14k White Gold Round
Blue Diamond Stud Earrings

Blue Diamonds

Diamonds are found in a surprisingly large range of colours, however blue is probably one of the rarest. The unusual colour is produced by trace elements such as boron and a deep vivid blue is particularly desirable. Natural blue diamonds are very rare and probably beyond the means for most of us to buy. It's said that most professional gem dealers have probably rarely if ever seen one.

An interesting property of natural blue diamonds is that they are often electrical semiconductors, whereas diamonds are more usually known for their insulating properties.

The majority of blue diamonds for sale in the stores are either synthetic/simulant or are natural stones that have been artifically enhanced. Such enhancement may involve irradiation and/or heat treatment. This form of blue diamond is popular in many foms of jewelry such as rings and necklaces.

The Hope Diamond

The most famous - or infamous - of all blue diamonds is the Hope Diamond. This deep blue, heart-shaped type IIb stone is one of the world's largest blue diamonds (the Regent and Queen of Holland are larger but less vividly blue, so the Hope is often described as the largest). It was worn by Louis XIV of France and is sometimes known as the French Blue.

Legend says that the Hope Diamond is cursed and brings misfortune to all who possess it. The story goes that it was originally stolen from the eyes of a Hindu idol, although that tale is probably not true. However throughout the years there have been many verifiable incidents of misfortune occuring to those who come into contact with the stone. It is currently held at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum which - at the time of writing - is still intact.

Why should such a bringer of misfortune be named the "Hope" diamond? The ironic name comes from one Henry Philip Hope who owned the stone in the early 19th century. It's said that the entire Hope family died in poverty.

Fortunately for anyone planning to buy a blue diamond today, the curse appears specific to this one stone!

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