamond can be an inspiration to any writer for facts and fantasy and myths blended together in future tales yet to come.
