A Guide to Natural Brown Diamonds (Updated 2025)

Exclusive yet more affordable than other colored diamonds, natural brown diamonds are a popular choice for those purchasing their first color diamond jewelry piece. Celebrities like Rihanna and Lizzo often dazzle in intense brown diamonds at award shows. Notably, Scarlett Johansson’s engagement ring features an 11-carat elongated oval light brown diamond, showcasing the allure of these unique gems.

Found in high jewelry collections and coveted by connoisseurs, brown diamonds are experiencing a surge in popularity.

Explore the world of brown diamonds:

• What makes brown diamonds brown and where do they come from?
• Color possibilities: From champagne to chocolate diamonds.
• Fancy brown diamonds’ investment potential.
• Intense brown diamond jewelry from Langerman’s bespoke collection.

View our range of natural color brown diamonds for sale.

What Are Natural Brown Diamonds?

Radiant cut, fancy intense brown diamond from Langerman.

Natural brown diamonds are a striking alternative to traditional colorless diamonds. Designers, investors, and the public are now more aware of the possibilities these diamonds offer. For decades, they were undervalued and considered unsuitable for engagement rings and high jewelry. Today, their growing popularity makes them a smart investment and a stunning choice for jewelry.

Brown diamonds, alongside yellow diamonds, are among the most available and affordable fancy color diamonds. Their unique hues result from nitrogen atoms or lattice distortion during formation. This combination of rarity, affordability, and beauty creates an exceptional investment opportunity.

Natural color diamonds are rare, scarce, and valuable as they are less common than the abundant colorless kind. Brown diamonds are —together with yellow diamonds— the most available and most affordable of all colored diamonds.   Like yellow diamonds, most brown diamonds get their color from the presence of nitrogen atoms in their carbon structure. However, some natural brown diamonds owe their color to a phenomenon known as lattice distortion.

Fantastic ring from our bespoke archives featuring an oval cut champagne diamond with brown diamonds halo set in 18Kt yellow gold.

Intense Brown diamonds and Champagne diamonds are sourced from different parts of the world, such as Brazil, Africa, and Russia. The famous Argyle mine in Australia—which used to be the source of 90% of the world’s pink diamonds —was also an important source for Champagne diamonds.

Learn more about natural brown diamonds.

Fancy Brown Diamonds And Their Many Nuances

Brown diamonds come in a wide variety of hues and intensities.

Brown diamonds go with everything; their neutral color is available in warm and cold tones and faint or deep intensities. They are easy to style and can be worn with everyday looks or special occasions. If you’re looking for that signature diamond piece in your collection, we can help bring that dream to life without a vast inventory of natural brown diamonds. 

Contact us and experience our bespoke service.

Delicious, chocolate brown diamond with mocha, toffee and honey nuances.

To distinguish the subtle changes in color, we have developed a unique naming system: you’ll see us refer to Champagne Diamonds, Bronze Diamonds, Amber Diamonds, Cinnamon Diamonds, Coffee Diamonds, Toffee Diamonds, Chocolate Diamonds, and more. These luscious names help us classify the wide variety of hues available. Using evocative names awakens a sensory reaction and helps identify a distinct color. Natural brown diamonds often show secondary colors like yellow and orange. Cognac diamonds, for example, have an orangy, yellowish-brown tone that very much reminds of the spirit’s full-bodied color.

Famous Brown Diamonds

1. The Incomparable Diamond
   According to its GIA report, the Incomparable Diamond is a shield step cut, Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow, Internally Flawless diamond. It was part of a larger 890 carats rough found in what today is part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and now weighs 407.78 carat.

The Incomparable Diamond is a 407.78 carat Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow diamond.

2. The Golden Jubilee Diamond
   This massive diamond weighs 545.67 carat, and it currently holds the record of being the largest cut and faceted diamond in the world. This spectacular specimen is part of the crown jewels of Thailand and can be seen on display in the Royal Museum at Pimammek Golden Temple Throne Hall in Bangkok.
   
   

The famous Golden Jubilee Diamond can be seen on display in Bangkok.

3. The Great Chrysanthemum Diamond
   Is a famous Fancy Orange-Brown diamond discovered in 1963 at the Kimberley Mines in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The stone weighs 104.15 carat.

Explore our loose brown diamond inventory.

The Importance of Shapes

Champagne Diamonds and other brown diamonds from Langerman in various cuts.

Fancy color diamonds are cut following a different objective than colorless diamonds. Increasing the intensity of the color is often the primary goal. For example, the elongated, pointy facets of the marquise and pear shapes tend to show higher color saturation at the tips. And the large windows of step-cuts like the emerald and Asscher control the brilliance and scintillation levels to help display color better. This is why fancy diamond shapes are favored over round brilliant for brown diamonds and color diamonds in general.

Buying Guide: The 4 Cs of Brown Diamonds

Understanding the 4 Cs is critical when purchasing a brown diamond, as each element plays a unique role in its beauty and value:

Color

Hue and Intensity: Look for hues that suit your style, such as light champagne for elegance or deep cognac for boldness.

Secondary Colors: Some brown diamonds exhibit yellow or orange undertones, which can influence their warmth and overall appearance.

Clarity

Inclusions: Brown diamonds mask imperfections well due to their rich color. Opt for a diamond with inclusions that do not affect the overall brilliance.

Recommendation: Look for clarity grades of VS2 or higher for a balance of quality and affordability.

Cut

Enhancing Color: Fancy shapes like radiant, marquise, or cushion cuts intensify the diamond’s color, while step cuts like emerald or Asscher showcase clarity.

Sparkle vs. Color: Choose cuts that prioritize color enhancement for brown diamonds.

Carat

Size vs. Budget: Brown diamonds offer excellent value compared to white diamonds, allowing buyers to choose larger stones within their budget.

Impact on Appearance: Larger diamonds with well-balanced cuts enhance their overall brilliance and color.

Langerman’s Fancy Brown Bespoke Jewelry

Custom made evil eye ring featuring a marquise cut brown diamond.

Chocolate Diamond Stud Earrings With White Diamond Halo

This pair of color-matching chocolate diamonds were set in versatile 18Kt white gold for a bespoke design that included a removable white diamond halo. This feature allows the earrings to dress up or down for any event.

Cognac Diamond Eternity Ring

This custom eternity ring featured a shared prong setting in 18Kt white gold that hugged cognac brown diamonds. A perfect harmony between the cold tone of the metal and the rich warmth of the cognac diamonds.

Champagne Diamonds Cufflinks

Handcrafted in yellow gold, these custom cufflinks have a beautiful brushed texture that lets us focus all our attention on the shining champagne diamond center stone.

Chocolate Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring

This pink gold ring’s dome is entirely covered by pavé-set melee chocolate diamonds. The tiny brown diamonds create a stunning glimmering effect, reflecting light in different directions.

Guidance for Purchasing Online

Buying brown diamonds online is a convenient and often cost-effective option. Here’s how to ensure a safe and satisfying purchase:

Choose a reputable retailer

Look for trusted sellers with a history of dealing in fine jewelry. For instance, Langerman Diamonds has been in business since 1965, giving us over 60 years of experience and expertise . We're known for our dedication to craftsmanship and service excellence. We use our expertise to advise clients on buying natural color diamonds for investment, jewelry, or collection.

Inspect Detailed Images

Ensure the retailer provides high-resolution photos and 360-degree videos of the diamond, allowing you to examine color, cut, and clarity.

Understand Return Policies

Opt for retailers with clear return or exchange policies to allow flexibility if the diamond doesn’t meet your expectations. (Link to delivery/returns policy)

Tips for Choosing the Right Hue

Brown diamonds come in a variety of hues, each suited to different personalities and occasions:

• Champagne Diamonds: Ideal for understated elegance, perfect for minimalist jewelry styles.
• Cognac Diamonds: Bold and luxurious, best for statement pieces or vintage-inspired designs.
• Chocolate Diamonds: Rich and versatile, complementing both modern and classic settings.
• Honey Diamonds: Warm and radiant, perfect for engagement rings or pendants.

Consider pairing the hue with your wardrobe and jewelry preferences to choose a diamond that reflects your personality.

Conclusion

Explore Langerman’s collection of natural brown diamonds, crafted into bespoke designs that celebrate their unique beauty. Whether for an engagement ring, earrings, or a custom piece, these exquisite diamonds add warmth, sophistication, and timeless charm.

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Explore our website and find the perfect brown diamond for you.