Diamond Colors

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 at 1:36 pm

When identifying a stone’s quality and value, four main features are regarded; included in this is the diamond color. The other three are clarity, cut and carat weight; they are referred to as the Four C’s. Once you comprehend these four diamond features and how they interrelate, you would be able to choose the stone that best suits your budget and tastes.

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Grading Diamond Colors

Not all stones are clear; the grounds that all other tones of diamonds are judged against are the colorless or “white” diamonds.

To score diamond color, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has devised a set of rules. Control stones (preselected gems of a particular color) are the basis of assessment for the color of graded diamonds.

How to Grade Diamond Color

* Diamonds must be loose stones for them to be graded; once it is set on metal, its color is influenced.

* Diamonds are seen with a ten times loupe, positioned table-down, pavilion-up.

* Diamond color is determined by a lettering system from D to Z, depending on the quantity of color present in every diamond, with D being granted only to totally colorless uncommon diamonds.

Diamond Color Rating Chart

Diamonds that are without color and the ones which are yellow or yellowish brown are grouped into the classes shown here. Fancy colored gemstones are not included here – they have their own color grading specifications.

D-E-F

Clear

G-H-I-J

Almost colorless

K-L-M

Slightly colored, usually yellow-colored

N-O-P-Q-R

Lightly colored, usually yellow. Hue could be seen with the naked eye.

S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

Tinted, generally yellow, and may develop to brownish. Tint is obvious to the naked eye, even when mounted.

Elements Affecting Diamond Color

Brightness

If or not the stone displays fluorescence is mentioned in the records presented by GIA and other labs; the diamond’s color alters when it is subjected to ultraviolet radiation. The alteration in diamond color seems to take place in stones with this characteristic quite frequently, especially because ultraviolet radiation is a component of daylight and is present in fluorescent lit areas.

* Under ultraviolet light, stones that generate a blue reaction generally seem whiter or more colorless.

* The appearance of diamonds that reflect yellow becomes even more yellow with some lighting factors.

Diamond Color Enhancements

Through the use of HPHT (high pressure/high temperature) processing, the color of some stones can be considerably altered. Contrary to previous diamond treatments, alterations in diamond color through HPHT seem to be irreversible.

To temporarily enhance a diamond’s color, coatings are occasionally used.

Diamond Settings

When mounted in a white setting (platinum or white gold), a loose diamond that appears lightly yellow to the naked eye normally appears more colorless. This same diamond, when mounted in yellow-gold metal, will enhance its yellowish shade.

A Synopsis About Diamond Color

Diamond color strongly impacts its cost; however, it is not the most essential characteristic to think about in the purchase of a stone. It does not necessarily mean that you can’t own a lovely gemstone if your budget prevents you from buying a D through F graded stone.

Other grades are completely suitable, even those from G through J. In considering and selecting the best stones for your needs, the help of a skilled jeweler can be important. If you have ever considered buying diamonds online to save some hard earned cash then I recommend that you go and visit our review of James Allen.com