Color
Simply Put:
The color grade of a diamond actually refers to a its lack of color; or put anotherway, diamond color is all about what you can’t see.
How is color graded?
Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colorlessness – the less color, the higher their value. The exception to this is fancy-color diamonds, such as pinks and blues, which lie outside this color range.
How does the scale work?
GIA’s color-grading scale for diamonds is the industry standard. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues with increasing presence of color to the letter Z, or near-colorless. Each letter grade has a clearly defined range of color appearance. Diamonds are color-graded by comparing them to stones of known color under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions. Many of these color distinctions are so subtle as to be invisible to the untrained eye. But these slight differences make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.
We at Josh Levkoff Jewelry do not recommend Diamonds below the “J” Color Range for Engagement Rings unless you want to go the Fancy Color route.
Truth About Diamonds – Color:
How do I get the Best Bang for my Buck?
To get the best value for your money, choose a diamond in the G-I color range, with a clarity between VS2-SI2 (where you cannot see the blemishes with your naked eye). There is no need for a D color VVS, as this is much pricier with little added value in return.
What should I look for when buying Studs?
There is no need for certified diamonds if you are working with someone whom you trust. The ideal color would be in the H-J range, with an SI2 Clarity. When evaluating the diamonds, don’t forget they will not be worn directly next to each other, but rather there is “a nose between the 2 Diamonds.”
What is fluorescence, and how does it affect the value of a diamond?
Fluorescence is the affect a Diamond has when exposed to UV Light. Usually Fluorescence is unnoticed by the human eye in ordinary light. In diamonds with a high Color (D, E, F, G) quality Florescence can be considered undesirable as it will give the stone a “milky” look. When dealing with color grades of H, I and J Fluorescence can be desirable as it can add Whiteness to the Stone. Every stone is unique, and fluorescence is something that should be considered when buying a stone. Many times, this is hidden from the consumer. Our certified gemologists can help explain the fluorescence of each of our stones, so that you will know what you are buying, unlike many other websites in the marketplace.
Setting
If you have a diamond with a slight-yellow tint to it, set it in Platinum or White Gold, and it will bring more whiteness to the stone. You have just turned your “I” Color into a “G” Color. Congrats!
While the diamond jeweler talks about the diamond color, he is referring to absence and presence of the color in diamond. Color of a diamond is a result of diamond’s composition and it does not change with time. Colorless diamonds allow light to travel through them as compared to the colored diamonds. These diamonds also emit better fire and spark. The process, through which a diamond is formed, is the deciding factor for its color. Whiter the diamond is higher value it has.
For grading the whiteness of diamonds, jewelers refer GIA’s color scale that starts the rating with D for the colorless diamonds and comes down Z as the traces of light yellow or brown color are found in the diamonds. Nevertheless, if you have a specific budget in mind, you can also find good diamonds and good deals with lower color grades. These diamonds are not exactly colorless but show no color to untrained eye.
Consider the setting of the diamond before choosing the grade of diamond. If the setting for your diamond is platinum or white gold, go for high color grades and inversely, use yellow gold for slightly lower color grade diamonds are ideal . While you will find faint yellow hint in the diamonds that are graded from J to M, the color can be camouflaged by choosing the right setting for the stone.
Fluorescence is found in the diamonds while they are exposed to ultraviolet light with long wave. Under most of the lighting conditions, this effect cannot be seen by eyes. Some people prefer diamonds without this effect while others look for it. It is all about the aesthetics.
