Have a taste for luxury? Then coffee diamonds or brown diamonds are the hidden gems you need to know about! Their earthy hues and distinctive charm have made them some of the most sought-after gemstones. If you’re looking for brown diamond jewelry for women and want to dive into the fascinating world of these gems, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through the intriguing brown diamond’s history and discover what makes them so special.
What Is the History of Brown Diamonds?
Brown diamonds have a fascinating history that’s full of surprises! Once considered less desirable due to their color, these stunning gems weren’t widely used in jewelry and were repurposed for industrial use—ground into granules for cutting and drilling! Over time, though, they’ve become highly prized for their unique beauty and rich, warm tones.
- Origins: Brown diamonds get their name from their warm, rich, and brownish hues, which resemble the color of freshly brewed coffee. The history of brown diamonds can be traced to the 1700s when these gems were mined in Brazil. In the 1980s, many brown diamonds were discovered at the Argyle mine in Australia.
- A rare gem: Brown diamonds are a unique variety of natural diamonds, specifically known for their captivating brown tones, ranging from light to deep chocolate.
- Formed deep within the Earth: Like all diamonds, brown diamonds are formed under extreme heat and pressure deep inside the Earth’s mantle, but with the presence of nitrogen, they develop their signature brown color.
- Historical popularity: Brown diamonds have been admired for centuries. While they were initially considered less valuable than colorless diamonds, their natural beauty and distinctiveness gained recognition over time. By the late 20th century brown diamonds started to rise in popularity and were embraced for their warm, rich hues.
- Rise in popularity: In the 1990s, brown diamonds gained fame due to their affordability compared to other diamonds and their unique appeal, leading to the rise of brown diamonds as a favorite among gemstone lovers.
- Business opportunity: One of the first businesses to rebrand brown diamonds to improve their popularity was Baumgold Bros, a diamond cutter and importer. Subsequently, various designations were assigned to multiple colored diamonds during the 1950s and 1960s, but unfortunately, this tactic was only partially successful.
- Marketing strategies: Rather than treating them as mediocre gemstones, clever branding and strategic marketing gave them a luxurious appeal. Terms like “champagne,” “cognac,” and “chocolate diamonds” were introduced to evoke richness and exclusivity, making them more attractive to buyers.
- De Beers’ role: Throughout the 20th century, De Beers, a leading diamond company, dominated the industry with a strong focus on promoting colorless diamonds. However, as market trends evolved and demand for unique gemstones grew, De Beers adapted by introducing a significant supply of brown diamonds to the market in 1996, transforming their perception of the jewelry industry.
- Golden Jubilee Diamond: The Golden Jubilee Diamond is the world’s largest cut and faceted brown diamond. Discovered in 1985 in South Africa’s Premier Mine, this brown diamond weighed 755.5 carats. In 1997, it was gifted to Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej to celebrate his golden jubilee, marking his 50 years on the throne. Currently, this is part of the Thai royal collection and is on exhibit in Bangkok.
Beauty With Meaning
Brown diamonds are all about those warm, earthy tones that make them stand out from the usual white diamonds. They’re a perfect choice if you’re after something unique for your engagement ring, jewelry or even a bold statement piece. But they’re more than just pretty to look at. Brown diamonds symbolize order, stability and clarity, with their rich hue representing renunciation and humility.
Now that you’re familiar with the fascinating background of brown diamonds, why not head over to Angara and check out our stunning collection of coffee diamond jewelry? Whether you’re in the mood for something bold and unique or a piece that exudes timeless elegance with a touch of diamond history, we’ve got just the thing for you. These gorgeous gems are waiting to add a touch of warmth and sophistication to your collection—don’t miss out!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are brown diamonds?
Brown diamonds, also known as coffee, chocolate or cognac diamonds, are diamonds with a natural brownish hue. Their color is a result of structural distortions in the diamond’s crystal lattice that affect how light is absorbed and reflected.
2. Are brown diamonds expensive?
Not really! Brown diamonds are more affordable than their white counterparts. This makes them an excellent choice for those who love flaunting diamonds without breaking the bank.
3. Are brown diamonds a good choice for engagement rings?
Yes, brown diamonds are a great choice for engagement rings! Their unique, earthy tones offer a distinctive look, and their symbolism of order, stability and clarity adds meaningful depth. Plus, they’re durable and versatile, making them a lasting, elegant option for your ring.
