Learn About Coffee Diamond
Brown diamonds are also known as coffee, toffee and champagne diamonds. We think this gem is as tempting as the names it goes by.
Coffee Diamond
- Diamond
- 10 Mohs
-
Aries , Taurus
- Order, Stability, Clarity
- April Birthstone
Round
Overview
Diamonds are known to be the hardest naturally occurring substance in the world. When it comes to colored diamonds, brown diamonds are the most common color variety mined across the world.
Brown diamonds get their color from structural irregularities in the crystal lattice. Brown diamonds are also formed due to the presence of hydrogen, nitrogen and nickel defects within the diamond's structure.
1. Key Origin
- Brown diamonds are mined in Southern Africa, Siberia and Australia.
- The Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia is the world's largest producer of brown diamonds.
2. Associations
- Brown diamonds are often considered to represent harmony, stability, confidence and dependability.
- Its down-to-earth color signifies renunciation and is the perfect symbol of humility. Brown diamonds are also said to connect the wearer to the earth and nature.
Properties
Rated 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
01Hardness & Strength
Brown diamonds may be cheaper than white diamonds, but they exhibit the same properties as any other diamond. They are one of the hardest substances found in nature. It scores a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness and possesses a very high refractive index.
02Treatment
Brown diamonds are generally untreated. Their pleasing brown hue occurs naturally. It is a result of lattice imperfections, caused due to the application of geological forces. In certain cases, heat treatment or irradiation may be used to produce more vivid colors.
Brown diamonds are also treated to convert them into colorless diamonds or diamonds of other colors such as yellow. These diamonds may be more valuable than brown diamonds but of lesser value than natural diamonds of the same color and quality.
Know About Other Diamonds
Coffee Diamond
“Brown diamonds are also known as coffee, toffee and champagne diamonds. We think this gem is as tempting as the names it goes by.”
- Diamond
- Brown
- 10 Mohs
- Aries , Taurus
- Order, Stability, Clarity
- April
- Round
Know About Other Diamonds
White Diamond
Diamonds are almost as old as the earth! It takes millions of years for these stunners to form within the earth's crust.
- Diamond
- Colorless
- 10 Mohs
- Aries , Taurus
- Strength, Abundance, Eternal love
- April
Blue Diamond
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is home to the most famous fancy blue diamond - the Hope Diamond.
- Diamond
- Blue
- 10 Mohs
- Aries , Taurus
- Faith, Trust
- April
Black Diamond
It's Carrie Bradshaw’s black diamond engagement ring in Sex and the City 2 that brought this gem into the spotlight.
- Diamond
- Black
- 10 Mohs
- Aries , Taurus
- Courage, Inner strength
- April
The 4C’s
The below-mentioned factors help determine a Coffee Diamond's true value:
- color
- carat
- clarity
- cuts
01Color
- The color of the brown diamond is one of the most important factors that determine its value.
- Hue, tone and saturation are the three main dimensions by which the color is assessed.
- While the hue refers to the diamond's visible color, the tone indicates the darkness of the color. The value of the diamond increases with the level of its intensity or saturation.
02Carat
- As with colorless diamonds, the price of a deeply saturated brown diamond will increase as its size increases.
03Clarity
- The clarity of a brown diamond is assessed in the same way as that of other diamonds. The higher the number of visible flaws in a stone, the lesser its value.
- While clarity is an important factor, brown diamonds are mostly coveted for their color.
- A brown diamond that has a few inclusions but displays high color intensity is still considered desirable.
04Cuts
- Unlike colorless diamonds, Coffee Diamonds are mostly cut into shapes that intensify their color.
- Because of their large availability and relatively lower price, they can be cut into any shape and size without worrying much about wastage.
Quality & Grading
Although there is no industrial standard for grading Coffee Diamonds, based on the quality of the gemstone, they can be classified into the following categories.
| Gem Quality | Color | Clarity | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Fancy Deep Brown (C7) | VS2 | Very High | NA |
Vintage Style Brown Diamond Flower Scroll Ring$809 |
| Best (AAA) |  Fancy Dark Brown (C6) | SI2 | High | NA |
Encrusted Brown and White Diamond Infinity Knot Ring$1999 |
| Better (AA) |  Fancy Medium Brown (C5) | I1 | Medium | NA |
Coffee and White Diamond Studded Double Hoop Earrings$769 |
| Good (A) |  Fancy Light Brown (C4) | I2 | Low | NA |
Coffee Diamond Cluster Earrings with Cushion Halo$1159 |
Care Instructions
Daily wear and accumulation of dirt will reduce the luster and brilliance of your Coffee Diamond jewelry. Simply follow these instructions to ensure that your brown diamonds keep sparkling at all times.
FAQs
1. Are brown diamonds valuable?
Yes, brown diamonds are valuable in their own right! Their worth lies in their rarity, natural beauty and the growing demand for unique gemstones. While they are typically more affordable than white diamonds, high-quality brown diamonds with rich, uniform hues and excellent clarity can command significant value.
2. Are brown diamonds durable for everyday wear?
Yes, brown diamonds are incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Like all diamonds, they score a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them resistant to scratches and perfect for engagement rings or other frequently worn jewelry.
3. Are coffee diamonds expensive?
Not necessarily! Coffee diamonds generally fall into a more budget-friendly price range compared to white diamonds. However, their cost can vary based on the quality, carat weight and depth of their coffee-like hue.
4. Are coffee diamonds natural or treated?
Coffee diamonds are a type of natural diamond that gets its unique brown hue from various trace elements present during its formation. Unlike some other colored diamonds that are treated to enhance or alter their color, coffee diamonds are completely natural and have not undergone any artificial treatments.
5. Are coffee diamonds popular?
Yes, coffee diamonds are increasingly popular for their warm, earthy tones and distinctive appearance. They are a favorite for those who appreciate unique, modern jewelry that stands apart from traditional white diamonds. Their versatility makes them a great choice for both casual and formal pieces.
6. Are coffee diamonds graded differently than white diamonds?
Not significantly. Like white diamonds, coffee diamonds are assessed using the 4Cs — color, clarity, cut and carat weight. However, the emphasis on color is greater for coffee diamonds, as their value and appeal are closely tied to the depth, intensity and consistency of their brown hue.
7. What is the difference between champagne, chocolate, coffee and brown diamonds?
Champagne, coffee and chocolate are terms that refer to specific shades or qualities of brown diamonds, rather than distinct types. These names highlight variations in tone and depth within the broader category of brown diamonds. It encompasses a wide range of natural earthy hues, from light to golden brown and medium to dark brown.
