Most people know that a chameleon is a lizard, found in Africa, that has the ability to change the color of its skin based on a number of factors. This helps it to hide and today we tend to think of something described as "a chameleon" as being a person or thing that has a tendency to try to hide or blend in. However, when it comes to chameleon diamonds, things are a whole lot different. This is a truly exciting kind of diamond that is definitely going to raise eyebrows if you happen to be in possession of one because it can do something that no other diamond is able to do: change colors. Now, a lot of people may think of a stone that is constantly shifting with different shades of color, but this is not the truth about chameleon diamonds. In reality, they are a very rare type of fancy colored diamonds that are sought after due not only to the fact that they are so incredibly rare, but also because they really do look quite beautiful to the eye. With precious stones, visual appeal is always going to be their most important aspect and if you happen to get to see chameleon diamonds then you will certainly be impressed by how attractive it is.
To simply explain what chameleon diamonds are, think of a fancy color diamond in a shade of green since this is what they first look like. When they are stored in the dark, in cool temperatures they are going to stay that rich green shade. It is when they are brought out from darkness that chameleon diamonds will begin to change towards a brighter yellow type of hue. Heat can also cause these diamonds to change their color, but you do want to keep in mind that the change in color they exhibit is typically not going to last for very long and then they will be back to their more stable shade. You might have heard these chameleon diamonds referred to as color change diamonds and this is true that they can do this, however it is usually going to be much easier to observe in stones that are 2 or more carats in size. For those who might be skeptical that the stones really do change colors, the effects have been observed and documented by gemologists in laboratory settings so, yes, these diamonds really do exhibit a genuine color change that is going to be visible to the naked eye.
In fact, some of them have more than one color which will be distributed throughout the stone itself. The very first documented case of a diamond of this type occurring came after the gem was exposed to a polishing wheel that had managed to heat it up. Peter Kaplan discovered this diamond in 1943, say those familiar with the diamond dictionary from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). That particular diamond has an interesting story because it ended up being graded as a very light yellow green diamond and someone bought it. The person who bought it then noticed that the diamond changed to a darker green when it was stored in the dark and promptly brought it back to get a refund. As you might imagine, this definitely caught the interest of diamond lovers who always appreciate a rare and totally unique stone such as this.
As fascinating as this particular kind of diamond is, there is not currently a great deal of written research regarding them. We do know that Chameleon Diamonds can only exist as natural diamonds. There is currently no way for a lab to be able to create this effect in a gem, nor is there a way for a lab to enhance what the stone is able to do. That is good news for those who would like to own one of these diamonds because it means that they do not have to worry about accidentally purchasing a lab created stone when what they actually wanted was a natural diamond of the chameleon variety. Research into and testing of these diamonds continues to be done because gemologists still do not yet understand exactly what causes the color change to occur. There is no indication that the stone's color changing property ever fades as far as we know so this means that those who own one will be able to have it change back and forth between its colors any time they would like. Normally, for a chameleon diamond to revert to its darker green state, it must be kept in the dark for an hour or more. Heat can also be applied to help the change, but this is not something that many diamond lovers would like to do since temperatures do need to be over 100 degrees Celsius in order to see a difference. Keep in mind, too, that there are stones which are reverse chameleons and these will change from a more pale yellow green to a darker green once they have been exposed to light.
Some speculate that it is the hydrogen content of these stones that is creating the possibility for the change, but a great deal of experimenting may still need to be done before we can come to any kind of conclusion as to whether this would be true or not. In addition to the standard gems called chameleon diamonds, there are stones which come from Australia's famed Argyle diamond mine that also change back and forth between two basic colors. There are chameleon diamonds which can transform from gray to olive green and back, as well as those which will transform from a blue or violet shade to a more gray color. These are not as sought after as the standard chameleon varieties, but they are equally fascinating for those who are interested in color changing diamonds. Laboratory testing is generally going to be needed on a stone if you believe that it might not be a genuine chameleon. Heating is not advised for the average person because this can actually mark the stone which is certainly not what one would want.
For those who want jewelry that is not soon to be forgotten, it would be difficult to find anything that could compete with what these diamonds are able to offer. Of course, the fact is, due to their rarity in the world today, Chameleon Diamonds are going to be incredibly expensive. They range from ten thousand dollars to, at the high end, upwards of a quarter million dollars. Clearly, these types of diamonds are going to be the type that typically end up being in a piece of jewelry worn by a famed celebrity. That means that most people are not going to be able to own one. However, there are some exceptions that are closer to between one thousand and two thousand dollars that can make a good choice for those who can afford them. As an element in earrings, they can be exceptional, but some people also decide to use them in necklaces. Their natural green and yellow green colors do look stunning and this is a big part of the appeal for a lot of people. The fact that they have such an interesting back-story also makes them into excellent conversation pieces that have very little competition in the world of diamonds today.
With this type of diamond, you definitely do want to make sure that you get a genuine GIA Certificate with it so that you know it is authentic. Because these stones are so rare, unscrupulous sellers may try to pass off stones which are not the genuine article and that would certainly be an unpleasant experience. Since the GIA is so trusted, you can know that they are going to be honest about all of the aspects of your diamond that determine its value: cut, color, clarity and carat. This is one way to make sure that you are getting the best. These diamonds can look good in a number of settings, but a lot of people will prefer to have them set in white gold or platinum to help bring out their natural colors more fully.
Do remember that supply of diamonds of this kind is going to be extremely limited and that means that even those who can afford one may face some difficult in locating one when they are ready to buy. Nevertheless, these diamonds are show stoppers and not only can you find them in a number of shops, you can also purchase them online from reputable sellers who have access to them. Typically, the big name diamond retailers are going to be most likely to have not only loose stones, but also jewelry which has been created with these stones. If you are searching for something that is sure to dazzle both the eye and the mind, then a chameleon diamond can be an amazing choice. They certainly will help you stand out, rather than blend in.