14 May Pink Diamonds: An Engagement Ring Buyer’s Guide
At. C. Blackburn Jewelers, we offer a variety of center stone options for custom engagement rings. One stylish choice that truly stands out is the pink diamond. Pink diamonds are not only rare and precious. They carry a romantic symbolism that is perfect for one of the most significant milestones in your life.
With their soft and delicate hues ranging from pale pink to vivid shades, pink diamonds add an extra touch of elegance and uniqueness to any ring setting. Recent innovations in lab-grown pink diamonds have also made these gorgeous gemstones more affordable to the general public.
Our owner, jewelry designer Carl Blackburn, has been working with pink diamonds for decades. He understands all of the best ring styles and stone cutting options to make you a stunning one-of-a-kind engagement ring — and always within the budget you have set.
Visit Carl at our boutique jewelry store in La Jolla. He welcomes the opportunity to meet you and have an informative discussion about the making of a custom pink diamond engagement ring. Call 858-251-3006.
The Rarity, Value, and History of Pink Diamonds
Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. Their scarcity is attributed to the unique geological conditions required for their formation.
Unlike other colored diamonds, which get their hues from impurities or structural defects, pink diamonds owe their color to the intense pressure and heat that formed them deep within the Earth’s mantle.
The rarity of pink diamonds is further emphasized by the fact that only a small percentage of mined diamonds are classified as pink. Out of every 10,000 carats of rough diamonds, less than one carat is pink.
This rarity translates into higher prices, making pink diamonds a sought-after choice for San Diego couples who desire exclusivity and luxury in their engagement rings.
Historically, the allure of pink diamonds can be traced back to the 17th century, when French monarchs adorned themselves with pink diamonds, considering them a symbol of power and wealth. This royal connection has contributed to the mystique surrounding pink diamonds and their continued desirability today.
Pink Diamond Engagement Ring Considerations
Whether you are buying a custom pink diamond engagement ring, or buying one direct from the showcase of a San Diego jewelry store, several factors should be considered to ensure you make the right choice.
These factors include color intensity, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
Color Intensity
The color intensity of a pink diamond is a crucial factor that influences its value. Pink diamonds are graded on a scale ranging from light pink to fancy vivid pink. The more intense and saturated the pink color, the higher the value of the diamond.
However, personal preferences also play a significant role in selecting the ideal color intensity for an engagement ring. Some individuals may prefer a delicate and subtle pink, while others may opt for a vibrant and vivid hue.
Cut
The cut of a pink diamond affects its brilliance, sparkle, and overall appearance. The right cut can maximize the diamond’s beauty and enhance its color. The most popular cut for pink diamonds is the round brilliant cut, as it allows for optimal light reflection.
Other fancy cuts, such as the marquise cut or cushion cut, can also showcase the unique characteristics of a pink diamond. It is essential to choose a cut that complements the shape and color of the diamond while also fitting your personal style.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of any internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. Pink diamonds, like other colored diamonds, tend to have a higher level of clarity characteristics compared to colorless diamonds.
However, the impact of clarity on a pink diamond’s appearance is often less noticeable due to its intense color. It is recommended to choose a pink diamond with a clarity grade that ensures the inclusions do not affect the diamond’s structural integrity or overall beauty.
When working with Carl Blackburn to creating a custom engagement ring, you can be assured that your pink diamond will be of the finest clarity grade available within your budget.
Carat Weight
Carat weight measures the size of a diamond and is often associated with its value. However, when it comes to pink diamonds, color intensity often takes precedence over carat weight.
A smaller pink diamond with intense color can be more valuable than a larger one with a less vivid hue. It is crucial to strike a balance between the carat weight and the color intensity, considering your personal preferences and budget.
Pink Diamond Certification and Grading
To ensure the authenticity and quality of a pink diamond, it is essential to obtain a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory. The most well-known and respected diamond grading laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), provide accurate and unbiased assessments of a diamond’s characteristics.
A diamond certification includes information about the diamond’s 4Cs (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight) and any additional features that may affect its value, such as fluorescence or origin. It serves as a reliable reference point for both buyers and sellers, enabling transparency and confidence in the diamond trade.
So, when buying a pink diamond engagement ring in San Diego, always make sure a diamond certification from a reputable laboratory is included.
Evaluating the Color Intensity of Pink Diamonds
The color intensity of a pink diamond is a defining characteristic that sets it apart from other colored diamonds. Determining the color grade of a pink diamond requires careful evaluation of its hue, tone, and saturation.
Hue
The hue refers to the dominant color present in the diamond. Pink diamonds can exhibit a range of hues, including purplish-pink, orangish-pink, and brownish-pink. The most desirable and valuable hue for a pink diamond is a pure pink color without any secondary hues.
Tone
The tone of a pink diamond refers to its lightness or darkness. Pink diamonds can have a light, medium, or dark tone, with medium being the most preferred for its balance and overall beauty. The tone of the diamond should be assessed in relation to its color intensity to ensure a harmonious and visually appealing appearance.
Saturation
Saturation refers to the strength or purity of the pink color in a diamond. Pink diamonds can range from faint to fancy vivid in terms of saturation. The higher the saturation, the more vibrant and intense the pink color appears. Fancy vivid pink diamonds are highly sought after and command premium prices due to their exceptional saturation.
When evaluating the color intensity of a pink diamond, it is essential to consider the interplay between hue, tone, and saturation. Finding the right balance between these factors will help you select a pink diamond with a color that resonates with your personal style and preferences.
Selecting the Right Cut for a Pink Diamond Ring
The cut of a pink diamond plays a significant role in its overall appearance and can greatly enhance its beauty. The right cut will maximize the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle, showcasing its unique color and characteristics.
Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut is the most popular choice for pink diamonds, as it allows for optimal light reflection and dispersion. This cut maximizes the diamond’s brilliance, creating a dazzling display of sparkle. The symmetrical and balanced facets of the round brilliant cut also provide a timeless and classic look, making it a versatile option for various engagement ring settings.
Marquise Cut
While the elongated marquise cut is traditionally not as brilliant as a round cut, its facet pattern is designed to maximize the stone’s light reflection, enhancing its brilliance and fire. This is particularly effective in colored diamonds like pink diamonds, where the play of light can intensify the depth and saturation of the color.
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut is a timeless and romantic cut that combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. It has larger facets that enhance the diamond’s brilliance and create a vintage-inspired look. The cushion cut is an excellent choice for those seeking a pink diamond engagement ring with a touch of old-world charm and elegance.
Other Fancy Cuts
Pink diamonds can also be found in various other fancy cuts, such as pear, oval, and emerald. These cuts offer unique and distinctive shapes that can add a sense of individuality and creativity to a custom engagement ring.
When considering a fancy cut, it is essential to ensure that it complements the color of the pink diamond, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing result.
Setting Styles That Complement Pink Diamonds
The right setting style can enhance the beauty of a pink diamond and create a stunning engagement ring. Here are some setting options that complement pink diamonds:
Solitaire Setting
A solitaire setting showcases the pink diamond as the centerpiece of the ring, allowing its beauty to take center stage. The simplicity of a solitaire setting emphasizes the diamond’s color and brilliance, creating a timeless and elegant look. This setting is perfect for those who want their pink diamond to be the focal point of their engagement ring.
Halo Setting
A halo setting features a circle of smaller diamonds surrounding the center pink diamond, creating a halo effect. This setting adds extra sparkle and enhances the overall appearance of the pink diamond. The contrast between the pink center stone and the surrounding white diamonds creates a captivating and eye-catching look.
Three-Stone Setting
A three-stone setting incorporates two side stones alongside the center pink diamond. The side stones can be diamonds or other colored gemstones, adding a pop of color and creating a unique and personalized engagement ring. The three-stone setting symbolizes the past, present, and future, making it a meaningful choice for an engagement ring.
Vintage Setting
A vintage setting evokes a sense of nostalgia and romance, perfect for those who appreciate old-world charm. Vintage-inspired settings often feature intricate details, such as filigree or milgrain designs, which can beautifully complement the soft and delicate appearance of a pink diamond.
This setting style is one that San Diego jewelry designer Carl Blackburn specializes in. Over the past 3 decades, Carl has designed hundreds of vintage-inspired rings which have graced the pages of the jewelry industry’s most respected magazines.
Contact him to set up an appointment to discuss the making of a one-of-a-kind pink diamond engagement ring. Leave a voicemail at our La Jolla jewelry store by calling 858-251-3006.
Pink Diamond Pricing Factors & Lab Grown Diamonds
The price of a pink diamond is influenced by several factors, including color intensity, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Pink diamonds with intense and vivid colors command higher prices due to their rarity and desirability.
It is important to note that pink diamonds are extremely expensive compared to traditional white diamonds, with a single carat stone costing approximately $100,000. The limited supply and high demand contribute to their higher price tag.
The good news is that C. Blackburn Jewelers (La Jolla) can make a pink diamond engagement much more affordable by setting it with a lab-grown pink diamond for a price of about $2,500 for a single carat stone.
Lab-grown pink diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural pink diamonds but are created in a controlled laboratory environment. As with natural diamonds, it is important that lab-grown pink diamonds are properly certified by a well-known, respected diamond lab like GIA or AGS.
Famous Pink Diamond Engagement Rings
Several famous pink diamond engagement rings have made headlines over the years. These rings have not only highlighted the allure and luxury of pink diamonds but also their status as a symbol of love and commitment. Here are a few notable examples:
Mariah Carey: One of the most famous pink diamond rings was given to Mariah Carey by her then-fiancé, Australian businessman James Packer. The ring featured a stunning 35-carat pink diamond and was valued at around $10 million.
Jennifer Lopez: Another well-known pink diamond ring was the one presented to Jennifer Lopez by actor Ben Affleck in 2002. The ring featured a 6.1-carat pink diamond from the Harry Winston collection and was reportedly worth $1.2 million. This engagement also drew significant attention to pink diamonds, sparking a trend in colored diamond engagement rings.
Victoria Beckham: Victoria Beckham owns an impressive collection of engagement rings, including a pink diamond ring given to her by her husband, David Beckham. Her pink diamond is set in a feminine and luxurious design, complementing her status as a fashion icon.
Blake Lively: While not strictly a pink diamond, Blake Lively’s engagement ring from Ryan Reynolds features a large oval light pink diamond, designed by Lorraine Schwartz. The diamond is set in rose gold with a pave diamond band, which enhances its pink hue. The choice of this ring has been admired for its tasteful elegance and unique color.
Princess Mathilde of Belgium: For a royal example, Princess Mathilde received a pink diamond engagement ring from Prince Philippe of Belgium, now King Philippe. The ring is a classic and elegant piece, reflecting the royal tradition of using rare and valuable gems in matrimonial jewelry.
Custom Pink Diamond Rings in San Diego
La Jolla jewelry designer Carl Blackburn would love to have a chat with you about creating the perfect pink diamond engagement ring at the perfect price. He enjoys answering any questions you might have about the design process — the steps of which are explained here: San Diego Custom Engagement Rings.
If you are undecided on a pink diamond for your engagement ring, Carl will be happy to discuss with you other options, like pink, blue, or lavender sapphires, red rubies, peach morganite, or yellow diamonds.
Blackburn Jewelers is conveniently located in La Jolla By the Sea, which has many interesting shops and restaurants to visit after you meet with Carl Blackburn to discuss your custom ring.
Call 858-251-3006 to set up an appointment now.
