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GIA C olor G rade : Fancy R eddish O range C larity G rade : SI 1 Weight : 1.26 carats
The Ember Dia mond
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1 The Manufacture of the Ember Diamond..........................................................................................4 Color Grading the Ember Diamond..................................................................................................6 Clarity Grading and Microscopic Examination.................................................................................9 Advanced Analytical Techniques..................................................................................................... 13 Summary..........................................................................................................................................17
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Introduction
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mong important fancy-color diamonds, those that display a strong reddish orange color—such as the 1.26 ct Ember Diamond—are among the rarest gems in the world. Indeed, the Ember Diamond is, as of the production of this GIA Monograph in late 2010, the largest natural-color Fancy reddish orange diamond graded by GIA. It is challenging to put the rarity of such a diamond in context. All colored diamonds are . relatively scarce, representing no more than one in ten thousand of the diamonds mined each year. Some colors, like the much-publicized reds or vivid blues, can truly be thought of as “one
in a million.” But in any given year experts would be hard-pressed to recall seeing even one reddish orange diamond. Given such circumstances, documentation of the Ember Diamond . in this monograph is quite a special occasion. Interestingly, most diamonds in the reddish orange hue range are more brownish in appearance.. However, diamonds that possess a blazing reddish orange color are extremely rare. Most diamonds. in this hue are darker or weaker in color, or both, resulting in a brown or brownish color appearance. It is not surprising therefore, that owners of the gem decided to name this gem the Ember Diamond, due to its smoldering reddish orange hue, so similar to the flickering, glowing logs from a wood fire.
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By the time a colored diamond reaches the manufacturer who will fashion the rough crystal into a finished gem, any record of its place of origin is often lost. In the case of the Ember Diamond, a more detailed legacy accompanied it; its source is believed to be the Congo in south-central Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as the Belgian Congo and then Zaire, has in recent decades been one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds by weight and value. Since geologists looking for mineral deposits accidentally discovered them a century ago, diamonds have been recovered from alluvial sands and gravel deposits along large river systems. These primarily occur in two regions of the country—the Kasai River and its tributaries around the city of Tshikapa in Kasai Province, and the Bushimaie River and its tributaries near the city of Mbuji-Mayi in Kasai Orientale Province. Several mining companies, as well as small artisanal groups and local private individuals, have been responsible for recovering most of these alluvial diamonds, and this production has often been sporadic and unregulated. Information on the geologic ages of diamonds from the Congo is limited, but using data obtained. from zircon inclusions, geologists believe that these diamonds crystallized deep in the lower portions of the earth’s crust approximately 630 million years ago. They were later incorporated into kimberlite magmas that were rapidly brought to the surface by eruptions occurring about 70 million years ago. Once at the surface, the kimberlite rocks were exposed to weathering conditions, causing them to erode and release their diamonds into nearby river systems to be transported and later concentrated in alluvial deposits. The enormity of such a process and the grand timeframe it requires leave us in wonder of nature and of the magical diamonds it yields; such as the Ember Diamond.
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The M anufacture of the Ember Diamond
he Ember Diamond is a prime example of how careful planning and a calculated, highly precise cutting process can yield an incredible face-up color appearance, even in challenging rough. The difficulties are many in these cases because the rough that yields such rare colors is often very dark. In addition, the desire to produce the largest diamond possible is also a consideration. The manufacturer struggles constantly during the cutting process to address and balance all these goals simultaneously. After much study and analysis, the manufacturer of the Ember Diamond decided to pursue an octagonal shape with a modified brilliant cutting style. This shape and cutting style proved an uncanny choice for this difficult stone. In many ways, the cutting of a diamond like the Ember goes contrary to the typical approach. The manufacturer must be able to visualize how the project will develop, and anticipate how to handle potential setbacks—even in the earliest stage of the cutting process—or the best color may never be reached.
Although the cutter had several feasible shapes to choose from, it was decided that the strongest color would be coaxed out by fashioning the diamond in an octagonal shape.
In general, colored diamonds benefit from a style of cutting that reduces the tight patterning of bright and dark areas we associate with colorless to near-colorless diamonds. That patterning we cherish in colorless stones often masks the color in a colored diamond. But to eliminate bright areas in dark rough would create an overall dark stone, one that would likely appear brown (or gray, in the case of cool-hued rough). To achieve the diamond’s rich dominant color, the cutter of the Ember Diamond used a number of techniques. With the chosen proportions and inter-facet angles, the octagonal shape (similar in symmetry to the round shape) efficiently collects color in
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the center of the stone, resulting in a deeply saturated face-up appeal. Broad, flat facets on the bottom of the stone allow the color to return to the eye as relatively large planes, thus becoming the focus for the observer. Additional decisions, such as a thick girdle, bring more light and life into the Ember Diamond. Upon completion, the combined effect produces a distinctive visual experience, to be especially admired and appreciated by those who understand the challenges involved in cutting such a stone.
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Color Gr ading the Ember Diamond
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Hue Circle of Natur al Origin Diamonds
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or fancy-color diamonds, color far outweighs the other “Cs” (clarity, cut, and carat weight) dictating value. Therefore, it is critical to understand color appearances and how they affect color grades and descriptions. For most people, color observation is an intuitive response rather than a systematic understanding of the ordering of color appearances. Thorough knowledge of these is required to understand how they affect GIA color grades and descriptions. GI A Color ed Di a mond Color Gr ading —a n Ov erv iew
GIA’s system for color grading colored diamonds uses three descriptive attributes: hue (the aspect that permits the item to be classified as red, green, blue, violet, or anything in between), tone (the. relative lightness or darkness of a color), and saturation (the relative strength or weakness of a color).. The color appearance of a gem is the result of a combination of these three attributes. By standardizing the organization of these three factors, we can locate the appearance of one color relative to others in a three-dimensional color space. For color grading, colored diamonds are placed face-up in a grooved, matte-white non-fluorescent. plastic tray within a controlled environment—a viewing box that eliminates visual distractions and shields external light. A standard viewing geometry between the diamond, the light source,
To determine a color grade, the Ember Diamond is placed in a standard viewing environment. This helps eliminate visual distractions.
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The hue circle illustrates each of the 27 hues GIA uses to describe natural colored diamonds.
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and the observer is used for visual assessment.
Color Gr ading Ch ar acter istics
The light source is positioned directly above
of the Ember Di a mond
the diamond, and the observer views the
Very few diamonds possess the depth of color
diamond approximately perpendicular to the table facet. Working within these parameters, GIA graders describe a single color as being “characteristic” of the diamond as a whole. This characteristic color is the overall blend of appearances, excluding obvious surface reflection, dispersion, windowing, or extinction. GIA’s terminology for colored diamonds uses a combination of color descriptions and fancy grades to locate a diamond’s characteristic color in a region of color space. It includes 27 hues, which are indicated on the hue names include modifiers, such as purplish red or yellowish orange. A modifier in a hue does not denote a lack of purity to the color. A fancy grade (e.g., Fancy Intense, Fancy Deep) represents the combined effect of tone In each instance, the color descriptions and fancy grades represent a range of appearances, not just a single color.
The very small number of “red” diamonds graded each year could fit in the palm of . one hand. In the reddish orange hue range, when the
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color of the diamond is strongly saturated
CLARITY SCALE
and moderate to light in tone, it is described appearance is weak or dark—or both—result-
FLAWLESS INTERNALLY FLAWLESS
ing in appearances and descriptions associated with brown or brownish. To obtain a combination of color strength and darkness appropriate for the term “reddish orange” rarely occurs. In GIA’s experience, diamonds described as “red” or “reddish,” such as the Ember, occur in a very limited region of tone and saturation in color space. Because of this, to date only one fancy-grade term has been applied—Fancy.
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The scale begins with those rare diamonds in which no internal or. surface-reaching features can be observed at 10× magnification (Flawless
as pinkish orange. Most often this “pinkish”
V VS 1 V VS 2 VS 1
or Internally Flawless [FL/IF]). It then transitions to diamonds that are Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly. Included (VS), Slightly Included (SI), and Included (I). The Ember Diamond was assigned a clarity grade of SI1 . The grade-setting characteristic of
VS 2
this diamond was identified as a cloudlike grouping of tiny, sub-microscopic
S L I G H T LY I N C L U D E D
and saturation on the color of a diamond.
or “reddish” in the GIA color grading system.
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IA’s clarity scale reflects the relative size, nature, number, relief, and position of internal and surface-reaching characteristics that could affect the clarity of a diamond.
V E R Y S L I G H T LY I N CLU D ED
name (such as yellowish green or orangy yellow)
tion) required to receive a description of “red”
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Clarity Gr ading and Microscopic Ex amination
V E RY V E RY S L I G H T LY I N CLU D ED
hue circle shown on page 7. Some of these 27
(i.e., a combination of both tone and satura-
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SI 1
inclusions that were too small to identify. In certain viewing directions,
SI 2
this cloud appears square shaped. As a diamond crystallizes deep in the earth, new material is added to the sides of
I1
the growing crystal, which takes the shape of an octahedron. This material
Top: The Ember Diamond is examined under magnification in an effort to best understand its growth characteristics. Bottom: A cloud of tiny inclusions follows the diamond’s natural cubic growth pattern, thus exhibiting an angular appearance.
is added layer by layer, so when a crystal is seen with magnification, it is sometimes I N CLU D ED
I2
possible to see an internal pattern of progressively larger square shapes, marked by tiny inclusions and beginning at the center, which like the circular rings seen in the cross section of a tree, represent the successive outer edges of the growing octahedral
I3
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diamond crystal. During formation, tiny sub-microscopic inclusions can become entrapped with the diamond, and they sometimes become concentrated along
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one growth zone in a square pattern. Therefore, this shimmering constellation in the Ember Diamond alludes to its formation over millions of years, adding to the wonder and mystery it inspires during viewing under magnification. During manufacturing of an important colored diamond, the cutter tries to retain as much weight as possible from the original crystal. Sometimes we see a small area along the girdle where. the original surface of the diamond crystal was retained; it is known as an “indented natural.” It. lies below the plane of the surrounding facet surfaces. The cutter chose not to remove an indented. natural in the Ember Diamond, effectively keeping the stone weight higher. Indented naturals are noted as a feature on GIA Laboratory grading reports. These markings on the surface of diamond. crystals are often distinctive, and gemologists look for them as evidence that a cut stone is a natural diamond. The structure in diamond crystals can be slightly altered by compressive forces in the earth, at which point they can exhibit a pattern of strain. The presence and extent of these structural changes can be seen using magnification and two polarizing filters whose polarizing directions are oriented at right angles to each other. Under these conditions, the strain colors exhibit a range of patterns and colors from subtle and monochrome to bright and multi-colored (i.e., weak to strong strain). The Ember Diamond showed a mosaic pattern of bright colors. Visible banding or plane-like areas are also evidence of structural alteration. If readily noticeable. at 10× magnification, these areas affect the clarity grade. They also present challenges in diamond manufacturing, as they require extra attention in the orientation of the cut stone within the crystal.. These effects were not noted in the Ember Diamond. The color is evenly distributed, giving the manufacturer a choice of faceting shape and facet arrangement to create the best color, a goal which was clearly achieved in the Ember Diamond.
Top: An indented natural on the Ember Diamond’s girdle helps gemologists confirm this diamond’s natural origin. Bottom: This colorful display of interference colors may be observed under crossed-polarizing filters. This shows the strain patterns in the Ember Diamond’s structure, which developed under intense heat and pressure during the diamond’s formation.
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Advanced Analytical Techniques
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he human eye is highly tuned to appreciate the fine qualities of diamonds with immense capability to discriminate amongst stones. However, certain assessments reach beyond the abilities of the human eye to perceive. Conclusively determining the origin of color in a diamond and establishing that it is natural, for example, require investigation on a submicroscopic level. The answers to these questions are built into the atomic structure of a diamond, and GIA uses various analytical techniques to address them. Spectroscopy plays an important role in
To account for these differences in physical
identifying the subtle differences in diamond
properties, scientists classify diamonds into two.
structure because various spectroscopic
main “types”—I and II—based on the presence
techniques provide atomic-scale information.
or absence of nitrogen (N), which can replace
Such techniques—including infrared, visible-
carbon in a diamond’s atomic structure.
near infrared, photoluminescence, or Raman. spectroscopy—can help determine diamond type, origin of color, and whether a diamond is natural or was created or treated in a laboratory. GIA’s established criteria contribute to. these determinations, but key spectral features. (and the relationship between them) are important factors in diamond identification.
Historically, diamond type was classified on. the basis of ultraviolet transparency and . absorption in the infrared region of the spectrum.. Type I diamonds are much less transparent to higher-energy (shorter-wavelength) ultraviolet (UV) radiation than type II diamonds. In a type I diamond, UV radiation is not transmitted. substantially below the 365 nm output of a standard long-wave UV lamp, whereas type II diamonds transmit UV radiation down to
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FTIR Spectroscopy a nd
230 nm. This property alone was once used to
A nalysis of Di a mond T y pe
separate diamonds into the two basic types.
A hypothetically “perfect” diamond has a crystal.
Today, with infrared spectroscopy, diamond
structure consisting of carbon atoms regularly
type can be established rapidly and conclu-
arranged in an evenly spaced lattice. But in.
sively. Modern infrared spectrophotometers
reality, most natural diamonds have a number
are able to detect trace amounts of nitrogen
of structural anomalies and chemical substitutions,.
down to a few parts per million. Most diamonds.
which can affect their physical properties.
are type I and contain significant amounts of
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nitrogen, whereas type II diamonds do not.
the light are transmitted through the diamond,.
Within these two types, further distinctions
which our eyes then see as the reddish orange
are made with decreasing average nitrogen
color. The type of absorption is typical of type.
concentration. Type Ia diamonds usually
Ib diamonds with moderate concentrations of.
contain large amounts of nitrogen as aggregated.
nitrogen. However, the absorption is much
clusters of atoms, while type Ib diamonds have.
stronger than is the case with yellow type Ib.
smaller clusters or even individual atoms of
diamonds, so in this instance, the color is.
nitrogen. Type II diamonds do not contain
reddish orange. The cause of the broad,
substantial amounts of nitrogen.
gradually decreasing absorption that extends
The Ember Diamond was determined to be.
across the entire visible spectrum is not fully
type Ib. The majority of type Ib diamonds have.
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likely due to isolated nitrogen defects.
highly unusual example of this diamond type.
Many factors contribute to the face-up color
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2
1.5
understood, but scientists think that it is
a strong yellow color, making the Ember a
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Absorbance (a.u.)
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appearance of a polished diamond, including Color Or igin a nd Visible
the bodycolor, the faceting style, the size, as
Spectroscopy of the Ember Diamond
well as the illumination and viewing conditions..
Visible spectra provide information on the cause.
Thus, the correlation between face-up color
of color in a diamond or colored gemstone.
and the visible absorption spectrum may not
They illustrate which portions of the incident.
be perfect, especially since the absorption
light’s spectrum are absorbed as the light passes.
spectrum is primarily related to bodycolor.
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
Wavenumber (cm-1)
This mid-infrared spectrum shows absorption features between 1500-1000 cm -1 that are characteristic of type 1b diamonds.
through the gemstone, and which portions are. transmitted to be seen as the gem’s color by an.
Fluor escence a nd A dva nced
observer. To help understand the cause of color.
Fluor escence Im aging A nalysis
|near infrared (Vis-NIR) absorption spectrum. The data were obtained using an Avantes multi-. channel high-resolution spectrometer. The dominant feature in the spectrum is a broad, gradually increasing absorption extending from. the red (700 nm) toward the blue (400 nm) end of the spectrum.
Fluorescence is the visible light that some diamonds emit when they are illuminated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The Ember Diamond exhibits no fluorescence when exposed to a standard gemological ultraviolet lamp. This is a very typical reaction for a type
Absorbance (a.u.)
in the Ember Diamond, GIA recorded a visible-.
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.3
.2
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Ib diamond. Although this diamond contains nitrogen impurities, these impurities are
As incident white light passes through the
not present in a form that would give rise to
diamond, the broad band removes the blue,
the blue fluorescence reaction to ultraviolet
green, and yellow components of the light;
radiation that is often seen in other nitrogen-
the remaining orange and red components of
containing diamonds.
0
400
500
600
700
800
900
Wavelength (nm)
The Vis-NIR spectrum for the Ember Diamond shows the increasing absorption toward the blue end of the spectrum which provides an understanding about the diamond’s strong reddish orange color.
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Summ ary To encounter objects of great rarity and beauty and to examine them at length is a privilege. During this time the observer has an opportunity to forge an intellectual and emotional connection. with the object, leading to a deeper appreciation of it. Such is the case for those who experience the Ember Diamond. A reddish orange color is hardly ever seen in diamond. It is brought about through a unique collaboration between nature and man, through the fruitful pairing of the earth’s. creativity with the cutter’s skill. While one would not think of the 1.26 ct Ember Diamond as. particularly large, as of the production of this monograph in late 2010, it is the largest naturalcolor Fancy reddish orange diamond graded by GIA. What mysteries of nature cause the restricted. size but limitless color to occur? Just as the smoldering embers of a fading fire invite such contemplation, so does the reddish orange Ember Diamond.
The DiamondView image reveals green coloration from an optical center; gemologists seeing these features would conclude the stone as natural.
Three-dimensional analysis of a diamond’s
When the Ember Diamond was examined
reaction to extremely short-wave UV light is.
with this instrument, a pattern of parallel and.
another fluorescence technique used in the GIA.
angular lines emitting green luminescence was.
Laboratory. The Diamond Trading Company
observed. An optical center in the diamond
(DTC) DiamondView deep-ultraviolet (below
structure is responsible for this green color
230 nm) luminescence imaging system is used
because it emits light with a wavelength of
to document the growth characteristics of a
503 nm, which falls in the green portion of the.
diamond. This instrument produces a fluo-
spectrum. Scientists have termed this center
rescence image of the diamond in real time,
“H3.” This center consists of two substitutional.
permitting identification and examination of
nitrogen atoms situated on lattice sites, sepa-
the distinct fluorescence patterns caused by
rated by an intermediate vacant carbon atom
growth structures. Unlike the conventional
site (often just called a “vacancy”). Diamonds.
fluorescent lamps used for observing long-.
can undergo structural alteration of their lattice.
and short-wave UV light, the source in the
during their long residence time deep in the
DiamondView is more intense and has a wave-
earth, and the H3 center often forms along
length of ~225 nm, right above the absorption
those portions of the lattice where planes of
edge of diamond. This higher-energy source
carbon atoms have slipped relative to other
allows the DiamondView instrument to detect
planes during deformation. The pattern of
differences in fluorescence colors and intensities.
green luminescence seen in this diamond is
that conventional UV sources cannot.
thus a record of its rich geologic history.
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A bout GI A
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A nonprofit institute, GIA’s mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services, and instrument development. . Visit www.gia.edu ©2010 Gemological Institute of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The M arie-A ntoinette Blue Dia mond
A Brief Overview of History and Provenance
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Color Grading the Marie-Antoinette and Other Blue Diamonds
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Spectroscopic Analysis
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Analysis of Diamond Type
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Color Origin of the Marie-Antoinette and Other Blue Diamonds
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Clarity Grading and Microscopic Examination
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Other Gemological Characteristics
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The Marie-Antoinette Blue Diamond: Milestones
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LEFT: Marie Antoinette (1755–1793) and her husband, King Louis XVI, lost their lives during the French Revolution. It is believed that one of her jewels was a modified heart-shaped brilliant, the famed 5.46 ct Marie-Antoinette Blue diamond. Portrait of Marie-Antoinette de Habsbourg-Lorraine (1755-1793) (oil on canvas), French School, (18th century) / Musee Antoine Lecuyer, Saint-Quentin, France / The Bridgeman Art Library International.
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Confidentia GIA Color Grade: Fancy Dark GIA Clarity Garde: VS1 Weight : 5.46 carats
gray-blue
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A Brief Overview of History and Provenance
M
arie Antoinette was born in 1755 to Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. In 1770, she was betrothed to the future King Louis XVI of France. It is said that one of the possessions she brought to the Palace of Versailles was the heart-shaped blue diamond that is the subject of this monograph: the 5.46 ct Marie-Antoinette Blue. Sometime before her date with the guillotine
The R ar it y of Blue Di a monds
in 1793, Marie Antoinette purportedly gave
Because of their great beauty and rarity, blue
the diamond to her close friend Princess Lubomirska of Poland. After the princess died, the diamond passed to one of three daughters who married into the Potocki family; records indicate that Count Vladimir Potocki was one of its owners. There are also indications that the diamond was held by a Mr. Poplavisky and later by the Godovannikov family.
diamonds are among the most intriguing and highly valued of gems. Such important diamonds as the Hope, the Wittelsbach-Graff, the Blue Heart, and the Idol’s Eye have added greatly to the mystique that surrounds blues. Today, new discoveries of blue diamonds are extremely rare. The Cullinan mine in South Africa is the only site that has
The diamond was exhibited in Paris at the
produced blues with any regularity, and its
Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 1892 and at the
output has diminished greatly in the past
Exposition Universelle of 1900. Half a century
decade. Even at full production in decades
later, in 1955, it was featured in an exhibit on
past, less than 0.1% of the diamonds mined
Marie Antoinette at the Palace of Versailles.
there showed any evidence of blue color.
The blue diamond was sold in 1967 at the
When the GIA Laboratory conducted a
Palais Galliera in Paris to a private collector.
study on blue diamonds in the late 1990s,
The Marie-Antoinette Blue next came to the
the authors noted that during the first half
public’s attention 16 years later, when offered
of 1998, only 0.3% of all colored diamonds
at Christie’s May 1983 auction in Geneva.
submitted were predominantly blue (and
Although the diamond failed to sell that day,
this figure includes the palest blues as
it was subsequently purchased by a European
well). Empirical evidence suggests that this
private collector and has remained there since.
percentage has decreased in recent years.
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This map of seventeenth-century India is from the memoirs of French merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689). Early accounts point to the Kollur mine near Golconda as the primary source for blue diamonds. From Les six voyages de Jean Baptiste Tavernier (1724, vol. 3).
The Geogr aphic Or igin of
recently been discovered in Brazil. Given
the M ar ie-A ntoinette a nd
the rarity of blues, and the early stages of
other Blue Di a monds
Brazilian diamond mining and export at the
Before the discovery of diamonds in Brazil
time, the Marie-Antoinette Blue most likely
around 1725, India was the source of virtually
came from the fabled mines of India.
all gem diamonds. Early accounts cite the
Today, there is little production at the
Kollur mine, near Golconda in the Indian state
Indian mines. Besides the Cullinan mine,
of Hyderabad (now Andhra Pradesh), as the
other South African sources of blue diamonds
primary source for blue diamonds. The earliest
include Jagersfontein, which closed in 1971,
writings about blue diamonds often refer to
and Koffiefontein (both near Kimberley);
this region, which was described by famed
the Bellsbank mine near Barkly West; and
French traveler and gem merchant Jean-Baptiste
the Helem mine at Swartruggens. On very
Tavernier (1605–1689). Between 1631 and 1668,
rare occasions, blue diamonds have been
Tavernier made six journeys from Europe
found in alluvial deposits at Lichtenburg in
to India. During these travels, he saw many
the Western Transvaal. In western Africa,
spectacular diamonds, a number of which he
Guinea is also known to have produced blue
purchased and brought back to Europe. His
diamonds. Central Africa, particularly Sierra
1676 memoir offers one of the most important
Leone, has been rumored to be a source
descriptions of early diamond mining in India.
of blue diamonds. Outside of Africa, blues
If this diamond did accompany Marie
have been reported from Kalimantan
Antoinette to France at the time of her
on the Indonesian island of Borneo and
betrothal, it would have been polished prior
from areas in Guyana and Venezuela, as
to 1770. At that time, diamonds had only
well as from several regions in Brazil.
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Color Gr ading the M arie-Antoinette and Other Blue Diamonds
or fancy-color diamonds, color far outweighs the other “Cs” (clarity, cut, and carat weight) when establishing value. Therefore, it is critical to understand color appearances and how they affect color grades and descriptions. While everyone thinks they understand color, for most it is an intuitive response rather than a true knowledge of the ordering of color appearances. GI A Color ed Di a mond Color
source, and the observer. The light source
Gr ading – a n Ov erv iew
is positioned directly above the diamond,
Color is described using three attributes:
and the observer views it approximately
hue (the aspect that permits an object to be
perpendicular to the table facet.
classified as red, green, blue, violet, or any-
Working with these parameters, GIA
thing in between), tone (the relative lightness
graders describe a single color as being
or darkness of a color), and saturation (the
“characteristic” of the diamond as a whole.
relative strength or weakness of a color). The
This characteristic color is the overall blend
color appearance of a gem is the result of a
of appearances that excludes surface reflec-
combination of these three attributes. GIA’s
tions, dispersion, and other visual effects
system for color grading colored diamonds
related to the cutting of the diamond.
uses 27 hues, which are indicated on the hue circle shown on page 10. Some of these 27 hue names include modifiers, such as purplish red. A modifier in a hue name (such as yellowish green or orangy yellow) does
GIA’s grading terminology uses a combination of fancy grades and color descriptions to identify a colored diamond’s characteristic color. A fancy grade represents the combined
not mean a lack of purity in the color. For color grading, colored diamonds are placed face-up in a grooved, matte-white, nonfluorescent plastic tray within a controlled environment — a viewing box that eliminates visual distractions and shields external light. GIA also requires a standard geometry between the diamond, the light
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effect of tone and saturation on the color
boundary. Some observers have noted that the
of a diamond. These grades correspond to
diamond appears more violet on prolonged
regions of tone and saturation in color space
viewing in certain lighting environments.
and vary by hue, since different colors reach
With blue diamonds, the saturation range is
their highest saturation at different levels. The color descriptions accompanying a fancy grade are determined by the hue, and by the tone and saturation of the hue. In each instance, the fancy grades and color descriptions represent a range of color appearances. Color Gr ading Ch ar acter istics of the M ar ie-A ntoinette Blue Di a mond
relatively compressed. Therefore, differences in color often result from differences in tone rather than saturation. This narrow saturation range also leads to more subtle differences in the strength of color between grade ranges. Thus, the fancy-grade terms applied to blue diamonds cover smaller regions of saturation than the same terms used to describe other colors such as pink or yellow. Also, the tone/ saturation range in which blue diamonds
GIA color graded the Marie-Antoinette Blue
occur is closer to neutral gray, where the
diamond Fancy Dark gray-blue. Diamonds
eye can discern fewer color distinctions.
in the Fancy Dark range have a medium to
Yet blue diamonds have a similar number
dark tone and up to moderate saturation.
of terminology distinctions as other colors
From past studies, it is known that no more
that become much more saturated. In the
than 2% of the blue diamonds submitted to
yellow region of the hue circle, for example,
the GIA Laboratory are Fancy Dark. In GIA’s
colors in the same grade ranges as blue are
experience, blue diamonds cluster in two
relatively stronger, and color differences
areas of the hue range: near the center and
are more readily perceived. Indeed, the
toward the blue/violetish blue boundary. The
saturation distinctions made within the
Marie-Antoinette Blue is near the violetish blue
blue hue range are particularly subtle.
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Blue Diamond Color Reference chart
Faint Very Light Light Fancy Light
Fancy Fancy Intense Fancy Vivid Fancy Dark
Fancy Deep
This chart illustrates the color appearance of blue diamonds. The Marie-Antoinette Blue’s tone and saturation place it in the Fancy Dark grade range.
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Spectroscopic Analysis
S
pectroscopic analysis plays a key role in determining diamond type, origin of color, and whether a diamond is natural or was created or treated in a laboratory. GIA’s observation criteria contribute to these determinations, but strategic absorption peaks (and the relationship of the peaks) in the electromagnetic spectrum are often decisive in diamond identification. Many factors contribute to the face-up
spectrometer and Avantes integrating sphere
color appearance of a diamond, includ-
at liquid-nitrogen temperature. Most type
ing the bodycolor, faceting style, and
IIb gray-to-blue diamonds display a uniform
size, as well as the illumination and
increase in absorption from the near-infrared
viewing conditions. Thus, the correla-
region to the higher energy side, but the
tion between face-up color appearance
Marie-Antoinette Blue showed a broad band
and the visible absorption spectrum may
centered at ~720 nm. This band extended to
not be perfect (since absorption spectra are primarily related to the inherent
~650 nm and created a transparent “window” in the red region of the visible spectrum at
bodycolor). This is especially true when
610–650 nm. This band is rarely observed in
dealing with blue diamonds, where GIA’s
type IIb natural diamonds, and its occurrence
color terminology points to a particularly
in this one is not fully understood. However,
subtle distinction of color appearances.
its presence does explain the diamond’s
The diamond’s absorption spectrum in the mid-infrared region (6000–400 cm-1,
slightly violetish aspect, which is more pronounced in certain lighting environments.
1 cm-1 resolution) was obtained at room
Fluorescence (the response of the diamond
temperature with a Thermo-Nicolet Nexus
to short- and long-wave UV radiation) and
670 Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spec-
phosphorescence (its appearance after
trometer equipped with a KBr beam splitter. It revealed a typical absorption spectrum for
the UV lamp has been turned off), as well as growth characteristics, were recorded
type IIb diamonds, with strong and broad absorptions at ~2800 cm-1 and ~2460 cm-1 that are attributed to trace amounts of boron.
luminescence imaging system. The Marie-
The absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet
Antoinette Blue displays a well-defined
to visible to near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR)
polygon pattern. This luminescence
range was obtained with an Ocean Optic
pattern, caused by lattice dislocations,
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Absorption Spectr a
The absorption spectrum of the Marie-Antoinette Blue diamond in the UV-Vis-NIR region.
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Absorbance
0.18
~720 nm
0.17
0.16
0.15
400
500
600
700
800
900
Wavelength (nm)
The Marie-Antoinette Blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FTIR absorption spectrum in the mid-IR region.
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~2800
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4
3
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0 3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
Wavenumber (cm-1)
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is a common feature in type IIa and IIb diamonds. It has never been reported in a synthetic diamond. Also observed was red phosphorescence, similar to that seen in other famous blue diamonds such as the Hope and the Wittelsbach-Graff. As was the case with those other two historic diamonds, phosphorescence spectroscopy revealed a weak emission at ~500 nm and a strong band at ~660 nm. The 660 nm band decays slowly
(up to 15.1 seconds, as compared to 2.6 seconds With the DiamondView luminescence imaging system, the Marie-Antoinette Blue displays a well-defined polygon pattern, a common feature in type II diamonds.
for the 500 nm band) and is responsible for the distinct red phosphorescence.
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660
100 Intensity (cps)
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400
500
600
700
800
900
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The phosphorescence spectrum with DiamondView image of the Marie-Antoinette Blue diamond.
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Analysis of Diamond Type
W
hen we think of the “perfect” diamond, its structure would consist of carbon atoms regularly arranged throughout an evenly spaced lattice. But in reality, most natural diamonds have a number of structural anomalies and chemical substitutions, which can affect their physical properties. To account for these differences in physical
atoms of nitrogen. Type II diamonds do not
properties, scientists classify diamonds into
contain substantial amounts of nitrogen.
two main “types”—I and II—based on the
A further distinction within the type II
presence or absence of nitrogen, which can replace carbon in a diamond’s atomic structure.
classification was made in the early 1950s. At that time, irradiation and annealing was
Historically, diamond type was classified
just starting to be used commercially for
on the basis of ultraviolet transparency and
the treatment of “off-color” gem diamonds,
absorption in the infrared region of the spec-
some of which turned blue. As a result,
trum. Type I diamonds are less transparent to
concerns arose in the industry about how
higher-energy (shorter-wavelength) ultraviolet
to identify a treated-color blue diamond. De
radiation than type II diamonds. In a type I
Beers researcher J. F. H. Custers first reported
diamond, the UV radiation is not transmitted
that natural-color blue diamonds display
substantially below the 366 nm output of a
electrical conductivity somewhere between
standard long-wave UV lamp, whereas type II
that of a conductor (such as copper) and a
diamonds transmit UV down to 230 nm. This
nonconductor (such as glass or typical near-
property alone was once used to separate
colorless diamonds); this property is known as
diamonds into the two basic types. Today,
semiconductivity. Because of their electrical
with infrared spectroscopy, diamond type can
conductivity, and because they exhibit a
be established conclusively. Most diamonds
mid-infrared spectrum that is quite differ-
are type I and contain significant amounts of
ent from that of other diamonds, naturally
nitrogen, whereas type II diamonds do not.
blue diamonds were designated as type IIb.
Within these two types, further distinctions
As noted above, the Marie-Antoinette Blue
are made as average nitrogen concentration
was found to be a type IIb diamond. Type
decreases. Type Ia diamonds usually contain
IIb diamonds are very rare in nature—less
large amounts of nitrogen as aggregated
than one-half of one percent of all dia-
clusters of atoms, while type Ib diamonds
monds—and contain small amounts of boron
have smaller clusters or even individual
that can give rise to a blue coloration.
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Hue Circle of Natur al Colored Diamonds
This figure illustrates each of the 27 hues GIA uses to describe colored diamonds. Determining whether a diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s color occurred naturally is complicated by the fact that different mechanisms are responsible for the various natural colors, and some of these mechanisms can be duplicated in a laboratory.
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Color Origin of the M arie-Antoinette and Other Blue Diamonds
N
ot only are colored diamonds rare in nature, but the causes of the different colors are intriguing as well. For example, color can result from the replacement of carbon atoms in the lattice. When nitrogen replaces carbon, the diamond is yellow. When the replacement element is boron, as with the Marie-Antoinette, the diamond is blue. If the diamond formed in the earth close to a natural source of radiation, the color can appear green. A deformation of the lattice structure can result in pink and brown colors. No known laboratory-grown or treated
It is important to remember that when
blue diamond displays the combination of
both type I and type II diamonds are
electrical conductivity and phosphorescence
found in the same mine, it simply means
seen in naturally occurring blues. These
that the geologic mechanism that brought
characteristics, along with a provenance that
the diamonds to the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface was
predates any known diamond treatment,
tapping different regions of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
assure us that the Marie-Antoinette Blue
mantle, where diamonds are formed.
diamond is of natural origin and color.
Blue diamonds (and other type II dia-
The rarity of blue diamonds and their
monds) occur as irregular shapes rather
distinct chemistry (including the near
than as well-formed crystals with flat
absence of nitrogen) suggest that their
planar faces. This appears to be somewhat
formation environment was very unusual.
rare among crystallized minerals.
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Clarity Gr ading and Microscopic Ex amination
IA assigned the Marie-Antoinette Blue a clarity grade of VS1. GIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clarity scale reflects the relative size, nature, number, relief, and position of internal and surface characteristics that are visible at 10 Ă&#x2014; magnification. The scale begins with those rare diamonds in which no internal features can be observed at 10x magnification (Flawless or Internally Flawless). It then transitions to diamonds that are very, very slightly included (VVS), very slightly included (VS), slightly included (SI), and included (I). In the late-1990s GIA study of blue diamonds, 50% were VVS or higher and 29% were Flawless or Internally Flawless.
The Marie-Antoinette Blue in a microscope light well.
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Inclusions
internal planes when examined with
Characteristics that affect clarity may be
10x magnification. Readily noticeable,
internal (having formed during the growth of the original crystal) or on the surface.
graining can affect the clarity grade of the diamond. No internal graining was
Notably, the Marie-Antoinette Blue’s clarity
observed in the Marie-Antoinette Blue.
grade is the result of evidence of wear on
The Marie-Antoinette did, however,
the surface of this historic diamond which
show evidence of a “tatami” strain pattern,
is believed to be more than 200 years old.
which is typical of type IIb diamonds.
No internal features that would affect the clarity grade were observed. In GIA’s
Color Zoning
experience, recutting a diamond to remove
While color zoning is common in blue
such characteristics could potentially raise
diamonds, none was observed in the Marie-
the clarity grade to Flawless or Internally
Antoinette Blue. This subtle feature, best
Flawless. It appears, then, that when the
seen using diffused lighting and darkfield
diamond was first manufactured it would
illumination, typically appears as discrete
have had the rarest of clarity grades.
blue and colorless areas or parallel bands.
Gr aining a nd Str ain
When cutting such a diamond, manufacturers strategically locate the color zoning
GIA has found that internal graining is more
to achieve a uniform, more saturated blue
common in blue diamonds than in color-
face-up appearance. With the homogenous
less and near-colorless type Ia diamonds.
color of the Marie-Antoinette Blue, the cutter
Believed to result from irregularities in
likely had more freedom when orienting the
the crystal structure, graining usually
crystal, allowing him to produce a finished
appears as whitish bands or reflective
diamond with no internal inclusions.
The surface of the Marie-Antoinette Blue shows evidence of more than two centuries of wear, which is responsible for its VS1 clarity grade.
The “tatami” strain pattern seen in the Marie-Antoinette Blue_ is typical of type IIb diamonds.
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Other Gemological Char acteristics
A
number of other gemological characteristics are captured during the examination of diamonds. These factors help identify and understand the differences between different categories of diamonds.
Sh ape a nd Cut
halves of the diamond–unlike today where
The shape and cutting style of the Marie-
manufacturers create a “girdle” of a narrow
Antoinette Blue reflect advances that took place in the 15th and 16th centuries. Diamond cutters began by increasing the number of facets on a crystal to create a faceted dome. This added brightness and a play of light that was missing from the table-cut diamonds that had been the standard. Early
width between the top and bottom of the stone. The angles noted here are steeper than typically used today. It is likely the cutter followed the shape of the rough and retained as much as possible when shaping the diamond. Given the often irregular shape of blue rough, it is intriguing to wonder
brilliant cuts such as the Marie-Antoinette
how much was cut away in the process.
Blue are much brighter than the domed
The diamond was also cut with a large
“rose cut” by virtue of their top and bottom
culet, which was thought to accentuate its
faceting and central girdle plane. At that
liveliness. Historians have discussed the
time, the girdle plane was a “knife-edge”
possibility of other meanings for a large
division line between the upper and lower
culet, such as its functioning as a window to the soul or as a respite from the visually active play of the facet pattern. A readily noticeable distinction between the Marie-Antoinette Blue and modern heart shapes is the former’s lack of a cleft; the technology to create one did not exist at the time. Since the heart shape with cleft has become a standard in the gem and jewelry industry today, GIA describes the MarieAntoinette Blue as a modified heart shape.
This table-down view of the Marie-Antoinette Blue illustrates the diamond’s shape and cutting style. The large culet is typical of Western European cutting in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Fluor escence
Fluorescence is the visible light some diamonds emit when they are exposed to
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ultraviolet radiation. On a GIA Diamond
As is typical for blue diamonds, the fluo-
Grading Report, fluorescence refers to the
rescence entry on the Marie-Antoinette Blue
strength, or intensity, of the diamond’s reac-
grading report was noted as “none.” When
tion to long-wave UV, an essential component
the diamond was exposed to short-wave
of daylight. The light is emitted only as long
UV, a weak red reaction was observed.
as the diamond is exposed to the UV source.
Phosphor escence
In more than 95% of all fluorescent diamonds, the color exhibited is blue. In rare instances, the reaction is yellow, white, or another color. GIA has found that most blue diamonds
Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material continues to release light after the UV illumination source is turned off. Type IIb blue diamonds almost never phospho-
do not show observable fluorescence to
resce to long-wave UV, but a reaction to
long- or short-wave UV radiation. In its
short-wave UV is common. In a completely
1998 study, 98% of the blue diamonds sub-
darkened room with the short-wave UV lamp
mitted to the GIA Laboratory showed no
turned off, it is often much easier to see
observable fluorescence to long-wave UV,
phosphorescence than fluorescence. Of the
and 91% showed none to short-wave UV.
blue diamonds that do phosphoresce, the
This reproduction of the diamond’s actual proportions was recorded by a DiaVision noncontact measuring device.
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fancy grade). During GIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s examination of the Fancy Deep grayish blue Hope diamond, a phosphorescence of almost 45 seconds was recorded. The Marie-Antoinette Blue phosphoresced for approximately 30 seconds. Electr ic al Conductiv it y
The presence of boron in blue diamonds is believed to be responsible for their electrical conductivity. GIA has also observed that the range of electrical conductivity within a diamond can be related to color zoning in laminar planes. GIA records the measurement at a given location (the first number) over that of the reading on the metal plate. Several Like other famous blue diamonds such as the Hope and the Wittelsbach-Graff, the Marie-Antoinette Blue displays a rare red phosphorescence.
measurements are taken at different points on the diamond, because of the potential influence of color zoning, and the highest is
reaction can vary from very faint to very
recorded. For the Marie-Antoinette Blue, that
strong, with nearly half showing a very faint
figure was 50/135, a moderate conductivity.
or faint reaction. The most common color
While electrical conductivity is not an
is the same as the fluorescence color, chalky
entirely accurate indicator, modern diamond
blue to green, but the Marie-Antoinette Blue has a rare red phosphorescence.
manufacturers occasionally use it to map the potentially stronger and weaker areas
In GIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1998 study, the authors noted that
of color in a rough diamond. Combined
stones with a stronger, deeper blue color
with visual observations of color zoning,
tended to have more persistent phospho-
this can be very helpful in producing the
rescence. For example, the average duration
most saturated face-up color in the finished
for Fancy Blue diamonds was approximately
diamond. Even though such techniques
8 seconds, while those graded Fancy Deep
were not available to the cutter of the
Blue averaged 18 seconds (though a wide
Marie-Antoinette Blue, GIA believes the
range of duration was seen within each
optimal face-up color was achieved.
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Notable blue diamonds
a
d i a m o n d
a
Name
Weight (carats)
Color description
Shape
Date of the most recent GIA Laboratory report/examination
Cullinan Blue necklace (center stone)
2.60
“blue”
Cushion
1993
Marie Antoinette Blue
5.46
“blue”
Heart
2009
Graff Blue
6.19
Fancy Dark blue
Round
1990
Brunswick Blue
13.75
“blue”
Pear
ne
Begum Blue c
13.78
Fancy Deep blue
Heart
1995
Howeson
24
“blue”
nr c
ne
Transvaal Blue
25.00
“blue”
Pear
ne
Heart of Eternity
27.64
Fancy Vivid blue
Heart
2002
Blue Lili
30.06
Fancy blue
Cushion
1980
Blue Heart (Unzue Blue)
30.62
Fancy Deep blue
Heart
1997
North Star
32.41
“blue”
Pear
ne
Sultan of Morocco
35.27
“bluish gray”
Cushion
ne
Wittlesbach – Graff
31.06
Fancy Deep blue
Oval
2009
Graff Imperial Blue
39.31
Fancy Light blue
Pear
1984
Tereschenko
42.92
“blue”
Pear
ne
Hope
45.52
Fancy Deep grayish blue
Cushion
1996
Copenhagen Blue
45.85
“blue”
Emerald
ne
Mouawad Blue
49.92
Fancy Dark blue
Pear
1984
Idol’s Eye
70.21
Light blue
Modified triangle
1995
Brazilia
176.2
“light blue”
Rough
ne d
b
Information obtained from GIA reports or examination of individual diamonds (as indicated by a date given in the last column), as well as from the GIA Diamond Dictionary (1993), Christie’s Jewellery Review 1995 (1996), and Balfour (1997).
b
c
B l u e
Color descriptions for diamonds graded by GIA (i.e., those that are not set off by quotation marks) represent the color grading terminology that prevailed at that time. Modifications to the GIA GTL colored diamond color grading system and its nomenclature were introduced in 1995.
nr = not recorded.
d
ne = not examined.
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The M arie-Antoinette Blue Diamond: Milestones 1770
A blue heart-shaped diamond is believed to accompany Marie Antoinette to France when she is betrothed to the future King Louis XVI. 1792 –1793 (?)
During the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette reportedly gives the diamond to her friend Princess Lubomirska of Poland. 19th Century
The diamond passes from one of Princess Lubomirska’s daughters to the Potocki family, and later into the Poplavisky and Godovannikov collections. 1892
The Marie-Antoinette Blue is exhibited at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. 1900
The diamond is displayed at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. 1955
The diamond is featured in an exhibition on Marie Antoinette at the Palace of Versailles. 1967
The Marie-Antoinette Blue is sold at the Palais Galliera in Paris to a private collector. 1983
On May 12, Christie’s Geneva offers the Marie-Antoinette Blue for sale. It does not sell at auction but is purchased afterward by a European private collector. 2001
Displayed as part of the exhibit “Diamonds: In the Heart of the Earth, in the Heart of the Stars, at the Heart of Power,” at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, March 10-July 15. 2009
On July 28, GIA issues the first-ever laboratory grading report on the famous diamond and begins creation of a monograph to describe its uniqueness.
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A bout GI A
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A nonprofit institute, GIA’s mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services, and instrument development. Visit www.gia.edu ©2010 Gemological Institute of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
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GIA
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4602 CA92008 Drive 5355Armada I Carlsbad, 6031814 4500| F:76 0 Tr760-603 GIALaboratories Bangkok Carlsbad Gahorone York lVlumbai New Johannesburg
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KEYTO SYMBOLS \ ^ ^
Feather lndented Natural
0nlythe andcontaim fl appraisal valuation is nOta guata0tee ThsRepon aiterlt hasbee0gmded' herejn descrlbed 0l thediamond charactsilstics pr0vldinq thisRepod by the laboral0ry ard anaiyzed testsdexamfied andequlpmenl ("01A)md/orhasbeeflssflbedNlngthetechniques lnscilpti0ns and/fiinscilpti0n usd by6lAatlheume0l thesxamlnati0n 0f ff waflanty validatl0n alenota gualaotee in thisdocument rcported will 0rthatthedlam0nd qualitycountry 0l oiginff sourcei a diam0nds (slnreiNcriptions canbe ln thefuture bythemsciptj0n beidentjJiabh wold anytrademalk concarnin0 n0leplesentati0n GIAmakes remNed). m thisRepod whichis insilbedbyGIAtr whichs identifed u symb0l 0r iewelei maywsht0 c0nsula crsdertialed 0f thisRe00n Therucipielt herein mntained qem0l006t thenlmmatlm ab0ut
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37674 25116 25116 25116 22604 22604 37674 18836 37674 25116 37674 18836 52746 56510 20092 119300 47720 36418 87906 263718
871'776 532'961 510'357 504'078 399'186 386'302 607'681 270'296 514'250 326'508 331'154 151'818 388'738 401'221 131'401 731'309 270'095 185'367 314'703 580'179
1018450
8'409'380
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5355 Armada Drive I Carlsbad, CA S2008 4602
GIA
GEMoLoGTcAL
T:760 603 4500
lNsrlrurE oF
|
F:760 6031814
GIA Laboratories
AMERIcAG
Bangkok Carlsbad l\,4umbai
Johannesburg
Gaborone
New York
www.gia.edu
Ct]LORTD DIAMONI] GRAIING RFPORT June 3, 201 1 1
o sf
..
Heart Modified Brilliant Shape and Cutting Style Measurements ................ 10.57 x 12.88 x 6.10 mm
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Color Origin
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Very Good ........... Fair
Polish
Strong Yellow
Comments:
:
Additional extra facets are not shown. Inscription : TREATED COLOR
Elr = gi
*
This diamond has been processed by H igh-Pressure/High-Temperature (H PHT) annealing and other treatments to change its
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KEY TO SYMBOLS
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a mdental€d jeweler 0l
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iftemal characteri$tcs (incLusions) Green or black symbals denote external
$ics (blemishes) Diagram is an approximate represeftat 0n 0f th€ diarnond' and symbols
sh0wll ndicate type, p0siti0f afd appfoximate size 0f may not be shcwn. Detals of finish are rot shown.
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arity characteri$ics
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IMP0RTAI'lT LlMlTATl0l{S 01{ BACK O2OO8 GEMOLOGICAL IilSTITUTE
OF
AMERICA,
INC
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5355 Armada Drive | Carlsbad, CA 92008-4602 T: 760-603-4500 | F: 760-603-1814
Facsimile
GIA Laboratories Bangkok Carlsbad Johannesburg Mumbai
Gaborone New York
www.gia.edu
DIAMOND GR ADING REPORT SCALE
CLARITY
D
FLAWLESS
E
INTERNALLY FLAWLESS
F
V VS 1
G
V VS 2
H I J K
VS 1
VS 2
FAINT
L
N O VERY LIGHT
P
SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
M
A D D I TI O N A L G R A D I N G I N F O R MATION
%$% - % . , '' , $ / $
SCALE
VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
+ %& , % ,
GIA
VERY VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
G R A D IN G R E S U L T S NEAR COLORLESS
! " #$$
COLORLESS
# $ %$& ' $ ()* ( (* ''
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COLOR
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REFERENCE DIAGRAMS
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This is a digital copy of an original GIA Report. To verify the information herein, please refer to reportcheck.gia.edu. This Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal and contains only the characteristics of the diamond described herein after it has been graded, tested, examined and analyzed by the laboratory providing this Report (â&#x20AC;&#x153;GIAâ&#x20AC;?) and/or has been inscribed using the techniques and equipment used by GIA at the time of the examination and/or inscription. Inscriptions reported in this document are not a guarantee, validation, or warranty of a diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality, country of origin or source; or that the diamond will be identifiable by the inscription in the future (since inscriptions can be removed). GIA makes no representation concerning any trademark, word, or symbol which is inscribed by GIA or which is identified on this Report. The recipient of this Report may wish to consult a credentialed jeweler or gemologist about the information contained herein.
Red symbols denote internal characteristics (inclusions). Green or black symbols denote external characteristics (blemishes). Diagram is an approximate representation of the diamond, and symbols shown indicate type, position, and approximate size of clarity characteristics. All clarity characteristics may not be shown. Details of finish are not shown.
The security features in this document, including the hologram, security screen and microprint lines, in addition to those not listed, exceed document security industry guidelines.
Page 1 of 2
IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS ON PAGE 2 Š2010
GEMOLOGICAL
INSTITUTE
OF
AMERICA,
INC.
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I M P O R T A N T L I M I T AT I O N S
This is a digital copy of an original GIA Report. To verify the information herein, please refer to reportcheck.gia.edu. This Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal, and the laboratory providing this Report (“GIA”) has made no representation or warranty regarding this Report, the diamond described herein or any inscription thereon. This Report contains only the characteristics of the diamond described herein after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed (collectively, “examination” or “examined”) and/or inscribed, using the techniques and equipment used by GIA at the time of the examination and/or inscription. The results of any other examination performed on the diamond may differ depending upon (i) when, how and by whom the diamond is examined and (ii) the changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable an examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of a diamond which use was previously undetectable by GIA, or alterations which became reversible, even if the process remains undetectable. The trademark, service mark, logo, words, characters or other symbols of an inscription, other than a GIA Report number, or a GIA trademark, service mark or logo, are solely determined by and attributable to the Client for whom this Report was prepared and are neither attributable to nor to be understood as an indication of any determination by GIA. The recipient agrees and acknowledges that GIA has provided this Report and any inscription for a relatively small fee compared to the present and potential value of the diamond described herein only because this Report and any inscription are subject to the following limitations on the liability of GIA and the limitations described in the agreements pursuant to which this Report and any inscription are made, all of which extend to the Client for whom this Report and any inscription were prepared and to every other person to whom this Report or the inscribed diamond is distributed or shown: (1) TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, GIA AND ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE RESULTING FROM ANY ERROR IN OR OMISSION FROM THIS REPORT OR FROM THE ISSUANCE OF OR USE OF THIS REPORT OR ANY INSCRIPTION, EVEN IF THE LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE WAS CAUSED BY GIA OR ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS AND (2) IN ANY EVENT, GIA AND ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, STATUTORY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, RESULTING FROM ANY ERROR IN OR OMISSION FROM, OR FOR THE ISSUANCE OF OR USE OF, THIS REPORT OR ANY INSCRIPTION, OR FOR ANY ERROR IN OR OMISSION FROM THIS REPORT OR ANY INSCRIPTION CAUSED BY THE ACTS OF OTHERS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. As a protection to the public and GIA, this Report, the name, trademarks, service marks and logos of GIA and Gemological Institute of America, Inc., or any part of any inscription which relates to a GIA Report number or to a GIA or Gemological Institute of America, Inc. trademark, service mark, or logo, may not be used in whole or in part for purposes of advertising, publicity or promotion, and this Report may not be referred to as a guarantee, valuation or an appraisal.
Note that this facsimile might not be accepted in lieu of the original GIA Report in certain circumstances.
Page 2 of 2
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Investment cost.
WHITE DIAMONDS:
10.02 D-IF diamond GIA certificate
The retail price is: 5,000,000$ usd, Gem trading price: 2,500,000$ usd. (Wholesale price)
1. 15.01ct - Cushion - I-VS1 - GIA - 710,000$ 2. 6.53ct - Cushion - I-VS1 - GIA - 170,000$ 3. 6.24ct - Cushion - E-VS2 - GIA - 360,000$ 4. 5.01ct - Cushion - G-VS1 - HRD - 157,000$ 5. 5.13ct - Emerald - I-VVS2 - HRD - 140,000$ 6. 5.02ct - Emerald - E-IF - GIA - 360,000$ 7. 11.36ct Round - L-VVS2 - GIA - 240,000$ 8. 13.84ct - Round - M-VS2 - GIA - 345,000$ 9. 10.29ct - Round - E-IF - GIA - 1,285,000$ 10. 10.13ct - Round - L-VS1 - GIA - 260,000$ 11. 10.08ct - Round - K-VS2 - GIA - 335,000$ 10.02ct D-IF The retail price is: 5,000,000$ usd My price:2,500,000$ usd. (Gem Trading Wholesale price)
Confidentia
FANCY COLOR DIAMONDS:
1. 22.13ct fancy yellow - VS2 - Cushion - 621,000$ 2. 14.02ct fancy yellow - SI2 - Radiant - 325,000$ 3. 12.50ct fancy yellow - VS1 - Radiant - 327,000$ 4. 12.09ct fancy light yellow - VVS2 - Emerald - 250,000$ 5. 9.68ct fancy yellow - VVS2 - Radiant - 245,000$ 6. 7.58ct Fancy light yellow - VVS1 - Radiant - 110,000$ 7. 5.01ct fancy light yellow - VS2 - Cushion - 110,000$ 8. Rare & exclusive !! 2.64ct - fancy deep BLUE diamond - SI1 - 2,150,000$
YELLOWISH WHITE:
1. 7.82ct - Radiant cut, F-I1, EX-EX - 100,000$ 2. 7.40ct - Oval cut, L-SI1, EX-EX - 120,000$ 3.10.32ct - Radiant, H-SI1 , VG-G
- 350,000$
4. 8.45ct - Pear shape, P-SI2 -
115,000$
5.13.19ct - Cushion cut, M-SI2, EX-EX - 175,000$ 6.10.12ct - Princess cut, O-SI2 , EX-EX - 160,000$ 7.13.01ct - Heart shape , Brownish yellow - 185,000$ 8. 7.05ct - Marquise - L-I1 , EX-EX - 115,000$
Confidentia
1. 5.00ct D-IF marquise cut: 625,000$ usd. 2. 5.00ct D-IF Pear shape: 625,000$ usd. 3. 5.01ct D-IF Heart shape: 625,000$ usd. 4. 5.01ct D-IF Round cut: 976,000$ usd. 5. 5.05ct D-IF Oval shape: 630,000$ usd. 6. 5.08ct D-IF Cushion cut: 635,000$ usd 7. 5.42ct D-Flawless, Round: 1,100,000$ usd. 8. 5.57ct D-IF Emerald cut: 696,000$ usd.
** Some of the stones are TYPE 2A diamonds which are rare white color**
FANCY COLOR DIAMONDS:
5.11 RED
intense pink 35 cts Oval diamond fancy intense pink 35 cts $75 Million
F V B 19.57 Emerald cut diamond fancy vivid blue 19 cts: $59 Million
Marie Antoinette 5.46 ct. $45 Million USD
Confidentia
The Green Lantern
vivid green info about this Gem available to be negotiated direct with owner. (Serious interest only)
Gem Trading mix Packet.
Total Carat Wt.: 237.15 Manifest = $8,409,380.00
Natural Yellow info about this Gem available to be negotiated direct with owner. (Serious interest only)