Le Vian, a renowned jewelry brand, has made a name for itself with its Chocolate Diamonds®, a unique line of natural fancy color brown diamonds. These diamonds, sourced primarily from the Argyle Mine in Australia, have gained significant popularity and value over the years. But are they truly worth the hype and high prices? Let’s dive into the world of Chocolate Diamonds® and explore their history, rarity, and value.
The Rise of Chocolate Diamonds®
In the 1980s and 1990s, gem-quality brown diamonds were largely underappreciated, with prices ranging around $1,500 per carat. However, Le Vian saw the potential in these diamonds and began marketing them as a unique and fashionable alternative to traditional white diamonds. The company coined the term “Chocolate Diamonds®” to distinguish their high-quality brown diamonds from the rest of the market.
Stringent Standards for Chocolate Diamonds®
Le Vian sets stringent standards for their Chocolate Diamonds®, ensuring that only the rarest and highest-quality brown diamonds are used in their jewelry. These standards include:
Color: Chocolate Diamonds® must have a color between C4 (medium champagne) and C7 (cognac) on the Argyle champagne diamond color scale.
Clarity: The diamonds must have a clarity of SI (Slightly Included) or better on the GIA clarity scale.
Source: The diamonds must be responsibly sourced from areas not involved in conflicts funded by diamond trade or unethical labor practices.
With these strict requirements, Le Vian claims that less than 1% of the world’s diamonds used as gemstones qualify as Chocolate Diamonds®.
Chocolate Diamonds® Prices and Value
The value of Chocolate Diamonds® has skyrocketed since the 1980s and 1990s. While back then, most would sell for around $1,500 per carat, today many Chocolate Diamonds® fetch prices of $10,000 per carat—a 567% increase. This price hike is largely due to Le Vian’s successful marketing and the diamonds’ newfound popularity.
Outside of Le Vian, chocolate diamonds come at a wider, more accessible price range:
Brown diamonds weighing 0.3 to 0.99 carats range from $300 to $1,000 per carat.
Brown diamonds weighing 1 to 1.5 carats range from $1,500 to $1,650 per carat.
Compared to other colored diamonds like blue or pink, brown diamonds are much more affordable. However, it’s crucial to ensure that any brown diamond purchased is ethically and sustainably sourced, and that the diamond is not treated (which should lower its value).
The Rarity and Uniqueness of Chocolate Diamonds®
While brown diamonds are the most common type of diamond, making up around 15% of diamonds uncovered from most mines, most are not attractive enough to become cut gemstones. Le Vian’s Chocolate Diamonds®, however, are the rarest diamonds on Earth, according to the company, due to their stringent selection process.
Each Chocolate Diamond® is unique, with its own combination of hue, tone, and saturation. This uniqueness appeals to women who want to stand out from the crowd and achieve a sense of individuality in a world of mass production.
Innovative Designs with Chocolate Diamonds®
Le Vian’s Chocolate Diamonds® are not only rare but also set in innovative and fashionable jewelry designs. The company’s designs are unique, affordable, and appeal to women who want something different and more fashion-forward than traditional diamond jewelry.
The Sustainability Factor
The rise of the Chocolate Diamonds® market means that less brown diamond rough is being discarded, leading to better sustainability in the diamond industry. However, it’s crucial to ensure that any Chocolate Diamonds® purchased are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Are Chocolate Diamonds® Worth It?
Whether Chocolate Diamonds® are worth the hype and high prices depends on personal preference and budget. While much of the Chocolate Diamonds®’ reputation comes from clever marketing and celebrity recognition, they are undoubtedly beautiful and unique. For those who appreciate the rarity and individuality of these diamonds, and can afford the premium prices, Chocolate Diamonds® may be a worthwhile investment. However, for those on a tighter budget, there are more affordable options for brown diamonds that can still be stunning.
In conclusion, Le Vian’s Chocolate Diamonds® have come a long way since the 1980s and 1990s, when they were largely underappreciated. Today, these rare and unique diamonds command high prices due to their stringent selection process and successful marketing. While they may not be for everyone, Chocolate Diamonds® offer a fashionable and sustainable alternative to traditional white diamonds for those who appreciate their rarity and individuality.