Diamond Color

When jewelers speak of a diamond’s color, they are usually referring to the presence or absence of color in white diamonds. Color is a result of the composition of the diamond, and it never changes over time.

Because a colorless diamond, like a clear window, allows more light to pass through it than a colored diamond, colorless diamonds emit more sparkle and fire. The formation process of a diamond ensures that only a few, rare diamonds are truly colorless. Thus the whiter a diamond’s color, the greater its value and cost.

To grade ‘whiteness’ or colorlessness, most jewelers refer to GIA’s professional color scale that begins with the highest rating of D for colorless, and travels down the alphabet to grade stones with traces of very faint or light yellowish or brownish color. The color scale continues all the way to Z.
Diamond Color PhotosPhotos Courtesy of JamesAllen.com

Which Color Grade Should I Choose?

Diamonds graded D through F are naturally the most valuable and desirable because of their rarity. Such diamonds are a treat for the eyes of anyone. But you can still obtain very attractive diamonds that are graded slightly less than colorless. Additionally, diamonds graded G through I show virtually no color that is visible to the untrained eye.

And while a hint of yellow will be apparent in diamonds graded J through M, this color can often be minimized by carefully selecting the right jewelry in which to mount your diamond. Keep in mind that, while most people strive to buy the most colorless diamond they can afford, there are many people who actually prefer the warmer glow of lower-color diamonds.

What is Diamond Flourescence?

Fluorescence is an effect that is seen in some gem-quality diamonds when they are exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light (such as the lighting frequently seen in dance clubs). Under most lighting conditions, this fluorescence is not detectable to the eye. While most gemologists prefer diamonds without this effect, some people enjoy it. It’s really just a matter of aesthetics.

Read more about Diamond Fluorescence.

Read more about the Four Cs of Diamonds


Diamond Education
4Cs of Diamond Grading | Diamond Cut | Diamond Clarity | Diamond Color | Carat Weight | Diamond Certificates | Diamond Size Chart | Diamond Fluorescence | Diamond Ring Settings | Diamond Glossary

Diamond Shapes
General Shapes Information | Asscher Cut Diamonds | Cushion Cut Diamonds | Emerald Cut Diamonds | Heart Shaped Diamonds | Marquise Cut Diamonds | Oval Diamonds | Pear Shaped Diamonds | Princess Cut Diamonds | Radiant Cut Diamonds | Round Brilliant Diamonds

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