What Does the Color of a Diamond Mean?
Part of The 4C Series
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘diamonds’? You might picture a white sparkly ring or envision gorgeous detailed earrings and necklaces made popular by royals, celebrities or seen in films. Whatever you think of when you hear that glittery word, diamonds truly do last a lifetime so it's important to understand the value of what you are purchasing. Last month we had an brief overview of the 4C's in our post How To Pick The Right Diamond, but we want to take things even further and explore each 'C' individually.
Diamonds and Color
Diamond color actually refers to the lack of color in a stone. Truly colorless white diamonds have no hue. These are fairly rare and in the higher price range whereas stones on the other end of the spectrum have a yellow tint making them less valuable. But how can everyday consumers distinguish one from the other without having a trained jeweler’s eye? By getting to know the diamond grading scale.
Diamond Color Grading Scale (D-Z)
D, E & F – colorless (more desirable)
G, H, I & J – near colorless
K-M – faint yellow tint
N-R – very light yellow tint
S-Z – light yellow (less desirable)
Where Can I Find the Diamond Color Information?
This information can be found in the diamond grading report. Remember, always ask for this if it is not offered. GIA certified grading reports always list the specific color grade of each diamond.
What To Look Out For When Evaluating Diamond Color
Another helpful hint that can be found in the grading report is a diamond’s fluorescence, which is how the diamond looks under UV light. Beware, some jewelry stores use bright lights to make their stones look whiter than they actually are and when you leave you may find the diamond actually looks a little hazy in natural or darker light. Here’s a good trick: Always ask to see the diamond in a different part of the store. This ensures that you are able to tell if the color looks a little hazy BEFORE you purchase it.
As you can see, the color of a diamond can have a wide spectrum and is an important part of choosing the right stone, but remember, there are still 3 other factors to throw in the mix. That’s why we’ll continue to discuss the remaining 3 C’s – clarity, cut and carat weight in the following posts. Make sure to like Forever Diamonds on Facebook so you can stay up to date as this series continues.
Here at Forever Diamonds in Gilbert, AZ, we want to ensure you are completely satisfied with your diamond purchase. We are willing to answer any questions and assist in your ‘diamond education’. If you are looking for a diamond, please view our GIA Reported and Registered Diamonds.