Type IIa Diamonds Uncovered: The Ultimate Guide to their Rarity

Known for their exceptional purity and rarity, Type IIa diamonds are the ultimate expression of natural beauty, offering a level of clarity and brilliance that few other diamonds can match.

Navigate This Guide:

• Introduction
• 6 Practical Tips for Buying and Examining Clarity in Type IIa Diamond Engagement Rings 
• What is a IIa diamond?
• Diamond Rarity and Cost
• Conclusion
• 10 FAQs

Introduction

Diamonds are the solid, crystalline form of carbon, but most diamonds – and, in all likelihood, every diamond you encounter at the jewelry store – will feature chemical impurities (most notably, nitrogen) present within their internet structures as a result of their creation in nature.

These diamonds are categorized as ‘Type I’ diamonds, and, as you can imagine, are by far the most common. More than 95% of natural (non-lab grown) diamonds are Type Ia, with Type Ib diamonds representing a much rarer class. These diamonds are a deep brown or yellow color and contain a much higher percentage of nitrogen (which is what creates that distinctive color).

Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:

6 Practical Tips for Buying and Examining Clarity in Type IIa Diamond Engagement Rings 

• Tip 1:Understanding the Rarity of Type IIa Diamonds Recognize Rarity: Type IIa diamonds are exceptionally rare, comprising less than 2% of all diamonds. Their scarcity enhances their value, so be prepared for a higher price range. Research Historical Significance: Familiarize yourself with famous Type IIa diamonds (like the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan I) to understand the cultural and historical value of what you’re purchasing. 
• Tip 2:Examining Clarity and Color Clarity Over Color: Prioritize clarity when examining Type IIa diamonds. These diamonds are known for their lack of color and nitrogen impurities, which often makes them appear more transparent and pure than other types. Look for Structural Peculiarities: Type IIa diamonds can display unique colors due to structural anomalies. Inspect for any unusual color tints that might indicate rare characteristics. 
• Tip 3:Checking for Authenticity GIA Certification: Insist on a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification for your Type IIa diamond. This certification is crucial for verifying the diamond’s authenticity, especially for such rare gems. Understand Grading Variance: Remember that diamond grading can be subjective. Even within the same grade, qualities can vary, so review the certification details thoroughly.
• Tip 4:Considering Cut and Symmetry Focus on Cut Quality: For Type IIa diamonds, the cut quality is paramount. An excellent cut ensures the diamond’s brilliance and enhances its rare characteristics. Look for symmetrical facets and a balanced appearance. Triple Excellent Rating for Round Diamonds: If you’re opting for a round diamond, aim for a triple excellent rating in cut, symmetry, and polish. This rating guarantees the finest light reflection and sparkle.
• Tip 5:Investment and Long-term Value Awareness of Investment Potential: Understand that Type IIa diamonds, due to their rarity, can be a significant investment. They are less likely to depreciate in value compared to other diamond types. Compare Natural and Lab-Grown Options: Be aware that lab-grown Type IIa diamonds are available and may offer a more affordable option. However, they may not hold the same investment value as natural Type IIa diamonds. 
• Tip 6:Online Purchasing Considerations Explore Online Options: With the rarity of Type IIa diamonds, consider exploring online retailers. They often provide a wider selection and detailed information on each diamond, including high-resolution images and certification details. Inquire About the Diamond’s Origin: For Type IIa diamonds, the historical and geographical origin can add to their allure and value. Ask for this information to fully appreciate the diamond’s background.

Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:

What is a IIa diamond?

A Type IIa diamond are almost totally (or really are) free from chemical impurities, meaning that they are almost always colorless (although they can take on color as a result of structural imperfections caused by the conditions deep below the earth, rather than chemical impurities).

These structural imperfections can be artificially ‘fixed’, using a process known as HPHT.

Chemical Purity and Exceptional Clarity

Type IIa diamonds represent no more than 2% of natural diamonds, making them a very rare find in nature. Over the years, they have been discovered in Botswana, Canada, and Australia, although they were initially found in (and named after) a citadel in India named Golconda Fort.

Unveiling the World of Rare Diamonds

So, who’s interested in IIa diamonds? Private collectors and jewelers, for the most part. The rarity and high value of these diamonds mean that most of us will never come face to face with one.

Keep in mind that identifying a Type IIa diamond is not always as easy as it may seem. Sure, it doesn’t take a diamond expert to realize that a diamond like the Pink Star or the Koh-i-Noor is truly a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, but plenty of Type IIa diamonds are only identifiable through much closer inspection.

The difference between a near-colorless Type Ia diamond and a colorless Type IIa diamond are generally only identifiable using an infrared spectrometer. This means that, even if you did somehow come across a Type IIa diamond, the cost would not prove worthwhile, since an engagement ring is created to be enjoyed and appreciated on the finger, rather than scrutinized through a lens.

Legends in the Diamond World

Type IIa diamonds are highly valued within the global diamond community for their rarity and beauty. Some of the most influential diamonds in the world are Type 2a, and are incredibly valuable.

The Pink Star Diamond, flawless and featuring a fancy vivid pink color (one of the rarest colors), sold at auction in 2017 for more than $71 million. Another fancy vivid pink diamond, the 18.96 carat Pink Legacy, is also Type IIa, and sold for more than $50 million in 2018.

The Krupp Diamond worn by actress Elizabeth Taylor is also a Type IIa diamond, as well as the Koh-i-Noor, which is a part of the British Crown Jewels.

Diamond Rarity and Cost

Diamond type is a fascinating subject, but you won’t find as much information on it as other aspects of diamond quality. Unless you’re in the market for a multimillion-dollar investment into one of the world’s rarest and most revered diamonds, you don’t need to understand the atomic differences between a Type Ia diamond and a Type IIa diamond.

What you do need to understand are topics like eye cleanliness, proportion and ratio, symmetry, polish, color, and fluorescence. Get your head around the process of understanding a diamond’s qualities by browsing diamonds online, but rest assured that our own 11-step Diamond Standard filters out any diamonds that we do not consider to be worthwhile investments.

Balancing Quality with Carat Size

Another factor that you may have noticed is that Type IIa diamonds tend to be significantly larger than the average diamond you would find in a jewelry store – or even on the red carpet. This fact alone means that, before you even take into account the fact that they are verging on perfection, they are already bound for an incredibly high price tag.

The only exception to this rule is lab grown diamond. The majority of these stones are classed as Type II, since it’s a lot easier for manufacturers to control conditions, and limit chemical impurities than it is for nature to create something perfect. Of course, this does nothing to alter the inherently low value of lab grown diamonds, or the fact that they are lacking the interest and romantic appeal of natural Type IIa (or Type Ia, Type Ib, or Type IIb) diamonds.

Colored Diamonds and Type

While other fancy color diamonds are created by chemical impurities, pink is thought to be caused solely by the conditions during the diamond’s creation and journey toward the earth’s surface.

Pink diamonds remain something of a mystery since the absence of any chemical impurities means that we can only attempt to imagine what occurred so long ago, so deep within the earth’s mantle.

Pink diamonds are Type 2a, but not all Type 2a diamonds are pink. As we mentioned, they can be totally colorless, or they can feature a yellow, brown, orange, red, or purple color as a result of those structural changes, rather than chemical impurities.

Conclusion

Do you need to worry about diamond type? For the most part, no. It’s a fascinating subject, but there’s no risk of you ‘accidentally’ overspending on a Type IIa diamond, for instance.

The main reason why you don’t need to get caught up on diamond types is, put simply, because of the fact that the overwhelming majority of diamonds brought into the world, cut, polished, and sold to the general public are Type Ia. It’s totally possible to find eye clean diamonds with no noticeable color in this type, and savvy shoppers manage it every day.

The key is to do your research into diamonds ahead of time – particularly the Four Cs of diamond quality, and how you can make them worth for you not just visually, but financially. 

10 FAQs

• Q: What are Type IIa Diamonds? 
• A: Type IIa diamonds are extremely rare and almost or entirely devoid of impurities like nitrogen, making them highly prized for their purity and exceptional clarity. 
• Q: How Rare are Type IIa Diamonds? 
• A: Type IIa diamonds represent less than 2% of all gem-quality diamonds, making them exceedingly rare and sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. 
• Q: What Makes Type IIa Diamonds Unique? 
• A: Their unique attribute is their chemical purity. They often lack nitrogen impurities, which allows them to transmit UV rays and visible light more effectively, sometimes resulting in exceptional colorlessness or rare colors due to structural peculiarities. 
• Q: Can Type IIa Diamonds Be Lab-Grown? 
• A: Yes, lab-grown diamonds can be Type IIa, but they lack the inherent rarity and unique geological history of naturally occurring Type IIa diamonds. 
• Q: Are Type IIa Diamonds More Expensive? 
• A: Yes, due to their rarity and purity, Type IIa diamonds are typically more expensive than other types of diamonds. 
• Q: How Can You Identify a Type IIa Diamond? 
• A: Identification generally requires advanced gemological testing, such as infrared spectroscopy, as Type IIa diamonds don’t have distinctive features visible to the naked eye. 
• Q: Can Type IIa Diamonds Have Color? 
• A: Yes, while many are colorless, some Type IIa diamonds can exhibit colors like pink or blue due to structural anomalies during their formation. 
• Q: Do Type IIa Diamonds Make Good Investments? 
• A: Yes, Type IIa diamonds are considered excellent investments due to their rarity and the prestige associated with their purity and exceptional qualities. 
• Q: What Famous Diamonds are Type IIa? 
• A: Some renowned Type 2a diamonds include the Cullinan I, the Koh-i-Noor, and the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. 
• Q: How are Type IIa Diamonds Formed? 
• A: They form under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle, where certain conditions lead to the formation of diamonds without nitrogen impurities.

Discover the elite world of Type IIa diamonds with JewelerAI – your guide to the most exquisite and rare gems. Explore our AI-powered selection process for the perfect engagement ring.