Brown, Champagne & Chocolate Diamonds
| Property | Details |
|---|
| Cause of Color | Crystal lattice distortion (plastic deformation) and nitrogen |
| Rarity | Most common fancy color diamond |
| Trade Names | Champagne, cognac, chocolate, cinnamon, honey, clove |
| GIA Grades Available | Fancy Light Brown through Fancy Deep Brown |
| Famous Examples | Golden Jubilee (545.67 ct, brownish-yellow), Star of the South (128.48 ct) |
| Primary Sources | Australia (Argyle), South Africa, Russia, Brazil, DRC |
| Price Range (1ct, natural) | $1,500 – $8,000 (most affordable fancy color) |
Overview
Brown diamonds are the most abundant fancy color diamond. For most of the modern diamond industry's history, brown diamonds were considered industrial-grade and were rarely used in jewelry. That changed dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s when the Argyle mine in Australia — which produced vast quantities of brown diamonds — and later Le Vian's “Chocolate Diamonds” marketing campaign transformed brown from an unwanted color into a fashion statement.
Today, brown diamonds are appreciated for their warm, earthy tones and exceptional affordability compared to other fancy colors. They offer the unique beauty of a naturally colored diamond at a fraction of the price of yellow, pink, or blue.
The Rebranding of Brown Diamonds
The success of brown diamonds is one of the jewelry industry's great marketing stories. The trade introduced a series of appealing names to replace “brown”:
- Champagne: Light to medium brown with warm golden tones
- Cognac: Medium to dark brown with rich, warm undertones
- Chocolate: Deep, saturated brown (trademarked by Le Vian)
- Cinnamon, Honey, Clove: Other trade terms used for various brown shades
These names are marketing terms, not official gemological grades. On a GIA report, the stone will be described as “Fancy Brown,” “Fancy Orangy Brown,” or similar technical descriptions.
What Causes the Brown Color
Brown in diamonds results from the same plastic deformation (crystal lattice distortion) that causes pink and red. The difference lies in the degree and type of distortion. In brown diamonds, the deformation creates “graining” — internal parallel lines visible under magnification — that absorb light across a broad spectrum, producing the brown body color. Nitrogen impurities can also contribute to the warmth of the color.
HPHT Treatment & Disclosure
An important market reality: many brown diamonds can be converted to colorless, near-colorless, yellow, or even pink through HPHT (high-pressure high-temperature) treatment. This has significant implications:
- Brown diamonds serve as the starting material for many treated colored diamonds.
- Some brown diamonds on the market may have been considered for treatment and rejected.
- Any HPHT treatment must be disclosed, and treated stones sell for less than natural-color equivalents.
Value & Why Brown Diamonds Are a Smart Choice
Brown diamonds offer the best value in the fancy color diamond market:
- A 1-carat Fancy Brown diamond can cost $1,500–$4,000 — comparable to a mid-quality colorless diamond.
- Larger stones (2–3 carats) remain accessible at $3,000–$10,000.
- They pair beautifully with rose gold and mixed-metal settings.
- Champagne diamonds in particular have become popular for engagement rings, offering a warm, distinctive alternative to traditional colorless diamonds.
Buying Tips
- Choose the shade that appeals to your eye — from light champagne to deep chocolate, the range is wide.
- Be aware that “Chocolate Diamond” is a Le Vian trademark — other retailers may use different trade names for similar stones.
- Brown diamonds look exceptional in rose gold and yellow gold settings.
- GIA certification is recommended for stones above 0.50 carats to confirm natural origin and color grade.
- These are excellent choices for fashion jewelry, statement rings, and modern engagement rings.
Explore more colors in our Colored Diamond Guide.