All about Chameleon Diamonds

Chameleon diamonds are unique and just as fun as you think! They are a natural diamond that exhibit a color-changing property, much like the reptile they are named after. Learn more about these fascinating unique diamonds and see all there is to offer!

What is a Chameleon Diamond?

Certainly these are not your average natural colored diamonds. Chameleon diamonds when exposed to different light conditions or temperature changes, especially when heated by fire, chameleon diamonds change color! Typically changing from green to yellow or orange, or from yellow to green. Even rarer, we have chameleon diamonds that change from green to orange & red! 

The reason behind the color-changing property of chameleon diamonds is unknown by The Gemological Institute of America  (GIA). They are a true mystery and a natural wonder! 

It can possibly be due to the diamond's crystal structure, which contains certain impurities and radiation that cause the diamond to react to its environment. When a chameleon diamond is heated, for example, it can change color and then revert back to its original color when the heat source is removed. The color change is not a prolonged event, most change back to their unheated color after 60 seconds, and some emit the glow of color for up to an hour but no record shows the color change staying for longer. If you end up falling in love with a chameleon diamond you will notice the different lighting you are wearing your diamond in, your diamond will never look the same! 

How rare are chameleon diamonds?

Because of their rarity and color-changing property, chameleon diamonds are highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts. Chameleon diamonds are typically found in smaller sizes, mostly at around 1 or 2 carats. Finding chameleon diamonds in larger carat sizes is far more rare uncommon.

They are often cut in fancy shapes, such as pear, oval, and cushion cuts, to showcase their unique color and maximize their beauty. The biggest chameleon diamond we have sold here at Rare Colors was a 5 Carat GIA Radiant Cut! If you want one of these uncommon and exciting chameleon diamonds message us here and we will source you the perfect one!

History Fun Fact!

According to GIA, Earliest mention of a color-change diamond dates back to 1866 by Georges Halphen, a Paris diamond merchant. However Peter Kaplan, a diamond cutter in 1943. Was polishing a diamond when he realized it changed color while resting on his hot polishing wheel. Peter Kaplan then coined the name "Chameleon Diamond" I honestly wonder what that moment must have been like for Peter Kaplan!

GIA Gradings of Chameleon Diamonds

The GIA would grade a chameleon diamond with same color diamond grading as any other fancy colored diamond (Ex - fancy yellowish green or fancy greenish yellow), and they will state in the comments that the diamond is a "chameleon" diamond that naturally changes color. Without the statement on the bottom of your GIA certificate, the diamond cannot be considered a chameleon diamond. See below!

In the end..

Chameleon diamonds are a fascinating and rare type of natural color diamond that offer a fun, unique and special addition to any jewelry collection.  See some current chameleon diamonds available here.

Photo Credit - GIA.edu