Diamonds are one of the most desired precious stones in the world. People have shown interest in diamonds since ancient times. Today, these stones are even more popular. Diamonds have specific characteristics which mean that each diamond is unique. One of the most important characteristics of a diamond is its color.
Diamond color is one of the four most important things that a person should take into account when buying a diamond. The others include diamond cut, diamond carat weight, and diamond clarity.
Whenever we have an opportunity to see a diamond, the color (or lack of color) is the first thing we will notice. Keep in mind that diamond color does not affect only the appearance of the diamond, it also affects the price of this gemstone.
Diamond color is defined as the naturally occurring body color of diamonds. The most valuable diamonds are the so-called white diamonds which are practically colorless. The vast majority of diamonds come with brown or yellow tints. However, diamonds are available in almost any natural color.
Assessing diamond color
When it comes to white diamonds, the differences in their colors can be almost invisible to ordinary people.
This is especially true when the diamonds are mounted on rings, earrings, necklaces and other items. Additionally, it’s good to point out that it is not possible to precisely grade color when the diamond is mounted.
On the other hand, with a small training, even ordinary people can start noticing the different colors and nuances in un-mounted diamonds.
Due to their exceptional brilliance, the color rating can’t be precisely detected simply by looking at the gemstone in face up or top position. The perfect solution is to determine color by looking through the pavilion of the stone. So, place the diamond on a completely flat surface in white color (a simple white business card can do the job).
After that, observe the diamond with its pavilion side placed down. Remember that the culet should be placed in your direction.
Diamond body color explained
The diamond body color is described as the level of brown or yellow tint present in a colorless diamond. Don’t forget that there are natural colored diamonds, but they are very rare and extremely expensive. See our article about the rarest diamond colors if you want to learn more on that topic.
Nowadays, the majority of colorless (white) diamonds are rated in alphabetical order.
This list starts with the letter D.
D-graded diamonds include the finest, premium, rare and completely colorless diamonds.
The list ends with the letter Z.
Starting from E, you will find diamonds that have higher levels of brownish or yellowish tint. So, it is not complicated to figure out how the color grade work – D and letters close to D represent the most colorless diamonds.
For instance, color grade E and F are extraordinarily fine and they are often called colorless diamonds too even though they are not completely colorless and contain very small traces of tint.
This list and grading concept was developed by GIA – Gemological Institute of America.
Although this is not an official grading system, it’s used by most diamond traders across the globe.
What is the best color rating?
As we already said, D, E and F diamond colors are often categorized together and described as colorless, rare white and exceptional white diamonds.
In most cases, G and H colors are described as rare white and fine white. These two colors are well-respected.
On the other hand, I and J are tinted white to some extent.
Image Source: gia.edu
Furthermore, K, as well as L, displays a tint of brown or yellow, but this tint can be covered with the help of the setting which is why they are used as mounted diamonds.
Diamond colors from M to Z grades display more tint of brown or yellow color.
In most cases, it is much easier to get better resale value for D to J diamonds compared to K to Z diamonds.
Of course, all of these diamonds look beautiful and there is always interest in buying diamonds regardless of their color grade.
In addition, although the color is very important, there are three other factors that can determine the desirability and beauty of diamonds.
Fluorescence in diamonds
In case you are looking at a diamond that has a diamond grading certificate, you will have a chance to check whether the diamond has some level of fluorescence or not.
Some of these previous stones posses fluorescence which lets them look different in terms of colors when the light is changed.
For example, diamonds that fluoresce can light much whiter than it actually is in a specific light.
In case a diamond fluoresces, this gemstone will create whitish, yellowish or bluish shine when exposed to sunlight or fluorescent light of daylight kind.
In order to determine whether the real body color is reported, experts in this field use special fluorescence tests that involve UV lamps.
Remember that the fluorescence (or absence of it) doesn’t affect the value. There are some exceptions for gemstone wit powerful yellowish fluorescence which are usually sold at a lower price.
A few other things you should know about diamond color
Those who want to get the most from their diamonds and make the color appear as best as possible should keep their diamonds clean. An unclean, dusty, dirty gemstone will never appear white/colorless or sparkle. In most cases, the dirt and dust will make the diamond look yellowish.
Take these things into account when you are looking to buy old jewelry. It is possible to buy relatively inexpensive diamond jewelry which actually costs more simply because the owner didn’t clean the diamonds in a proper way.
Another thing that you should take into account as a buyer is that the color of the metal used in your desired piece of jewelry has an impact on the diamond color. According to experts, a white diamond looks best when it is part of jewelry made from white metals like palladium, platinum, and white gold.
We hope that this short guide has cleared all your questions and dilemmas about diamond color.