Blue diamonds are among the rarest and most captivating gemstones on Earth—prized for their unique hue, exceptional brilliance, and mysterious origin. Their vivid, oceanic tones aren’t just stunning to behold—they also carry a powerful story beneath the surface. But where exactly do these remarkable stones come from?
In this guide, we explore where blue diamonds are found, what makes them different, and how they can become the center of a one-of-a-kind custom piece at Acredo.
What Are Blue Diamonds?
Blue diamonds are natural diamonds with a bluish hue caused by the presence of trace elements—most commonly boron—within the crystal structure during formation. Unlike treated or synthetic stones, naturally blue diamonds owe their color to the unique geologic conditions under which they form.
They are considered Type IIb diamonds, an extremely rare classification that also makes them semiconductive—something most diamonds are not.
Where Do Blue Diamonds Form?
Blue diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure. Their creation takes place over billions of years, at depths deeper than most other diamonds. The boron atoms responsible for their blue coloration are believed to originate from subducted oceanic crust—making their journey from the seafloor to fine jewelry a literal transformation across time and geology.
Where Are Blue Diamonds Found?
Natural blue diamonds have only been found in a few known regions worldwide:
1. Cullinan Mine – South Africa
The most famous source of blue diamonds today. This mine (formerly the Premier Mine) has produced some of the world’s most significant blue stones, including the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond. South Africa remains a key source of high-quality blue diamonds.
2. Golconda – India (Historic Source)
Historically, the ancient Golconda region of India was famed for its colored diamonds—including blue. While these mines are no longer active, they contributed to the legends of blue diamonds through stones like the Hope Diamond.
3. Argyle Mine – Australia
Although better known for pink diamonds, rare blue diamonds—especially those with a violet undertone—have also emerged from the Argyle Mine in Western Australia. This mine closed in 2020, increasing the scarcity of all Argyle-origin diamonds.
Natural Blue Diamonds at a Glance
Are Blue Diamonds Found in the U.S.?
No known natural blue diamonds have been discovered in the United States. The rarity of boron-rich geologic conditions and the extreme depths required for blue diamond formation make them extremely unlikely to occur in North America.
How Rare Are They?
Blue diamonds make up a fraction of one percent of all natural diamonds mined globally. Even among fancy color diamonds, they are far less common than yellow or brown diamonds.
Quick Fact: Only about 0.02% of all diamonds are classified as Type IIb blue diamonds.
Natural vs. Treated Blue Diamonds
Not all blue diamonds are naturally blue. Some are colorless diamonds that undergo:
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HPHT treatment (high pressure, high temperature)
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Irradiation
These methods can create visually striking stones, but they don’t carry the same value or rarity as natural blue diamonds.
At Acredo, we focus on natural, ethically sourced gemstones. If you're looking for a blue diamond, our expert consultants will help you choose a stone with verified origin and beauty to match.
Jewelry Applications: How to Use Blue Diamonds
Because of their rarity, blue diamonds are often the centerpiece of heirloom-quality or custom jewelry. Common settings include:
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Engagement Rings: A unique alternative to traditional diamonds. Blue diamonds add intrigue and individuality.
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Three-Stone Rings: Blue diamonds paired with white diamonds create stunning contrast.
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Pendant Necklaces: A teardrop or round blue diamond makes for a meaningful statement piece.
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Luxury Watches: High-end watchmakers sometimes use blue diamonds for accent stones.
Symbolism and Meaning of Blue Diamonds
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Wisdom and Truth: The cool blue hue is often associated with clarity of thought and honesty.
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Loyalty and Stability: Ideal for engagement jewelry or meaningful gifts.
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Mystery and Rarity: Owning a blue diamond often reflects individuality and timeless elegance.
How to Choose a Blue Diamond at Acredo
When considering a blue diamond for your custom jewelry design, our team at Acredo will guide you through:
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Color Intensity: From faint blue to deep, vivid blue
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Origin: Whether the diamond is natural or treated
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Cut and Clarity: As with all diamonds, brilliance is key
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Setting Design: Choose metals and styles that enhance the stone’s cool tones
Final Thoughts: A Rare Beauty, A Custom Treasure
Blue diamonds aren’t just rare—they’re unforgettable. From their remarkable formation story to their distinctive color and symbolism, a blue diamond brings depth and elegance to any design.
At Acredo, we believe your custom jewelry should reflect your story, your values, and your vision. Whether you’re drawn to the mystique of a blue diamond or the artistry of custom design, we invite you to experience the personalized process that makes Acredo unlike any other.
Design your perfect ring.
Explore our customization options.
Schedule a creative sit-down near you.
Let your vision shine—start with a blue diamond.