What is a Chocolate Diamond?

Let me introduce with the term ‘Chocolate Diamond’, well it is simply a marketing phrase coined by the famous jewellery manufacturer Le Vian. Chocolate diamonds are another type of brown, or cognac colored Diamond. There are two different brown diamond i.e., natural brown diamonds, and there are those that have been colour treated diamond. Finding a natural brown diamond isn’t an easy task, therefore, natural colored diamonds are always going to be more expensive than those that have been colour treated.

They have the same properties as that of other colored diamonds. They are found in a variety of brown shades. 

Shades of chocolate diamonds:

•      Chocolate
•        Clove (olive-brown)
•      Cognac (deep reddish-orange hue)
•        Honey (deep orange-yellow)
•        Champagne (warm, golden brown)

Among the rest, cognac, chocolate and champagne are the most common shades.

Is it true- Chocolate Diamonds less valuable?

Usually, yes. The vast majority of colored diamonds are now passes through color treated. Because of the high demand of brown diamond and since this is a relatively new product, various consumers are unaware that a large amount of brown colored diamonds are very inferior quality. To produce any medium to high quality colored diamond, they must use a nice quality white diamond to begin with.

Yet, in 90 per cent of the colored diamonds they use a poor quality diamond to treat. Why? Only because it’s cheaper, and they can get away with it. Due to heavy marketing by chain stores, people tend not to judge a chocolate or brown diamond in the same way they do with a white diamond. Brown diamonds are often opaque in colour, with heavy inclusions and little sparkle, yet customers have begun to expect this because it’s everywhere.

A diamond with eye visible inclusions and a lack of luster will not look any better once it’s been colour treated. An expensive white diamond is used to make a vivid golden brown diamond, and a lower quality diamond is used to make a less vivid chocolate, greyish brown or muddy brown diamond. Such diamonds look like the genuine ones, but they are not valuable and have zero resale value. You should buy the stone from a trusted jeweller only. It is also essential to get a lab certified or certificate signifying the diamond's origin which will prove its authenticity.

Higher Quality Brown Diamonds

Chocolate diamonds are mainly mined in Argyle Diamond Mine in Kimberly; and also in other places in Russia, Africa and Australia. Although these 'low color' diamonds were once considered as cheap or lower grade diamonds, today it is one of the most popular diamond color shade all over the globe. Natural and Authentic chocolate diamonds are also very rare and hence, they are very popular globally. However, artificial ones can also be created by easy method of artificially coloring.

If you want brown diamonds that have a rich golden brown colour and sparkle, or especially if you want a larger single brown diamond, you would be better off requesting a cognac colour. Decide what looks best to you and compare the differences in quality, always go for best quality. If you like chocolate or brown diamonds, by all means, buy them and enjoy them! When it comes to colored gemstones, just be conscious of the quality you’re paying for! You must definitely go for these diamonds. These rare, champagne-colored diamonds will surely attract your eyes!