Color

When selecting a diamond, it's not color that makes the stone, it's the lack of color. In fact, the value of the diamond increases in correspondence with the decrease in color. That’s because a diamond's brilliance is measured by how the stone reflects light. The clearer the diamond, the more the colors of the rainbow are reflected to the eye. As a rule, most natural diamonds have tints of yellow or brown although they appear to be icy white. Perfectly colorless diamonds are very rare and highly valuable.

There are exceptions to the rule, though. Some colored diamonds, referred to as "fancy color diamonds", lie outside the yellow and brown color range. These fancy color diamonds may be pink or blue and are in high demand. A colorless diamond will be significantly more expensive than a faint yellow or even near colorless diamond.

How is Diamond Color Graded?

The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, is the authority on the industry standard color measuring system. Their rating scale starts with the letter "D" which signifies absolutely colorless diamonds and is applied to extremely rare stones. The scale concludes with "Z", which is representative of stones with very noticeable color.
The GIA grading system divides its scale into five basic categories: D-F represents colorless diamonds: G-J, near colorless; K-M, faint yellow; N-R, very light yellow; and finally, S-Z, signifying light yellow. The difference between one letter and the next is extremely subtle. It takes an expert jeweler or gemologist with a high-powered microscope to differentiate between levels within its respective range as most differences cannot be detected with the eye alone. As a general rule, diamonds rated "J" or higher are colorless to the naked eye.

What is Diamond Fluorescence?

Some diamonds appear to change color when exposed to certain types of light, especially direct sunlight or under florescent light bulbs. This quality, called fluorescence, is a fascinating phenomenon. Scientists, in very technical terms, describe fluorescence as an emission of electromagnetic radiation light by a substance that has absorbed radiation of a different wavelength. For diamond lovers, the interesting part is that if the "absorbed radiation" is ultraviolet as well as invisible, the "emission" it creates is a colored light we can see. In fact, about 30% of diamonds have a blue fluorescence, even when the diamond appears to be colorless or yellow under natural light. The fluoresced color may also appear white, yellow, orange or even milky or oily. Diamond color grading reports indicate whether the stone fluoresces and also classify the strength of the characteristics as faintly, weakly, moderately, strongly or very strongly.

How Does Fluorescence Affect Diamond Value?

As with diamond color in general, yellow tinting negatively affects the value of a diamond. So, if a white diamond has a yellow fluorescence, its value falls; conversely, if a yellowish diamond fluoresces white or blue, its value goes up. The important thing to note here is that before purchasing a diamond, the buyer needs to view the stone under multiple lighting conditions. Viewing the stone inside a store with fluorescent lighting may magnify the fluorescent quality of the stone. Blue fluorescence can be considered an asset as it may mask yellow tints and increase a stone's value.

Choosing a Diamond

Selecting a diamond is highly personal. Individual taste, culture, and financial considerations are very important. To the purist with unlimited funding, colorless diamonds of grades D to F are the preferred option. For those who need a better value but still want a diamond ring that appears colorless, stones with Grade levels G-J are perfectly fine. In fact, with a budget in mind, trading down the color level can allow the buyer to purchase a bigger stone or one with a better cut.
Our exceptional collection includes only the most desirable colorless or near colorless diamonds, ensuring a bright, lasting beauty in every diamond purchase. We can order Fancy Color Diamonds if that is something that you want to include in your diamond engagement ring or other diamond jewelry. Just let us know, and we will do anything to help you.