2014: The year of ‘Radiant Orchid’ Purple Diamonds

February 7th, 2014 by Noam Flint

After Pantone named Emerald the Color of the Year for 2013, it seemed the hue was everywhere. Green has had its time in the spotlight, though, and it’s time for a new shade to dictate the trends for 2014.

To determine the Color of the Year, Pantone polls retailers and manufacturers as well as fashion, graphic and industrial designers across the globe about their plans for the upcoming seasons. The color committee then chooses a hue that will have a major impact on the trends for the new year. Pantone couldn’t have picked a more dazzling shade – “Radiant Orchid” is a stunning, vibrant soft pinkish purple that is bound to inspire jewelry enthusiasts to add some unusual colored diamonds to their collection.

Meet Radiant Orchid

“Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

A major reason that Eiseman is confident people will embrace Radiant Orchid this year is that it is universally flattering and complements nearly any skin tone. So what does the Color of the Year mean for diamond collectors? Those that are hoping to stay on trend this year should definitely look for fancy purple pink diamonds or fancy pink purple diamonds. These stones instantly draw attention, and can be incorporated into custom jewelry to fit any tastes or style preferences. Diamonds in this hue look particularly striking with light yellows, olive and hunter greens – which is something to take into account when pairing these purple stones with other colored diamond jewelry.

About purple diamonds

It’s no surprise that purple diamonds are so sought after by jewelry enthusiasts and collectors. Natural purple diamonds are among the rarest colored stones in the world. It has been suggested that the cause of their color is extra hydrogen that gets trapped inside the stone as its crystal structure is forming. These diamonds can range from pale lavender to a grayish violet to an intense pinkish orchid. The most common secondary hues in purple diamonds are pink or gray, but hints of blue or brown may be found in these stones as well. The color purple is often associated with royalty. In fact, this color was largely regarded as the color of kings. Considering how few of them have been found in the world, it makes sense that purple diamonds would be considered among the most precious of all diamonds.

There have been very few major purple diamond discoveries. The largest ever known to exist is the 7.34-carat Royal Purple Heart Diamond, which was cut into a perfect heart shape. This diamond is not only notable because of its impressive weight, but also its awe-inspiring brilliance and clarity.

The second most famous stone of this hue is called the Supreme Purple Diamond Heart. Very little is known about this diamond, except that it has a round cut and weighs in between 2 and 5 carats. The main reason this diamond is so notable, though, is that it is said to radiate various shades, some more purple and some almost reddish, when viewed from different angles.

Purple diamonds have an unparalleled mystery and romance, making them ideal for an engagement ring or wedding ring.