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Diamond Color

Diamond "Color" History

The term “color” in white diamonds actually refers to the lack of color present.  Diamonds composed of pure carbon are colorless and extremely rare and costly.  Most diamonds contain nitrogen, boron, or hydrogen all of which impact color.  A majority of white diamonds sold on the market today will contain traces of nitrogen, which causes slight shades of yellow or brown.  Small, subtle differences in color can make a substantial difference in a diamond's value.

Diamond Color Grading System

In a effort to eliminate confusion related to diamond color, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) implemented the color grading system in the 1950s which is still being used industry wide today.  Diamonds are graded on a scale beginning with the letter D (colorless) and ending with Z (light yellow or brown).  When creating the new color scale GIA chose to start with the letter D as a means of starting over.  Prior to GIA implementing the D-Z scale, other systems all of which were inconsistent and inaccurate, already used the letters A-C, numbers 0-3, and the Roman numerals I-III.

It is important to note that diamonds at the end of the color range with a noticeable yellow tinge are not considered fancy yellow color diamonds.

Diamond Color Grade Chart

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At Since1910, we believe in providing our customers with only the highest quality diamonds available on the market today therefore, we only carry diamonds up to J color range.  A J rating is the lowest end of the white scale and in our opinion is the minimum color that should be considered for a fine piece of jewelry.

Recommendations for chosing a Diamond Color

Many factors should be considered when deciding on color.  You should always look for a diamond that is as white as possible within your budget.

  • When a diamond is well cut the diamond's refraction and dispersion will often disguise certain degrees of color and may make a darker diamond appear whiter when viewed with the unaided eye (without magnification).  When instructing students taking their Graduate Gemologist course, the GIA states that when a diamond is being graded for color and is mounted, the degree of error can be up to 3 color grades.  This demonstrates the fine line between color grades.  When the GIA issues a diamond certificate it is for a diamond that has been graded un-mounted and viewed face down in a laboratory environment where natural daylight was simulated.  When mounted and viewed face up in various lighting environments differences become much more difficult to distinguish.

  • The size of the diamond will also affect the appearance of its color.  Color can easily be seen in larger diamonds as opposed to smaller diamonds.  Often times it is difficult to see color in diamonds under a 1/2 carat with the unaided eye.  Gemologists use magnification to determine the difference in color of two otherwise similar diamonds that may be two or three color grades apart.  In larger size diamonds it does become easier; however while there may be a very fine disparity between one color grade to the next, the cost can be significant.  If a larger diamond is a priority, you should consider sacrificing slightly on color.

  • The shape of the diamond will affect its color as well particularly step cut diamonds such as the Asscher and Emerald that have large open facets and do not display the brilliance of other cuts.  The center of these diamonds display a “window effect” where some of the color in the diamond can appear washed out and make it appear whiter then its actual color grade.  The shallower the cut of the diamond the more apparent this will be.

Fluoresence

One additional factor in grading the color of a diamond is fluorescence. Fluorescence is the emission of visible light by a diamond when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.  Approximately 10% of all diamonds on the market today exhibit fluorescence.  Years ago, these diamonds were referred to as blue white diamonds.  Today, fluorescence on a diamond certificate is divided into five different categories: none, faint, medium, strong, and very strong.  Most diamonds that do fluoresce do so in a blue color; however yellow and other colors are possible.

Fluorescence can be both a negative and a positive.  In the strong and very strong range a diamond may appear oily or cloudy which will greatly reduce the attractiveness and value of the diamond.  However, diamonds of I color and lower can actually look whiter with some fluorescence which; enhances their value.  Better quality diamonds with fluorescence generally sell at a discount to similar ones without.  The reason for this is not that it is less beautiful, but that the general public is under the opinion that fluorescence is a negative.  It is easier for a jeweler to sell a diamond without fluorescence.


 Learn about Diamond Cut
 Learn about Diamond Clarity
 Learn about Diamond Carat Weight
 What is our Conflict Diamond Policy?

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