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The diamond color scale was devised by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
in the mid 1950's to regulate and define the color spectrum of diamonds. A diamond’s
color grade is based on its lack of color. The less, pale yellow color, found in
a diamond the higher the color grade it receives. Since cut is the most important
factor when choosing a diamond, color is the second most important characteristic.
The GIA proposed starting the color grade at D, the best and most colorless diamond
available. The color scale progresses through the alphabet starting D and ending
at Z which is the most colorful, or most yellow, diamond. The graphic below illustrates
the GIA color scale.
“D”
- Completely colorless: These diamonds are very rare and, very limited in supply
, as a result they generally demand premium prices. Less than 1% of all diamonds
are colorless, and the market requires the premium because of their scarcity.
“E-F”
- Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but is still considered
among the "colorless" grades. These are high-quality diamonds with no noticeable
color to the naked eye.
“G-H-I”
- Near-colorless. G, H and I are more sought after in this particular near-colorless
group and also termed 'white diamonds. Color is noticeable when compared to diamonds
of better grades, but these grades offer an excellent value.
“J”
- J Color diamond is the least expensive diamond found in the near colorless grade and are slightly warmer than the diamonds falling in D-1.
“K-Z”
- Noticeable color. These diamonds show visible signs of yellow color. These colors
are viewed as being of very poor quality and there is less of a demand for them
by the industry and consumers. Colors K to Z are fantastic in dress rings, brooches
and alternative jewelry but the single solitaire engagement ring
demands a better,
whiter colored diamond. It is the generally agreed conception that they are not
as beautiful as colorless diamonds until they reach a point where the color becomes
so evident they become beautiful ‘fancy colors’ which have very high in values (Z+
or Fancy).
Diamond Fluorescents
When we speak of Diamond Fluorescence, we are referring to the diamonds tendency
to emit a soft colored glow when subjected to ultraviolet light. In 1997 study by
the GIA suggests fluorescence makes very little difference to the appearance of
the diamond. It is common to find that diamonds with colorless grades (D-E-F) or
near colorless grades (G-H-I) are a better value for customers as they are lower
in price when they exhibit fluorescence.
Tips For Choosing The Best Color For Your Diamond
- For a diamond with absolutely no color, search for a colorless grade of D-F
- For a diamond with no little or no noticeable color that also has great value
search for a near colorless grade of G-I
Still can't decide which color is right for you? No worries we are here to help!
Just give our Diamond Experts a call at
(888) 888-3959 or send us an email at service@thediamondsfactory.com.
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