Champagne Diamonds vs. Other Fancy-Colored Diamonds: What Sets Them Apart?

White traditional diamonds are revered for their elegance and timeless beauty and are considered a classic for engagement rings and wedding bands. However, champagne-colored diamonds and other fancy-colored diamonds derive color hue, tone, and shade from nitrogen atoms, making them symbolic of the earth and Mother Nature.

Champagne-colored diamonds are known for their variance in shades of brown, like golden brown, chocolate, and cognac. Fancy-colored diamonds come in a rainbow of colors across a vibrant spectrum, from ocean blues and forest greens to rich reds and sunset pinks. The more captivating the gemstone, the higher the value.

While champagne-colored diamonds and fancy-colored diamonds are distinctive in their beauty, the differences boil down to personal preference. While some covet their gemstones for rarity and prized investment, others place sentimental value in symbolism and statement.

Read on to learn about the unique characteristics, charm, and allure of champagne diamonds and fancy-colored diamonds, as well as formations, colorations, and costs.

The Unique Characteristics and Appeal of Champagne Diamonds

What do you think of when you think of champagne? A golden bubbly, fizzy with excitement and promise? Champagne diamonds are similar, at least in color and positive vibes. These diamonds vary in brown shades. The darker and richer the brown, the more valuable the diamond and the more costly it can be. These diamonds are versatile with secondary colors, like orange and gold, in the reflective facets, complementing various skin tones and yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum metal settings.

While darker cognac gemstones can be more expensive than lighter tones, champagne diamonds are, overall, more affordable than traditional white diamonds. Warm and distinctive, these diamonds are popular in custom engagement rings, necklaces, and pendants.

What are Fancy-Colored Diamonds? Differences from Traditional White Diamonds

Fancy-colored diamonds:

• Intense, rich colors, like pink, blue, green, and red, due to high nitrogen levels and other chemical impurities during formation.
• Graded on a scale of intensity, purity, demand, and distribution based on different colors.  
• Considered rarer and sometimes more valuable than traditional white diamonds, especially in richer, deeper colors like crimson, ruby, cerulean, navy, and emerald.
• Used most often for statement pieces, such as retirement investments or heritage pieces.
• Symbolism and personal significance vary based on the kinds of gemstones. For instance, an emerald-colored diamond symbolizes inner peace and wisdom, while ruby-colored diamonds symbolize romance, passion, and power.

Traditional White Diamonds

• Graded by the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, emphasizing brilliance and sparkle.
• Graded on a D to Z scale based on color, with D being colorless and pure and Z being light yellow or brown-tinted.
• More common than fancy-colored diamonds, considered timeless and classic.
• Used in classic, sparkling pieces like engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
• Symbolizes strength, love, and purity.

From Light Champagne to Deep Cognac: The Color Spectrum

Champagne diamonds, also known as cognac diamonds, are graded by color based on a C scale.

Light champagne diamonds are light golden brown with undertones of yellow or orange, considered delicate and understated. These are graded from C1 to C2.

Medium champagne diamonds are medium brown, like fresh-turned soil or milk chocolate, possessing the warmth of nature in their facets. The more pronounced and profound the coloration, the more elegant and renowned the jeweled pieces. These are graded from C3 to C4.

Dark champagne diamonds, or deep cognac diamonds, have an intense brown richness with hints of amber or dark red. They are luxurious and graded from C5 to C7.

Formation and Coloration of Champagne Diamonds vs. Fancy-Colored Diamonds

Champagne diamonds originated in the Argyle mines of Western Australia, but they’ve since been mined from various locations worldwide. These diamonds are under intense pressure and high heat, imbued with high nitrogen levels, contributing to their brown coloration.

Fancy-colored diamonds, formed by varying chemical impurities or structural abnormalities during formation, can be found in mines worldwide. Blue diamonds have high boron levels, yellow diamonds have high nitrogen levels, and pink diamonds are formed with crystal lattice anomalies.

Both champagne and fancy-colored diamonds are pushed through the earth, solidifying their structure and enriching color saturation.

The Cost and Value of Champagne Diamonds Compared to Other Colored Diamonds

Ranked in rarity, white traditional diamonds are the least rare, champagne diamonds are in the middle, and fancy-colored diamonds are typically the rarest. Affordability is based on rarity across each type of diamond. The rarer the gemstone, the more you can expect to pay. Champagne diamonds are considered colored diamonds, but brown gemstones are in less demand than reds, blues, greens, and other more vivacious colors. Diamonds with deeper, saturated colors are likely to have a premium price tag.

The market demand for fancy-colored diamonds is higher than for champagne diamonds. However, value is subjective, often based on sentimentality rather than market value. If you are looking for investment-grade assets, fancy-colored diamonds that are richer in color have higher marketable value.

Tips When Selecting a Diamond for Long-Lasting Wear

• Diamonds, regardless of color, can suffer wear and tear over the years, so hardness and toughness are paramount during selection. You want a durable diamond with a high-quality cut, reducing the risk of weakness or breakage over time.
• Learn how to gauge the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Match the levels with your budget to ensure an affordable yet beautiful jewel you can proudly wear.
• Round and princess-cut diamonds are more durable with a stronger design, while fancier shapes, like pear or marquise, are prone to scratches and chipping during long-term wear.
• Authentic diamonds of every kind and color will be certified by the Geological Institute of America or another reputable gem grading lab. Keep the certification for your investment records.
• Remember that professional cleanings for your diamonds should be done annually, but you can also clean them after every wear with mild soap, warm water, and a soft-bristle brush or Q-tip.

The Recap

Champagne diamonds and fancy-colored diamonds are distinguishable by their rich, beautiful colors and ties to nature. Most are ideal for everyday wear, but their perfection is based on personal preference, so discover what you love and drape yourself in diamonds.