Abstract: A method of controlled production of luminescent diamond particles exhibiting luminescence in selected specific spectral ranges is provided. The method comprises taking diamond particles containing dopant atoms in the diamond core, irradiating the particles with high energy radiation, and annealing the irradiated diamond particles at a target temperature in the temperature range of about 1400° C.-2200° C. to form luminescent diamond particles where the specific spectral range of luminescence is controlled by the target temperature of the annealing process, the irradiation dose, and the type of dopant atoms. Duration of the annealing and the temperature ramp up and ramp down times should be short enough to minimize or prevent significant graphitization of the particles. Duration of the temperature ramp up time should be short enough to minimize formation of color centers that might form at temperatures below the target temperature.