The Magic of Fancy Coloured Diamonds
From the iconic Tiffany Yellow Diamond worn by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Knowles to Jennifer Lopez’s pink and green diamonds, these rare treasures remain the ultimate symbol of prestige and individuality. Today, with the advent of laboratory-grown options, the beauty of coloured diamonds is more accessible than ever—allowing jewellery lovers to enjoy the sparkle of vivid hues in bespoke creations.
At Timothy Roe Fine Jewellery, we are privileged to work with both natural and laboratory-grown coloured diamonds, crafting bespoke pieces that celebrate individuality, refinement, and enduring luxury.
Timothy Roe Laboratory-Grown Blue Diamond Ring with Diamond Shoulders in Platinum 1.08ct Blue Laboratory-Grown Blue Diamond in Centre
What Are Fancy Coloured Diamonds?
Few gemstones capture the imagination like fancy coloured diamonds. Renowned for their rarity, brilliance, and timeless allure, these exquisite stones have fascinated royalty, collectors, and connoisseurs for centuries. At prestigious auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, natural fancy coloured diamonds often achieve record-breaking prices.
Fancy coloured diamonds are diamonds that exhibit colour. We all know diamonds are generally white but did you know there are other colours of diamonds? Diamonds, whether natural or laboratory-grown, owe their mesmerising colours to unique processes. Unlike intense saturated sapphires, tourmalines or other coloured gemstones, natural fancy coloured diamonds tend to be lighter.
How Do Fancy Coloured Diamonds Get Their Colour?
Natural Fancy Coloured Diamonds
Deep within the Earth’s mantle, carbon atoms transform into diamonds under immense heat and pressure. During this process, trace elements or structural distortions in the atomic lattice introduce colour:
Blue diamonds – formed by boron atoms within the carbon lattice.
Pink, Brown (Cognac/Chocolate), Mauve & the exceptionally rare Red diamonds – created by pressure-induced distortions in the atomic crystal structure. The cause of this distortion is still unknown to scientists which makes them even more fascinating!
Green diamonds – created by vacancies (holes) in the crystal lattice structure due to irradiation knocking atoms out of place over millions of years.
Yellow, Champagne & Orange diamonds – coloured by varying quantities of nitrogen atoms within the carbon atom structure.
Each inclusion, nuance and colour tells the story of its geological journey, making every natural fancy coloured diamond truly one of a kind.
Are Natural Fancy Coloured Diamonds Enhanced or Treated to Improve Colour?
Yes and No. Sometimes irradiation is used to induce fancy colours in stones of less desirable tints. Irradiation cannot be used to make a yellow diamond white nor change the colour grades or lighten diamonds but if there is a slight tint of colour in the diamond, irradiation can be used to intensify the saturation making it darker. It cannot remove or create a new colour but draws out the colour already present in the stone.
Laboratory-Grown Fancy Coloured Diamonds
Through advanced methods such as HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition), scientists replicate the same conditions that form diamonds deep underground. By carefully controlling and adding in trace elements, laboratory-grown diamonds can be created in a spectrum of vibrant hues.
While indistinguishable in sparkle and durability, laboratory-created diamonds offer an accessible and innovative way to enjoy the artistry of coloured gems and more vivid saturated colours can be achieved.
Timothy Roe Laboratory-Created Blue Diamond Pendant £995.00
The Rarity and Value of Fancy Coloured Diamonds
Natural fancy coloured diamonds are among the rarest gems on Earth. With the closure of the Argyle Mine in Australia, pink diamonds have become even more coveted. Vivid natural blues and pinks often command millions per carat.
Laboratory-grown coloured diamonds provide a more attainable alternative, offering dazzling vibrancy without compromise on quality or luxury.
Many clients are drawn to both natural and laboratory-created varieties for their beauty, individuality, and emotional resonance.
Timothy Roe Natural Pink Diamond Cluster Ring in Gold & Platinum £9,995.00
Why Choose a Fancy Coloured Diamond?
Owning a coloured diamond is more than owning a jewel—it is a statement of artistry and self-expression:
Exclusivity – No two stones are identical.
Symbolism – Yellow for joy, blue for serenity, pink for romance, green for renewal.
Conversation – An instant focal point that captivates attention.
Durability – With a hardness of 10, diamonds are ideal for daily wear.
Brilliance and Dispersion - Where other coloured gemstones have a glassy, vitreous lustre, a fancy coloured diamond is still a diamond and possesses maximum sparkle and high adamantine brilliance.
In bespoke jewellery, a coloured diamond becomes a canvas for individuality, perfectly tailored to your unique story.
Timothy Roe Laboratory-Grown Diamond Three Stone Ring in Platinum. Three round brilliant cut laboratory-grown diamonds centre: 1.41ct fancy vivid blue. Sides: 1.00ct, D, VVS2.
Blue diamonds can sometimes have a steely silvery undertone similar to Montana Sapphires and denim jeans.
How to Style Fancy Coloured Diamonds
The beauty of fancy coloured diamonds lies in their versatility:
Solitaire showcase – A vivid gem set in a minimalist design lets the colour shine.
Contrasting accents – White diamonds amplify the vibrancy of coloured stones. Choose a centre fancy coloured diamond and pair with two white diamonds either side or perhaps use coloured diamonds as halos and tiny detailing accents.
Metal pairing – Yellow and champagne diamonds glow in yellow gold; blues shine in platinum; pinks radiate in rose gold.
Bespoke design – A custom piece transforms your diamond into a timeless heirloom, whether as an engagement ring, cocktail ring, or pendant.
Timothy Roe Diamond Cluster Ring with Natural Pink Diamond Halo in Platinum and Rose Gold £7,500.00
Bespoke Coloured Diamond Jewellery at Timothy Roe
✨ At Timothy Roe Fine Jewellery, we believe coloured diamonds represent the pinnacle of luxury, individuality, and elegance. Whether you choose a rare natural treasure or a cutting-edge laboratory-grown masterpiece, our bespoke designs are crafted to celebrate your unique journey.
Which fancy coloured diamond will inspire your story?
Bespoke Commission Completed 2025: Timothy Roe Raindance Ring with Natural White Diamonds and Laboratory-Grown Vivid Yellow Diamonds in Platinum.
