When most people think of diamonds, they picture a classic, clear white gem. While white diamonds are timeless, they are just one part of a much broader and more captivating spectrum. Natural diamonds can occur in a stunning variety of colours & fancy colours, each with its own unique charm and rarity.

Fancy colour diamonds are exceptionally rare, making them some of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. But what gives these diamonds their remarkable hues, and how rare are they?

In this guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of natural coloured diamonds—how they are formed, their rarity, and what makes each shade so special. You’ll also discover a selection of the exquisite raw fancy colour diamonds available at RoughDiamonds.dk.

Nature is full of colour, and while white diamonds may be the most familiar, fancy colour diamonds are a breathtaking testament to nature’s artistry.

Natural diamonds take millions of years to form, shaped by intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. These forces influence a diamond’s size, structure, and characteristics long before it reaches the surface.

During this process, certain elements—such as nitrogen or boron—can become incorporated into the diamond’s atomic structure. Additionally, distortions in the crystal lattice may occur due to the immense geological forces at play. These natural alterations change the way the diamond interacts with light, giving rise to its rare and captivating colour.

Fancy Colour Diamonds & Their Rarity

Less than one out of 10,000 natural diamonds are classified as a fancy color diamond, making them incredibly rare. However, not all colours are equally scarce—some hues and intensities are far more exceptional than others.

The colour of a diamond can range from a subtle tint to a deeply saturated hue. Based on their hue, tone, and saturation, fancy colour diamonds are graded on a spectrum from fancy light to fancy intense and fancy vivid.

No matter their grade, every natural fancy colour diamond possesses an inherent beauty. At RoughDiamonds.dk, we celebrate the raw, unrefined nature of these diamonds—their unique imperfections and organic colour variations are what make each piece truly special.

Diamonds are often graded on a colour scale that ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colourless diamonds (D-grade) are the most valuable and desirable, as they represent the highest quality. These diamonds maximize light reflection, which is why they leave people in awe of their natural beauty.

The Beauty and Uniqueness of Rough Diamonds

Every natural rough diamond is unique, not only because of its origin but also because of the natural imperfections and inclusions found within the stone. These tiny flaws are part of what makes each diamond special and unique, which is what makes rough diamonds so fascinating. At RoughDiamonds.dk, we cherish the authentic and untouched beauty of natural rough diamonds and their unpredictable character.

Why Choose Natural Rough Diamonds?

When you choose a natural rough diamond, you are selecting a piece of nature’s rarity. Whether you decide to use it in its raw form or have it cut, its natural beauty remains intact, making it a symbol of timelessness and authenticity. Their unrefined charm and unique character make them truly special.Use this text to share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, share announcements, or welcome customers to your store.

We’ve compiled a world map highlighting the locations of the rarest diamonds ever discovered. This map shows the specific mining regions where some of the most expensive and sought-after diamonds were unearthed.

The African continent is home to several top diamond-producing nations. Since the 1870s, it has been the primary source of the world’s gem-quality diamonds, with regions such as South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia being particularly well-known for their diamond mines. Africa is also famous for producing some of the world’s rarest coloured diamonds, including blue, pink, and even green diamonds.

Beyond Africa, India has long been a hub for rare diamonds, with its historic mines in Golconda yielding some of the world’s most famous stones. Among these, the Koh-i-Noor, once part of the British Crown Jewels, stands out as one of the most expensive and iconic diamonds ever discovered.

Explore the map below to see where these remarkable diamonds were found and discover the rich history behind their origins.

A remarkable discovery was made in South Africa in 1905. The Premier Mine in Cullinan, South Africa, is known for producing some of the most famous and largest diamonds in history. Among these, the Cullinan Diamond, weighing an astounding 3,106.75 carats, remains the largest rough diamond ever discovered. The diamond was named after Thomas Cullinan, the mine's chairman.

In April 1905, the diamond was put up for sale in London, where it attracted significant interest. However, despite this, it remained unsold for two years. In 1907, the Transvaal Colony government purchased the Cullinan Diamond and presented it to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. The King had the diamond cut by Joseph Asscher & Co. in Amsterdam.

The Cullinan Diamond was cut into several stones of varying sizes and shapes, with the two most famous being:

Cullinan I (The Great Star of Africa) – Weighing an extraordinary 530.4 carats, this is the largest clear-cut diamond in the world. It is set in the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross as part of the Crown Jewels.

Cullinan II (The Second Star of Africa) – Weighing 317.4 carats, it is set in the Imperial State Crown, also part of the Crown Jewels.

Additionally, seven other major diamonds totaling 208.29 carats were kept privately by Queen Elizabeth II, inherited from her grandmother, Queen Mary, in 1953. The Queen also possesses minor brilliants and a set of uncut fragments.

Recent Discoveries: 2024 Diamond Find

In 2024, a 2,492-carat diamond was discovered in Botswana, making it the second-largest diamond ever found after the Cullinan.

Now that you know more about fancy color diamonds and how they are formed, we hope you feel inspired to explore beyond tradition and choose the natural diamond color that best reflects your personal style.

At RoughDiamonds.dk, you can browse our collection of raw diamond rings or more, showcasing a variety of beautiful, natural diamond colors set in handcrafted jewelry masterpieces. You also have the opportunity to select your very own raw colored diamond and work closely with designer Maya Bjørnsten and our team of expert goldsmiths to create a bespoke, one-of-a-kind piece.

Stay updated on our latest work by following us on Facebook and Instagram, and let the captivating beauty of fancy color diamonds in their raw, natural form inspire you.