Nude Diamonds™, a brand of natural faint and light brown diamonds, represent a unique and increasingly popular choice in the world of gemstones. While not traditionally recognized as a classic birthstone, they are associated with April as an alternative to clearer diamonds. This article will explore the characteristics of Nude Diamonds™, their origins as defined by Le Vian®, their gemological properties, and their appeal as a distinctive and valuable gemstone option.
History and Lore
The concept of utilizing brown diamonds, and specifically developing the Nude Diamonds™ brand, is relatively recent, originating with Le Vian® jewelers. While natural fancy brown diamonds have existed for centuries – exemplified by the renowned 545-carat “Golden Jubilee” – the deliberate selection and marketing of lighter brown diamonds as “Nude Diamonds™” is a product of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Le Vian® recognized the potential of these diamonds, noting their ability to complement a wide range of skin tones.
The company’s history with colored gemstones extends to tanzanite, with Le Vian® importing over 50% of the gem to the U.S. in the 1980s. This experience in identifying and promoting unique gemstone qualities informed the development of the Nude Diamonds™ brand. The brand was created to offer a more affordable alternative to traditional white diamonds without sacrificing beauty or quality.
Geological Formation and Sources
Nude Diamonds™ are, fundamentally, natural diamonds. Their brown coloration arises from structural defects in the crystal lattice caused by irradiation during their formation deep within the Earth. The intensity of the color is directly related to the amount of pressure the diamond experienced during its geological history. These diamonds are not sourced from a single location, but rather are found wherever natural diamonds are mined.
Le Vian® employs a stringent selection process, sourcing diamonds that meet specific criteria for clarity and color. The diamonds chosen for the Nude Diamonds™ brand are C2-C3 in color, indicating faint to light brown hues, and SI or VS in clarity. This careful selection ensures a consistent quality and appearance across the brand.
Gemological Properties
Nude Diamonds™ share the core gemological properties of all diamonds, but with a notable difference in color. Here’s a breakdown of key characteristics:
- Chemical Formula: C (Carbon)
- Mohs Hardness: 10 – Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance, making them exceptionally durable.
- Refractive Index: High, contributing to their brilliance. (Specific refractive index values are not provided in the sources.)
- Color: Faint to light brown, categorized as C2-C3 on the diamond color scale. This hue is described as neutral, complementing all skin tones.
- Clarity: SI (Slightly Included) or VS (Very Slightly Included). These clarity grades indicate the presence of minor inclusions that are not typically visible to the naked eye.
- Cut: Not specified in the sources, but as with all diamonds, cut significantly impacts brilliance and fire.
- Carat: Variable, depending on the individual stone.
The sources highlight that Nude Diamonds™ take a high polish, enhancing their brilliance and appeal. Their neutral hue distinguishes them from traditional white diamonds, offering a subtle and versatile aesthetic.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not provide specific historical or cultural symbolism associated with brown diamonds or Nude Diamonds™ specifically. However, diamonds in general have long been associated with enduring love, strength, and purity. The unique color of Nude Diamonds™ may be interpreted as representing earthiness, warmth, and natural beauty.
As an April birthstone alternative, they share the symbolism traditionally associated with diamonds – resilience, clarity, and invincibility. The 10th-anniversary association further links them to themes of lasting commitment and stability.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their exceptional hardness (Mohs 10), Nude Diamonds™ are highly durable and resistant to scratching. However, like all jewelry, they require proper care to maintain their brilliance.
Recommended care practices include:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not expose the diamonds to chlorine bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals.
- Storage: Store diamonds separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
- Professional Inspection: Have jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to ensure the setting is secure and the diamond remains brilliant.
Beyond Diamonds: Le Vian®’s Colored Gemstone Portfolio
Le Vian®’s success with Nude Diamonds™ is part of a broader strategy of identifying and branding unique colored gemstones. The company is also known for its Blueberry Tanzanite®, a specific variety of tanzanite prized for its tri-chronic blue, pink, and purple hues. This demonstrates Le Vian®’s expertise in gemstone selection and marketing, and their ability to create desirable brands around specific gemstone qualities. The company even created elaborate designs featuring tanzanite, such as $2 million sandals adorned with over 185 carats of the gem. Similarly, Le Vian® also markets Chocolate Diamonds®, representing a darker shade of natural fancy brown diamonds.
The Appeal of Nude Diamonds™
The appeal of Nude Diamonds™ lies in their combination of natural beauty, affordability, and versatility. They offer a compelling alternative to traditional white diamonds, particularly for those seeking a more subtle and unique aesthetic. Their neutral hue complements a wide range of skin tones and jewelry styles. Furthermore, the stringent selection process employed by Le Vian® ensures a consistent quality and appearance, providing consumers with confidence in their purchase.
Conclusion
Nude Diamonds™ represent a modern approach to diamond appreciation, highlighting the beauty and value of natural color variations. Developed by Le Vian®, these faint to light brown diamonds offer a unique aesthetic, exceptional durability, and a more accessible price point compared to traditional white diamonds. While not a historically established birthstone, their association with April and the 10th anniversary adds to their symbolic significance. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to combine natural beauty with modern style, making them a distinctive choice for gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers alike.