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Discover A guide to coloured diamonds

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Diamonds are most commonly thought of as colourless gemstones, however, diamonds are actually available in colours all across the colour spectrum. The most sought after coloured diamonds tend to be yellow, pink, blue and green, varying tones of brown diamonds have also been commonly seen throughout the jewellery industry. 1 in 10,000 mined diamonds would be a coloured diamond and to truly express their rarity, pink diamonds are thought to make up only 1% of that number. Making pink diamonds estimated at 1 in 1 million.

Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds are coloured by large quantities of nitrogen atoms scattered evenly throughout the diamonds crystal lattice. This is what differentiates the D-Z colour range having a yellow tone and fancy colour diamonds, the D-Z range tend to have small pockets of nitrogen atoms, less evenly spread, providing a lighter tonal colour or tint. The intensity of a fancy yellow diamond is dependant on the quantity of these scattered Nitrogen atoms.

Pink & Blue Diamonds

Pink diamonds adopt their colour from defects within the crystal lattice, a structural defect still not fully understood buy science. This anomaly has created some of the most expensive and desirable diamonds to have ever existed!

Blue diamonds are coloured by traces of Boron in the crystal lattice. Boron itself is a rare earth element and blue diamonds are only found in a handful of mines across the world.

Green & Brown Diamonds

Green diamonds get their colour from natural irradiation. Green diamonds are held and studied to ensure the radiation has reduced enough ‘half lives’ to be worn safely and enjoyed for years to come.

Brown diamonds, similarly to pink diamonds, adopt their colour from defects within the crystal lattice – most commonly plastic deformation. The process is a shift within the crystal lattice as pressure and temperature change around the diamond, whether during formation or transportation to the surface.

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Our Showrooms

Over the years, generations of families have become customers of Prestons, and many have gone on to become friends. Today, our teams look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms in Wilmslow, Guildford, Norwich and Leeds.

Prestons Guildford

Surrey

Our Guildford showroom was designed to reflect the architectural merit of the Edwardian building it occupies. The store features spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases, alongside a comfortable lounge to allow our clients to explore our bridal and fine jewellery collections. Explore This Showroom

Prestons Wilmslow

Cheshire

Located in the heart of Wilmslow, this showroom features a selection of spaces dedicated to the fine watch houses it showcases. Of course, the bridal collections Prestons have always been famous for remain a prominent feature of the store and surround the famous Aquarium Bar which sits at its centre. Explore This Showroom

Rolex by Prestons, Leeds

Yorkshire

This showroom, located in Victoria Gate, features extensive Rolex showcases alongside a discrete VIP lounge. Every element of the interior design radiates the values of the Rolex crown: excellence, precision and attention to detail from louvre walls in walnut, to the careful calibration of colours and patterns within the fittings and furnishings. Explore This Showroom

Prestons Norwich

Norfolk

Located on the historic Norwich high street, Prestons Norwich has been expanded and redesigned to reflect the character of the building it has occupied for over 150 years. The showroom features collections by Patek Philippe, Rolex and TUDOR alongside our fine jewellery collections. Explore This Showroom
Guildford showroom