Raise a glass to champagne diamonds. These diamonds are relatively new to the jewellery world and are quickly becoming synonymous with opulence. Champagne diamonds are a lighter shade of brown than their cognac counterparts, with a yellow tone. Champagne diamond rings make unique alternative engagement rings, and these stones look equally as gorgeous in diamond earrings, bracelets, wedding bands and other jewellery. Champagne diamonds vary from the palest hint of yellowish brown to dark, rich champagne colour, meaning they look great in yellow, white and rose gold settings, as well as platinum and palladium.
The term ‘champagne’ is reserved for brown diamonds with a secondary yellow tone. Using brown diamonds in unique and attractive jewellery is a fairly new concept. It was first done in the 1980s, and the majority of brown diamonds are mined from the Argyle Mine in Australia. Up to 80% of the Arygle Mine’s yield are brown diamonds.
The brown colour in diamonds is caused by lattice defects in the diamond crystal due to shear stresses whilst forming deep underground. This process is known as ‘plastic deformation.’ Plastic deformation causes cavities within the crystal lattice that absorb the light that enters the diamond and presents a brown colour to the viewer. The yellow colour of diamonds is due to the trace element nitrogen within the crystal structure. Both of these factors combine to create the warm sparkle of a champagne diamond.
For further information on finding the perfect champagne diamond for you, contact our team of diamond specialists by calling 01335 453 453 or email sales@britishdiamondcomplany.com.