Color
What Is Diamond Color?
One of the 4Cs, diamond color is a measurable grade given to an individual diamond to quantify how colorless it is along a standardized diamond color chart. The higher-rated diamonds will be as close to colorless as possible, while lower-rated diamonds will often have an increasingly noticeable coloration tint as the ratings move along the color diamond scale chart. A colorless diamond is a clear gemstone while diamonds further down the diamond rating chart can have a warm hue to them.
It is very rare to find a diamond that doesn't give any color at all, many gem-size diamonds will have slight hues or coloration due to natural processes during the gemstone’s formation. In fact, diamonds are found in almost any naturally occurring color, including gray, white, yellow, green, brown and pink. As more diamond deposits have been discovered, certain colorful stones have gained popularity. These fancy colored diamonds, such as canary diamonds, are prized for their unique colors.
Additional Info About Diamond Color
- Part of diamond valuation is determined by the absence of color, with more colorless diamonds receiving higher grades along the diamond color and clarity scale.
- Only certified grading professionals should determine a diamond’s color grade.
- The tone of a ring’s setting can affect the appearance of diamond color.
Diamond Color Is An Important Characteristic That Affects A Diamond’s Beauty
Like all of the 4Cs, diamond color is an important consideration when buying a diamond. While color affects price, there are a number of factors that can help you decide which color grade is right for you.
The GIA White Diamonds Color-Grade Scale Is The Industry Standard
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale is the industry standard for diamond grading. The GIA diamond color grades range from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Many people ask why the GIA diamond grading scale starts at D. Arcane systems used grades of A-C, 1-3, and I-III, etc. The GIA set out to standardize these diverse systems and started their diamond color scale fresh with a grade of D. This is the most used, standardized measurement for diamond color.
Diamond Grades At Blue Nile Range From D (Colorless) To K (Faintly Colored)
Colorless diamonds: The rarest and highest quality with a pure icy look.
Near-colorless diamonds: No discernible color; great value for the quality.
Faint color diamonds: Budget-friendly pick; pairs beautifully with yellow gold.