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Information on Diamond Color and Grading

By September 30, 2020December 9th, 2022No Comments

The word ‘Diamond’ instantly evokes the image of a sparkling stone. However, all diamonds are not the same as they do not possess the same set of physical properties. There are variations in terms of colors, carat, clarities and cuts making each diamond obscurely different from the other. Diamond color, makes a significant impact on the appearance of the stone and hence it is an important factor to consider when selecting a diamond. However, it is not easy to differentiate the color of a diamond with the naked eye. One is required to rely on the standard grading systems for color, developed by the American Gem Society and the GIA.

It is true that diamonds come in a wide spectrum of colors; white, yellow, blue, pink, orange, green, purple, brown, red, black, etc. However, the top purity diamonds are fully colorless and are bright white in appearance. Diamonds of other color fall in the category of ‘fancy color’ diamonds. When we speak about the 4 C’s or of the ‘diamond color’ we generally refer to grading the whiteness of the diamond. A white diamond may be born with a tint of yellow, which consequently lowers the price of the diamond. Hence, the diamond color here refers to the lack of color in the white diamond where perfectly colorless diamonds are crowned as the diamond of the highest quality and of the highest value.

The structurally perfect and chemically pure diamonds are perfectly colorless, transparent and bright white. They are truly a spectacular sight to behold, an extraordinary piece which can be best exemplified by a drop of pure water. This is because only a colorless diamond can bounce back light in an array of hues known as the “fire” or “dispersion”. A slight trace of color will hinder its ability to bounce back light, thus, affecting the sparkle and value of the stone.

So it goes without saying that less color a diamond has, more will be its ability to reflect light and hence, higher will be its color grade. This will in turn increase its value too. In other words, the closer a stone comes to being colorless, the more valuable it will become.

Diamond Color Grading:

When we speak of diamond color grading we mean the degree by which the diamond’s body color drift from the whitest possible color. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond grading system is the most widely accepted and widely followed grading systems. The scale starts with D and ends with Z where D categorizes the ‘colorless diamonds’ and Z categorizes the ‘light yellow diamonds’. In order to bring out the accurate measure of the degree of colorlessness in the diamond, the stone is compared with a known set of master stones and under a controlled environment.  The experts at Diamond Exchange Dallas will show you different colored loose diamonds under strategic lighting to educate you as thoroughly as possible on color grading.

GIA DIAMOND GRADING SCALE:

Some Interesting Facts:

1.  Once a diamond is set in a ring or any other jewelry setting, the colored surroundings make it difficult to identify the true color of the diamond. An H-colored diamond may appear colorless and look similar to a D-grade diamond. A slightly yellow stone when set in a yellow-gold setting may appear white. A colorless diamond, set in a yellow gold setting will make the yellow color reflect in the stone. Hence, it is necessary to have the right kind of setting to make the diamond reflect its true color.

2.  The color of the diamond appears more prominent in large diamonds. Hence, if you are opting for a diamond over 1 carat, you should go for the G-H-graded diamonds. An I-J-graded diamonds are ideal for those who wish to go for a diamond under 1 carat.

3.  The colored diamonds which are termed as ‘fancy colored diamonds’ have a different grading system.

4.  Amongst all the diamonds found, only less than 1% are colorless.

Contact Diamond Exchange Dallas for more information

At Diamond Exchange Dallas we have been physically cutting diamonds for over 20 years! Nobody knows a diamond better than Roderick at Diamond Exchange as he is a master diamond cutter by trade. When you visit our location we will show you different loose diamonds and educate you on the color grading process. We carry all shapes of diamonds including round diamonds, princess cuts, cushion cuts, oval, and more. When you deal with us, you are dealing directly with the source! We do not make our customers pay enormous markups and we help you get the very best diamond for your budget. Contact Diamond Exchange Dallas today!

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