Fancy Colored Diamonds vs. Colored Gemstones: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

When most people think of jewelry, the classic image that comes to mind is a sparkling clear diamond. However, white diamonds aren’t the only option in jewelry—they’re really just the tip of the iceberg. For those seeking something more unique, there are black diamonds, salt-and-pepper diamonds, and an array of fancy-colored diamonds.

There are also colored gemstones, a world full of color and variety that many people overlook. The world of colored gemstones offers nearly endless possibilities, opening the door to countless creative jewelry designs. Let’s take a closer look at both colored diamonds and colored gemstones to see which direction might inspire you on your next visit to the jewelry store.

Fancy Colored Diamonds

Fancy-colored diamonds are those that display hues beyond the traditional colorless-to-near-colorless scale. While most diamond shoppers seek stones with the least amount of color, fancy-colored diamonds are valued for showcasing the richest, most vibrant colors.

Fancy-colored diamonds form when trace elements (or unique conditions) are present during the diamond’s growth. For instance, nitrogen can produce yellow or orange hues, boron can create blue, natural radiation may result in green, and structural changes during formation can give rise to pink, purple, or even red diamonds.

Fancy colored diamonds are graded on a different scale than white diamonds. Their grading is based on color intensity, saturation, and purity. The more vivid the color, the more desirable (and expensive) the diamond tends to be. While white diamonds are fairly common, only a very small fraction of diamonds mined in the world qualify as fancy colored diamonds. Because of this, they are considered rare. They most often sell to collectors at high auction pricing. Fortunately there are still plenty of beautiful fancy colored diamonds available to the everyday consumer. They can make some absolutely beautiful jewelry. 

Colored Gemstones

Colored gemstones, on the other hand, open up an even wider spectrum of possibilities. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, morganites, and so many others are admired for their rich colors. They've also long been used for royal jewelry.

With so many colored gemstone options available, you can customize your jewelry any way you like—whether with vibrant gemstone center stones, colorful accent stones, or creative mixes and matches to suit your style. Most colored gemstones look great with any metal color and can be cut into many different shapes–which only expands the possibilities. 

While all diamonds are made of carbon, gemstones are made of many different minerals. For example, sapphires and rubies are a member of the corundum family and come in almost every color. Emeralds are a member of the beryl family. There are many other gemstones that are composed of different minerals, such as chromium, iron, or vanadium. 

Another advantage of colored gemstones is that they’re often more affordable than fancy colored diamonds. While some colored gemstones are rare and highest-quality specimens can be expensive, many offer budget-friendly alternatives—perfect for anyone seeking a beautiful piece of jewelry without the high price tag of a diamond.

Which is More Durable?

One very important consideration when choosing between colored diamonds and colored gemstones is durability. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, at a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means they resist scratching better than any other gemstone. Because of this, diamonds are ideal for everyday wear jewelry–although this doesn’t mean diamonds can’t break. If a diamond has inclusions or is placed in a non-protective setting, it can break if struck with enough force.

Gemstones, on the other hand, can vary greatly in their durability. Rubies and sapphires are some of the most durable gemstones (ranking high on the Mohs scale of hardness), though that doesn’t mean they are indestructible. While the hardest gemstones are good at resisting scratches, they can still chip or crack if not treated with care. Other gemstones, such as opal or tanzanite, are considerably softer. They need to be worn very carefully and set in a protective setting such as a bezel.

To protect your gemstones, it’s best to put them on only after your morning routine and remove them before bedtime. They also need to be protected from seasonal hazards such as chlorine, saltwater, sand, and prolonged sun exposure. Proper storage makes a big difference. Gemstones should be stored separately to prevent scratching.

Which is More Expensive?

Price is where you may notice the largest difference between colored diamonds and colored gemstones. Colored diamonds are typically much more expensive than colored gemstones, especially in rare or very vivid colors. Diamonds of more common hues are usually more affordable, but in general will still be more expensive than colored gemstones. 

Meanwhile, colored gemstones come in a very wide range of price points. A high-quality sapphire, ruby, or emerald can cost thousands of dollars, while a garnet or citrine may be priced under $100 depending on size. This wide range makes it easier to find a beautiful piece that fits your budget without added stress. While colored diamonds are very beautiful, most consumers will find that colored gemstones provide more beauty for the budget.

Which Sparkles More?

You truly can’t beat the sparkle of a well cut diamond, and this rings true for fancy colored diamonds as well. Diamonds reflect light back to the eye and create a brilliance that is unmatched.

Colored gemstones are not necessarily known for their sparkle, but they are known for their rich colors. While you won’t get flashes of light with colored gemstones, you will get deep hues that are not possible in colored diamonds.

If choosing based on this factor, the decision may depend on whether you value a stone’s sparkle or the richness of its color more. 

Final Thoughts

Both fancy colored diamonds and colored gemstones make excellent choices for jewelry, but the right option depends on your priorities. If you value sparkle, durability, and aren’t too worried about budget, colored diamonds are a great fit. If you prefer richer colors, better value, and are less concerned about durability, colored gemstones may be the perfect choice.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong option, it’s just about choosing the one that most speaks to you.