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How to Find a Blue Diamond

When a diamond has a strong, definite color, it is classed as a "fancy" diamond and given a color grade. Fancy blue diamonds occur naturally as a result of traces of boron in the make-up of the gem. However, good examples of natural blue diamonds are rare and consequently expensive, with a 0.2 carat fancy deep blue retailing in the region of $20,000 as of 2010. For those who want more bling for their buck, there are lab-grown simulants available at a fraction of the price as well as genuine diamonds which have been treated to enhance their color. All of these options will be available from high street stores and online, but don't get them muddled in the heat of the search.

Instructions

- 1
  Search the Yellow Pages under categories such as Jewelers and Diamonds for retailers in your area. When you visit the store, look for signage to indicate that the retailer is a member of the Jewelers of America Association (J.A.) or a similar regional body such as the New York State Jewelery Association (N.Y.S.J.A.) Take advantage of the retailer's expertise by asking about the pros and cons of real, simulated and enhanced blue diamonds, as well as their relative price points. Allow him to show you a few examples of each---maybe one of them will speak to you.
- 2
  Go online and type "blue diamond" into your computer's search engine, adding either "natural," "enhanced" or "artificial." By doing this, you should arrive at a list of specialist sites in each field. For instance, the search terms "artificial blue diamond" will bring up the site of Diamond Nexus Labs, who supplied lab-grown diamonds for the 2010 Miss Universe Crown. As of 2010, simulant blue diamonds retail from $200 to $1,000 depending on their size. The advantages of searching for a blue diamond online are the wide variety of choices and the possibility of discounted prices, but the disadvantage is that you can't inspect the gem firsthand and develop a connection with it.
- 3
  Expect the diamond to have accompanying documentation, whether buying from a store or online. This should include an independent report stating the diamond's weight in carats as well as its official color grade.
- 4
  Type the terms "blue diamond auction" into your computer's search engine to bring up results from online auction sites and traditional auctions with an online presence. In these cases, ask questions of the vendor or the auction house to establish whether the diamonds have a credible provenance (perhaps stock from a closing jeweler's store.)

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