Have you ever wondered what determines a diamond’s quality, and ultimately, the price?
This all encompassing guide will cover the topic “Diamond Color Buyer’s Guide to Charts & Scale” and will go in-depth about diamond color and how it plays an important role in overall diamond value.
Learning about diamond color is easy and fun. This knowledge will help enhance your shopping experience, making it more rewarding as you are armed with real and factual expertise that is easy to remember.
Overview:
This blog will help you with the following tips:
- How to read diamond color charts & scales
- How the 4Cs effect diamond color
- How to choose the best diamond color
- How diamond color affects its price
- Bonus: Expert Insight on personality type and Diamond color recommendations
First there will be a brief overview of the 4Cs and how they relate to diamond quality. It is important to remember the value of the diamond depends on the color, clarity, cut, and carat.
Diamond Color & Origins
Understanding diamond formation means understanding where diamond color originates. In this brief chapter, Diamond Color & Origins, we will cover:
- Diamond Composition & Formation
- Diamond Formation & Color
Diamond Composition & Formation
Diamonds are almost entirely composed of carbon, forming deep within the earth’s mantle over 3 billion years ago under high pressure and intense heat. Diamonds have a cubic crystal structure with an Octahedral crystal class system.
Diamonds have an adamantine luster with a refractive index of 2.418, producing its famous fire (dispersion of light). Diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, a way to identify minerals with a scale of 1 to 10, measuring their “scratch resistance tendencies” compared to other objects.
Diamonds have a specific gravity of 3.14, or SG has its commonly shortened to, measuring the density of materials. All these factors go into determining the diamond’s identification, chemical and optical properties.
Diamond Formation & Color
During this crystallization process, diamonds absorb impurities from the earth, resulting in slight color imperfections. These colors commonly include gray, yellow, or brown.
Diamond Quality Basics
Understanding diamond quality and the approach to determining diamond quality is all encompassing for understanding the diamond’s total value.
For this chapter on Diamond Quality Basics, the topics include:
- The 4Cs: A Scale Used to Determine Diamond Quality
- Development of the 4Cs
- A brief overview of the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat)
For more information on the 4Cs, please see our other blogs.
The 4Cs: A Scale Used to Determine Diamond Quality
There are a variety of important factors that relate the overall beauty, price, value, and appearance of the diamond, analyzed by jewelry professionals and communicated to the public using scales and charts that are universally recognized as being the standard way of evaluating a diamond’s quality.
Development of the 4Cs
The 4Cs is an evaluation scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1940s founded by Robert M. Shipley, who also founded the Gemological Institute of America. Shipley aimed to streamline the jewelry industry with formal training, teaching ethics and standards for selling and buying gemstone and jewelry. This scale was developed to help consumers understand the value and price of the diamond as it relates to quality.
What are the 4Cs?
The 4Cs include cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Here is a brief breakdown.
CUT: A diamond cut is how well the diamond’s facets interact with light. This will be discussed in the preceding chapters and how it affects diamond color.
COLOR: The absence of color in a diamond.
CLARITY: Refers to the natural growth characteristics of the diamond, meaning the internal inclusions or exterior blemishes.
Please see our other blog, “Diamond Clarity Buyer’s Guide to the GIA Chart & Scales, for more information regarding diamond clarity and the development of the 4Cs.
CARAT: The caratage or carat weight measures the weight of the diamond, not the size. Carat will be discussed in the preceding chapters and how it impacts diamond color.
Introduction to Diamond Color
This section will include:
- What is Diamond Color Grading
- Fancy Color Diamonds & Diamond Color Grading
What is Diamond Color Grading
Diamond color grading is used to grade colorless or “white” diamonds, or the absence of color in a diamond. In other words, diamond color actually means lack of color.
A diamond that is chemically “pure” has no hue or undertone of unwanted color is considered more valuable than a diamond possessing faint color. The GIA’s diamond color grading system provides a way to measure the colorlessness of diamond.
Fancy Color Diamonds & Diamond Color Grading
It is important to note that Fancy color diamonds are graded differently and are not a part of this diamond grading system. Fancy color diamonds include green, blue, yellow, pink, black, and brown. According to the GIA website, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) provides no guidelines for using the term “fancy color.” These diamonds exceed the color Z master stone, or are another color (pink, green, blue, etc.). These fancy color diamonds are graded depending on hue, tone, and saturation, notating the vibrancy and richness of the color.
Going in Depth: The GIA Color Grading Scale Categories & Chart
The following section will include:
- What is the GIA Diamond Grading Scale?
- Uses for Diamond Color Grading
- Other International Methods
- Color Grading Scale Chart – Simplified
What is the GIA Diamond Grading Scale?
Prior to the GIA’s International Color Grading Scale, there was no set way to analyze the diamond’s color.
The GIA color grading system assigns a letter grade notating the diamond’s color. This scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable light yellow or brown, but not enough color to be considered as a fancy color).
Uses for Diamond Color Grading
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are graded using this system. Lab-grown diamonds are high-quality man-made diamonds re-created in a lab, mimicking the formation process under controlled conditions. Lab-created diamonds may also be graded using the entire 4Cs grading scale, like natural diamonds.
Fun fact: Did you know lab-created moissanite is evaluated using the 4Cs?
Other International Methods
It is important to note that there are also other diamond grading scales used besides GIA, but they are not universally recognized. These diamond grading scales may be exclusive to the country they are evaluated in–getting your diamond jewelry revalued with the 4Cs may help clarify any questions or concerns you may have regarding diamond color.
Color Grading Scale Chart – Simplified
There are subtle differences between the color grades grouped together. Here is a following breakdown depicts the differences:
D: Colorless or icy white. D is the highest color grade; it is very rare and the most expensive.
E: Colorless. Only very minute traces of color.
F: Colorless. Very slight color, still considered “colorless.”
G: Near-colorless. Very slightly noticeable compared to diamonds with higher grades.
H: Near-colorless. Color faintly noticeable compared to diamonds D-G.
I: Near-colorless. Slight color
J: Near-colorless. Slight color that may be detected without the use of gemological tools.
K-L-M: Noticeable color
N-Z: Very noticeable color; may even be mistaken for a fancy color diamond depending on saturation.
Understanding the Diamond Color Grading Scale
This section will include:
- Comparison of Diamond Color
- Which is Best?
Breakdown of Benefits & Attributes:
Here is a summary of the diamond color grading scale. Remembering these key points will help you decide which color diamond you prefer as it relates to price and quality:
D: The highest grade for diamond color compared to stones with a lower color grade which is all of them on the color grading scale. D is very rare and very expensive. Although D color diamonds are not common, they are available for sale with higher price tags set for those who seek to invest; choosing a D color diamond means spending more for a truly colorless diamond.
E: Like D, E is also rare and very expensive and is in the middle of the colorless class of diamonds. If you love the icy-white of a diamond, E is the perfect choice. E color diamonds also command higher price points.
F: F is also considered colorless, just like D-E and is the last grade for the colorless class of diamonds. A professional diamond grader will be able to establish the difference between D-E-F using a set of master stones and other techniques.
G: G is the top grade for near colorless diamonds; any color a G diamond has will not be noticeable to the untrained eye. Since G diamonds are considered the “best” of the near colorless class on the color grading scale, this makes shopping for an engagement ring with a G color diamond a worthy investment that may be within your preferred price point.
H: H diamonds is the middle range for the near colorless diamond class and is the perfect choice for those who love a near colorless diamond that is more affordable. H may exhibit very slight color when viewed at certain angles, but is not readily noticeable.
I: I diamonds are often paired with J or H color (or both) diamonds; I color diamonds are common, available in jewelry stores and widely sold in jewelry stores.
J: J color diamonds are a popular commodity in the jewelry industry, perfect for those who love a larger size stone without a high price tag that higher color grades have. J color diamonds are frequently paired with I color diamonds and K color diamonds.
K: K color diamonds show faint color, such as top brown or top yellow. Go for the big, bold cartage and design you have always loved with a K diamond. K color diamonds complement yellow gold very well, allowing their faint color to accent the rich, warm tone of the metal. Diamonds may be graded J-K, or J-K-L, with diamonds of a similar quality.
L-Z: These diamonds exhibit a noticeable brown or yellow color that is not strong enough to be considered a fancy color. This color is obvious to the naked eye and is considerably more affordable than diamonds with a higher color grade with all other factors being equal.
Summary of the Color Grading Scale
According to the GIA website: “Color grade impacts the price of a stone, but differences of one to three color grades are not easily detectable to the untrained eye. Professional diamond graders evaluate diamonds face-down in special environments to see subtle color differences.”
Matching Diamond Color Grades to Your Personality
With 15+ years of experience as a diamond guide and jeweler, I have had the privilege of guiding thousands of clients find their perfect diamond. During these years I’ve noticed a correlation between personality types and diamond color preferences:
In the chart below i have summarized my findings which may help your search for the perfect diamond color simpler.
| Personality Type | Diamond Color Grade | Key Characteristics | Detailed Personality & Color Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfectionist | D | Completely colorless, the ultimate ideal | Meticulous, detail-oriented, uncompromising, seeks the very best in all aspects of life. Choosing a D color diamond ensures you will never see any tint in any lighting condition, satisfying your need for absolute perfection. |
| High Achievers | E-F | Near-colorless, exceptional brilliance | Confident, ambitious, appreciates quality and value, discerning eye for detail, enjoys the finer things in life. Choosing an E or F color diamond will meet your expectations of super high performance & brilliance at a good value. |
| Balancers | G-H | Beautiful with a touch of warmth, excellent value | Practical, level-headed, appreciates beauty and quality, seeks a harmonious balance between aesthetics and affordability. Choosing a G or H Color diamond will be your best choice. Balanced blend of quality and value. |
| Value Seekers | I | Prioritizes size and affordability | Sensible, budget-conscious, prioritizes practicality and value, understands that beauty comes in many forms. I color diamond offers great value. This choice is the best option to maximize your budget while still maintaining a beautiful look. |
Understanding these personality types has helped me guide countless individuals to the diamond that perfectly matches their expectations and personal style. Hopefully this chart will empower you to choose a diamond that not only complements your style but also resonates with your unique personality and values.
Remember, the perfect diamond is a reflection of your inner brilliance.
Diamond Color Grading Master Stones
Master stones are a professional tool giving the diamond grader more confidence in their work using precise and easy-to-use reference points. Diamonds are often (but not all the time) graded against a set of master stones. This section will include:
- What are Master Stones
- How to Use Master Stones
What are Diamond Master Stones?
The diamond grading master stones are a set of seventeen individual reference stones used to evaluate the diamond in comparison for accurate diamond color-grading. These stones feature an ombre shading of colorless to light yellow across the D-Z color grading scale.
How to Use Master Stones
Performing a side-to-side comparison of the stones results in a more accurate way of evaluating diamond color. This means using the master stones helps the diamond grader become more accurate using the correct designated color grades as depicted by the GIA master stones.
The use of color grading with master stones reinforces the diamond grading, making it considerably more consistent and accurate across different laboratories, gemologists, and appraisers.
How Fluorescence Affects Color
Does fluorescence affect the color of a diamond?
The following section will include:
- What is Fluorescence?
- Fluorescence Influence
- Does Fluorescence Affect Color?
What is Fluorescence?
Fluorescence is a natural phenomenon found in some (but not all) diamonds when they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. While most diamonds fluoresce blue, some can fluoresce in rare colors such as magenta, green, and red.
Fluorescence Influence & Color
Very strong fluorescence in these rare colors of red, magenta, and green may make a diamond appear darker. This may diminish its perceived beauty and value. It is possible for very strong fluorescence in any color to affect a diamond’s color grade, particularly if it causes the diamond to appear hazy or milky. Lower degrees of fluorescence in green, magenta, and red will have no effect on a diamond’s color grade.
Yellow fluorescence is the second most common color after blue. It would have the opposite effect of blue diamond during color grading, appearing as a lower color grade than without the use of UV in normal lighting conditions. In other words, diamonds with a strong yellow fluorescence may be evaluated with a lower color grade due to its yellow tinge.
Diamond Cut: How it Reflects the Diamond’s Color & Beauty
This chapter will cover the importance of diamond cut and how it relates to diamond color. The topics include:
- What is Diamond Cut
- How a Diamond Disperses Light
- How Does Cut Relate to Diamond Color?
What is Diamond Cut?
According to the GIA website, the cut of the diamond is the most crucial of the 4Cs. This relates to the quality of the workmanship of the diamond, NOT the shape. The shape of a diamond may include marquise, round brilliant cut, princess cut, pear-shaped, Asscher, baguette, emerald cut, heart-shape and more.
Color is listed after cut, as being the second most important factor for determining diamond value. The cut may be graded from poor to excellent. Excellent may be stated as “Ideal Cut.” The cut of the diamond greatly enhances or detracts from the overall fire, brilliance, sparkle, and appearance of the diamond.
How a Diamond Disperses Light
The scintillation, or the incredible sparkle of the diamond is amplified by the cut. The more symmetry the cut has, the more fire (light dispersion) the diamond has.
How Does Cut Relate to Diamond Color?
Itis important to remember the diamond’s cut has a role to play when it comes to diamond color. A diamond with better proportions and symmetry allows the diamond to sparkle, revealing its true beauty without emphasizing slight color.
If the diamond’s cut is poor, the diamond will appear dull and “lifeless.” The cut should bring out the stone’s best qualities fashioned into an appropriate shape, retain carat, showcasing the diamond’s unique characteristics in the best way possible. The cut may be used to minimize unwanted color or if cut poorly, amplify unsightly color.
Diamond Shapes that May Show Diamond Color More Than Others
Diamonds are available in a large variety of shapes, making shopping for diamonds a personally rewarding experience–choosing the shape you love offers a customized way of showcasing your style.
Each shape offers its unique characteristics, symmetry, and measurements, affecting how the diamond reflects and refracts light, which may affect how the color grade appears. Here is a list of the most popular diamond shapes in which some may show faint diamond color:
Round Brilliant Cut: This is the most popular diamond shape featuring a round table (top) facet. This classic diamond shape amplifies diamond’s fire, brilliance, and sparkle. It is important to make sure the round brilliant cut diamond is cut with good symmetry. Uneven proportions and poorly cut stones may amplify lesser color grades, drawing the eye to the diamond’s apparent imperfections. The table reflects the light passing through the body, showcasing possible faint color.
Princess Cut: Princess cut diamonds possess around the same amount of facets of round brilliant cuts, but they are a square with pointed corners. Their geometric shape may help to conceal lower color grade diamonds. The stone may also reflect back lesser color grades like round brilliant as the light passes through the bottom to top and corners.
Marquise Cut: Marquise cut diamonds are brilliant cuts, just like round brilliant and princess cuts. Marquise cuts appear as boat shaped or “diamond” shaped cuts with wider sides tapering into two points on each end. These unique shapes are suitable for highly included stones or stones that may show color because of their many facets and eye-catching symmetry.
Pear Shape: The pear shape may make the stone display more color in certain areas than others because it is asymmetrical. The pear has a half moon shape on one side tapering into a point on the other reminiscent of a raindrop. The light may not disperse evenly across the stone, causing a faint ombre effect depending on the color grade and saturation of color.
Emerald Cut: This step cut features long, rectangular facets that create a mirrored effect, popularized during the Art Deco era. Emerald cuts are the least forgiving of the shapes. Emerald cuts have very few facets, making hiding imperfections difficult. Any inclusions or lesser color grades will be more noticeable with emerald cuts. Choosing colorless to near colorless diamonds is highly recommended for emerald cuts.
Baguette Cut: Baguette cuts are also step cuts just like emerald cuts. Baguette cuts readily show inclusions and noticeable color tints. Baguettes are commonly used as side stones with neighboring baguette stones in channel settings and prong settings, available in symmetrical and tapered shapes. It is imperative that cluster and channel settings have color-matched diamonds; baguettes will amplify their incorrectly matched diamonds when they are set side by side.
Asscher Cut: The Asscher cut is a fancy modified cut creating show-stopping sparkle and brilliance in a unique shape. Asscher cut may not always hide color and clarity imperfections due to its facet pattern. Seeing an Asscher cut diamond and comparing it with a round brilliant cut diamond may show any apparent differences between a classic and fancy cut diamond.
Summary:
The choice of diamond shape depends on personal style preference. Each diamond shape offers advantages and disadvantages with their shape and amount of facets.
Diamond Carat: How it Relates to Diamond Color
Diamond carat weight influences how the diamond color appears as the light reflects the facets.
This section will include:
- Diamond carat & Impact on Color
- How much does color impact diamond price?
Diamond Carat & Impact on Color
In terms of diamond carat (carat weight), the impact of diamond color on value becomes more significant as the stone increases or decreases in carat weight. With a higher carat weight diamond, the absence or presence of color will become more noticeable. The color of metal, clarity, and cut also play important roles affecting the overall appearance of the diamond and its color.
How much does color impact diamond price?
Comparing diamond cut, clarity, color, and carat using color as a reference point will affect the value. For example, a 2 carat round brilliant cut J color diamond with equal attributes will be less expensive than a G color diamond possessing the identical qualities, aside from diamond color.
Shopping for Diamond Color: Diamond Color & Metal Color
Understanding the diamond color means selecting a diamond you will love for years to come, always appreciating the purchase you originally fell in love with. But what do you love the most? Do you mind a little bit of color or a less than perfect diamond? Is it vital that the diamond is colorless?
This section will cover:
- Metal Color Options
- Yellow Gold – Warm Tone: Yellow Gold & Diamonds
- White Gold – Cool Tone: White Gold & Diamonds
- Rose Gold – Warm Tone: Rose Gold & Diamonds
- Platinum – Cool Tone: Platinum & Diamonds
- Silver – Cool Tone: Silver & Diamonds
Analyzing the diamond in various light sources will help you detect noticeable color, specifically off of the table facet.
In addition to the light source, metal type is also an important consideration. Keeping in mind the diamond cart, cut, shape, and clarity should also be included.
Metal Color Options
Metal color plays an important role in amplifying the presence or absence of diamond color. It may also detract from it depending on the diamond’s quality. The following is a breakdown of metal color and how it affects the diamond color. Choosing the right metal with diamond color will complement the diamond’s beauty and the craftsmanship that goes into the design.
The following is a breakdown of metal color and how it may affect the overall appearance of diamonds.
Yellow Gold – Warm Tone:
Yellow gold is a great choice for those who love a warm, earthy glow. The illuminating beauty of yellow gold exudes a luxurious, rich presence, perfect for those who love this classical sophisticated and timeless fine metal. Yellow gold is available in various karats, making the price variable depending on the karat. The karat refers to the amount of gold mixed with alloys and is often stamped inside a shank, on the back of a pendant or bail, on a clasp or lock of a bracelet/chain/necklace.
Yellow Gold & Diamonds: Yellow gold may enhance the already slightly yellow hue of a diamond, or make it appear yellow because of its strong sunshine glow.
Suggested metal color and diamond color pairing: Diamonds graded from I to M are great choices for those who love the inviting tone of yellow gold. This will produce and amplify the slight color of the diamonds.
If you have a higher color grade, such as D to H diamonds, yellow gold may actually make the diamonds look yellow. Choosing a cool tone of metal may be better suited for diamonds with a higher color grade.
Rhodium tipped prongs and other settings: Because yellow gold has a tendency to do this, jewelers use rhodium to cover the prongs and other settings, creating a white gold accenting that amplifies the sparkle of the diamond. The rhodium plated prongs do not often stand out, blending with the diamonds as they sparkle in the light.
White Gold – Cool Tone:
White gold is the perfect choice for those who love cool tones, amplifying the diamonds with its sheen. Plus, white gold is more affordable than platinum, making it budget-friendly.
White Gold & Diamonds: Diamonds of any color grade look great when set into white gold; white gold may detract from lower graded diamonds, such as diamonds that show noticeable color.
White gold may need to be treated with a fresh coat of rhodium over the years of wear and tear, especially rings on the bottom of the shank. White gold contains gold (which is yellow), appearing as discolored.
Diamonds with a higher grade such as D-J would look great when paired with white gold. However, if the diamond exhibits a slight color, such as K-L-M, this may make the diamonds appear more yellow.
Rose Gold – Warm Tone:
Rose gold displays a warm coppery tone because it contains a high percentage of copper alloy. Rose gold has seen resurgence of popularity over the years, due to its unique, warm, and buttery glow. This means the style you love is available in rose gold, widening the possible options for your purchase.
Rose Gold & Diamonds: Rose gold will amplify the fire and sparkle of the diamonds because of its distinctive rich and coppery shade. Diamonds of any quality may look great when paired with rose gold. D-F (colorless) will look extra bright and sparkling against the crisp color of rose gold.
Diamonds that are near colorless, such as I-J may be brightened paired with rose gold. Rose gold may make the diamond’s appear as an icy-white, detracting from possible noticeable color. If you love a color contrast, rose gold and diamonds are the perfect combination.
Platinum – Cool Tone:
Platinum is considered a cool tone metal, similar to white gold. Platinum is a pricier option when compared to gold, but worth it for those who love this premium fine metal. In other words, platinum is more valuable than gold.
Platinum & Diamonds: If you are investing more with platinum, choosing a diamond with a higher color grade may be a great choice. Although it is entirely off the buyer, investing in higher grade color diamonds with this beautiful fine metal is worth the pairing. Diamonds with D-E-F are great complementing platinum.
Silver – Cool Tone: Modern jewelry designers utilize sterling silver with diamonds, creating a punk-rock fusion of this stunning metal with the endless elegance of diamonds.
Silver & Diamonds: Silver is a softer metal than gold or platinum, showing scratches and wear and tear. However, silver is known for its incredible patina, or beautiful shine. Diamonds are enhanced with silver and its rustic dark edges, appearing as whiter even if they may have noticeable color.
Metal color is a personal choice. Some love the cool tone of silver, platinum, and white gold. Others love the rich color of rose gold and yellow gold.
Diamond Color Enhancements – Modern Technology
There are a few ways diamond treatments can enhance color and quality. Learning about diamond color enhancements will help you decide what kind of diamond you prefer.
This section will cover:
- What are Diamond Enhancements
- How diamond color enhancements affect the value
- Choosing between a color enhanced diamond or natural diamond with lower color grade
What are Diamond Color Enhancements
As defined by the Gemological Institute of America, diamond treatments are artificial methods used to improve a diamond’s color or clarity. In other words, a natural earth-mined diamond undergoes a type of laboratory treatment that either adds or removes the diamond’s imperfection in certain areas.
Are diamond color enhancements common? A small percentage of gem-quality diamonds undergo treatment to improve their appearance.
Types of Diamond Color Enhancements
Diamonds may undergo different enhancements, amplifying their natural beauty and detracting from their imperfections.
Diamond Coating
The process of diamond coating consists of a diamond covered with an ultra-thin layer of chemicals or plastics applied by a person. This coating covers the pavilion or girdle of the diamond, masking its natural color as it neutralizes any unwanted color. The diamond coating wears out over time, scratching off or becoming damaged when exposed to heat.
Irradiation
Radiation exposure allows diamonds to change their color: Irradiation is a process commonly used to enhance the color of diamonds. High-energy electrons or neutron radiation can alter the crystal structure of a diamond, changing the way the diamond absorbs and reflects light. Irradiation changes the color of diamond to a more pleasing shade, hiding imperfections and unwanted color. Heating irradiated diamonds to above 1000o C will change most blue-to-green colors to brownish or orangy yellow, greenish yellow to yellow, or pink to red.
HPHT
HPHT is a method of annealing at high temperatures and high pressures, suitable for natural and lab-grown diamonds. This common treatment opens up a world of rainbow vibrancy, perfect for those who love color and an abundance of rich shades.
HPHT treatment can reduce color in a diamond and make it colorless, enhancing it into a stunning pink, sparkling blue, lush green, or intriguing yellowish green, and yellow shades.
Annealing
Annealing is a controlled heating and cooling process frequently used after irradiation, adjusting a diamond’s color. Annealing is used to change a diamond color to orange, yellow, pink, red, purple, and brown. GIA currently grades annealed diamonds because it is a “stable treatment,” meaning the color will not change, fade, or discolor over time.
Value
Diamond color enhancements affect the value and price of the diamond. Some suggest leaving the diamond as is without any treatments will make them more valuable even with flaws. The Gemological Institute of America will not authenticate a color treated diamond as any value.
How Does Diamond Color Affect Price?
A diamond with a higher color grade, such as a D or E, is considered more valuable and rare than one with a lower grade, like K-L-M. A diamond with D will be more expensive than a diamond that is J, for example, when all other factors are equal (carat, cut, and clarity).
Diamonds graded J may appear with a faint color with the trained eye. Diamonds below J become more obvious, exhibiting a slight tinge of brown or yellow to both the trained and untrained eye.
Although the “best” color of a colorless diamond is considered a “D” that may not be the best for you. Compromising on color grade may allow you to choose a larger carat size or style you have always envisioned–without anyone recognizing you chose a lower color grade.
Spotting the Unseen: Brown, Green, and Milky Tones. Not listed on GIA Certificates.
When you’re diamond shopping, a GIA certificate is pretty much the gold standard, telling you you’re getting the real deal. But sometimes, you might notice something about your diamond that the certificate doesn’t mention. Maybe it’s a slight brown or green tint, or perhaps the diamond looks a bit milky. Why aren’t these details on that all-important piece of paper? Let’s dive into this.
Those Sneaky Brown and Green Shades
The GIA grades what most of us call white diamonds on a scale from colorless to yellow. If a diamond throws colors like brown or green, that puts it in the fancy color category, which is a whole different ball game. But if those colors are super subtle? They might not make it onto your standard GIA certificate.
It’s not that something’s wrong; it’s just that the GIA has its eyes on other prize features. Subtle color shades like light brown or pale green might not be explicitly noted on a standard GIA certificate.
For example, imagine you’re considering a diamond that has been graded as an “H” color by the GIA, placing it in the near-colorless category. At first glance, this rating suggests a diamond that will show minimal color, offering a beautiful sparkle. However, a closer inspection by a professional jeweler might reveal a subtle light brown tint not mentioned on the certificate. This shade, although slight, could potentially affect the diamond’s brilliance, visual appeal & price.
This light brown hue is an important aspect to consider because it can influence how the diamond interacts with light. While the GIA certificate provides a reliable guideline for understanding a diamond’s general characteristics, it may not capture these finer details. The presence of a brown or green shade could slightly reduce the stone’s sparkle by absorbing more light than a truly colorless diamond would.
This is typically detectable only by seasoned jewelers with a trained eye for color subtleties. They can assess how such a tint might impact the diamond’s value and appeal in different lighting conditions. Therefore, consulting with a trusted knowledgeable jeweler can provide you with a deeper understanding of the diamond’s true quality, beyond the basic information listed on the GIA certificate. This professional insight is invaluable, especially when you’re investing in a diamond that you’ll cherish for years to come.
About That Milky Look
A diamond can look hazy for a bunch of reasons—tiny inclusions, the way the crystal grew, or just its natural character of its original rough. The GIA certificate will tell you about clarity, sure, but it won’t necessarily say “this diamond looks milky.” Instead, it’ll talk about the specific flaws (if you can really call them flaws) that contribute to that milky appearance.
What Can You Do About it?
If your heart’s set on a diamond with these kind of quirks, here’s how to make sure you really know what you’re looking at:
- Ask for a Detailed Jeweler’s Inspection: Work with a trusted jeweler who can provide a more detailed and transparent look at the diamond. They can explain the impact of any unlisted features on the diamond’s overall appearance and value.
Most reputable jewelers tend to avoid stocking or selling diamonds with brown or green tints and milky appearances, prioritizing the highest quality stones for their customers. - Seek a Second Opinion: Consulting with an independent gemologist can provide a second perspective. They can offer detailed insights into the diamond’s characteristics, including those not listed on the GIA certificate.
In conclusion, while a GIA certificate provides a valuable and reliable baseline for evaluating a diamond’s quality, it might not cover every aesthetic aspect you are interested in. Being proactive in your purchase, by seeking detailed explanations and conducting thorough inspections, can ensure that the diamond you choose meets both your expectations and its value.
Diamond Mansion Promise
At Diamond Mansion, we’ve prioritized transparency from the start. That’s why we made a commitment early on not to carry any diamonds with brown or green tints or a milky appearance. This is our promise to you.
All diamonds sold at Diamond Mansion are guaranteed to have 100% luster, with no brown or green shades.
We triple check our diamonds to make sure it exhibits stunning brilliance, ensuring you will receive a high-quality item featuring masterful craftsmanship and diamonds.
Bottom Line: Three Dos and Don’ts Shopping for Diamond Color
SPENDING BUDGET & EXPECTATIONS
Analyzing any GIA report or price tag that accompanies the merchandise will assist you in choosing the diamond color you desire. The diamond cart and quality may be included on the back of the tag, allowing you to have a reference.
Do: Look for a color grade that is the best option for your price point and style expectations.
Do: Keep in mind what really matters to you–having a colorless diamond for a higher price or a lower priced diamond that is within your budget and price range? Slight color differences are not noticeable to the untrained eye.
Do: When choosing a diamond off of color, look at the diamond in different lighting sources. Can you tell the difference between a G and I color, for instance?
Don’t : Worry if your diamond is not a D color grade. Each diamond is truly uniquely beautiful. Diamonds with H-I color are a popular selection for all kinds of jewelry.
Don’t: Fixate on color. Color is a part of the 4Cs. Cut, clarity, and carat weight also play an important role in the value of a diamond.
Don’t: Compromise on carat weight for color. Instead reach a balance of carat, color, and clarity for a diamond ring you will love.
Professional Evaluation
Your diamond and diamond jewelry may be professionally evaluated using different services. These services may be utilized independently or go hand-in-hand depending on your preferences.
Graduate Gemologist (G.G.): A Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) is a graduate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), obtaining a certificate upon successful completion of these rigorous and in-depth courses. Gemologists are trained to evaluate a diamond’s color and assign it a place on the 4Cs color grading system. A gemologist identifies gemstones and diamonds (synthetic vs, natural), and possible treatments the stone has undergone. This title is designated with a diploma and acronym, GG, after the program is successfully completed. When a certification card is viewed, a signature with the words Graduate Gemologist, or GG may be used following the name.
Graduate of Diamonds: A Graduate of Diamonds is a GIA program dedicated to diamond grading using the 4Cs. It is also a part of the Gemological Institute of Americas Graduate Gemologist program. A Graduate of Diamonds is qualified to judge the diamond’s value.
Appraiser: A jewelry appraiser evaluates the value price point of the diamond based on today’s current market value. What is a jewelry appraisal? A jewelry appraisal is a tangible document that provides the detailed description of the jewelry, assessing the quality and assigning a value using a variety of different factors, including market value. Jewelry appraisals should include the diamond quality, materials, markings, and notating the craftsmanship. Jewelry appraisals are used for insurance purposes or the replacement cost of the item if it is lost or stolen.
Qualifications: According to Jewelers of America, A GG diploma is a minimum requirement for a jewelry appraiser. Must-have credentials for any professional jewelry appraiser includes obtaining a certification or title by a respected national appraisal organization, such as the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Depending on the types of appraisal performed, different requirements vary.
Independent Laboratories: Independent Gemological laboratories offer their professional services for jewelry including identification, evaluation, and appraisals for the jewelry. Double-checking their credentials will allow you to choose the best appraisal company for your item.
Modern Methods: The value of the diamonds and other jewelry may be computed using computer software, such as GemGuide. According to the website, GemGuide is the leader in appraisal software and appraisal tools using wholesale market pricing. The appraiser may measure and compute the stones value by inputting the dimensions and quality of the diamond. GemGuide then provides a current market price.
Color-Grading Evolution & Worldwide Acceptance
Developed in the early 1950s, GIA’s International Color Grading Scale has been the dominant way to color grade colorless to light yellow “gem-quality” polished diamonds on laboratory reports.
It is important to note the use of GIA color grading standards and procedures are not 100% clear-cut and equal–it depends on the evaluator doing the color grading, opinions, and expertise. For example, a diamond may be graded as “J” when another may conclude it is higher or lower depending on their standards. Some diamonds may be “upgraded” slightly, allowing them to appear higher quality than they actually are so they command a higher price point. Slight discrepancies may be accidental, intentional, obvious, or may go unnoticed because the difference is that of an opinion.
FAQ:
What is diamond color?
Diamond color refers to the absence or lack of color the stone exhibits
How is it measured?
A diamond’s color is graded by a Gemologist using the Gemological Institute of America’s Color Grading Scale.
What are the diamond color grades?
Diamonds are graded from D-Z using a set of master stones or other professional tools for reference.
What do the diamond color grades mean?
Color Grading Scale Chart – Simplified
The following is a breakdown of the chart, helping to further understand the impact of using the color grading scale and categorizing diamond color:
D-E-F: colorless
G-H: near colorless
I-J: near colorless
K-M: faint
N-R: very light
S-Z: light
