Blue Diamonds - FAQ 
Is blue a natural diamond color?
Yes, but not a common one.
What makes blue diamonds blue?
A touch of the mineral Boron in the stone is what gives natural blue diamonds their color. Most blue diamond jewelry that is sold online and in retail establishments has been color treated or color enhanced.
Where are blue diamonds found?
The most productive source and origin of most of the intensely-colored blue diamonds is the Cullinan and Premier diamond mines in South Africa. Other places where blue diamonds have been found include India, the Central African Republic, Brazil, Borneo and Guyana in South America - source of some diamonds of a uniquely remarkable turquoise to aquamarine blue in color..
What color variations are there?
Blue diamonds range in color from pale sky blue to a vivid peacock blue with or without other color casts (such as gray or green). Color depth, from the most color to the least, is graded as Vivid, Intense, Fancy or Light. Most natural blue diamonds are a very light blue.
Which colors are the most valuable?
Vivid, deep blue diamonds are considered the most desirable, but all in all, it's the combination of color, cut, clarity and carat weight which gives any stone it's value.
What about color enhancement ?
Light blue diamonds can be enhanced to improve (deepen and intensify) their color. This is done by bombarding the stone with radiation (gamma rays or electrons). This modifies the diamond's internal structure (the crystal lattice), knocking their carbon atoms out of place, which produces the altered color.
Diamonds which are not naturally blue can also be treat with radiation to make them blue. Irradiated blue diamonds are a bright shade of blue, often with a hint of green.
Color enhancement is an accepted practice in the jewelry industry, providing it is disclosed to the customer. Color enhancements are not obvious to the average person but can be detected by a trained gemologist.
Varying colors of enhanced blue diamonds do not make the stones more or less valuable - select stones whose color is most pleasing to you!
Is it safe to wear irradiated blue diamonds?
Though it may sound a bit scary, there's no need for concern - there is no residual radiation left on the stone by modern irradiation processes so they are perfectly safe to wear!
Do blue diamonds have any other special qualities?
Most natural blue diamonds can conduct electricity!
How do I care for my blue diamond jewelry?
No special care is needed. Like any other diamond jewelry, blue diamonds are best cleaned with mild, soapy water and a soft brush and dried with a soft cloth.
Do blue diamonds have any special meaning?
Like white diamonds, blue diamonds are the birthstone for the month of April and for those born under the sign of Aries. Diamonds also signify the 60th (traditional) or 10th (modern) wedding anniversary.
Next: Famous and Notable Blue Diamonds
Resources: Learn more about colored diamonds at the web site of the Natural Color Diamond Association