How to analyze a diamonds color

Diamond evaluation can be done on the basis of four C’s – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat as they are considered the most important attributes. However, diamond color is one of the main aspects that you need to look at while purchasing a diamond. The basic knowledge of the diamond in terms of 4c’s makes your investment worthwhile.

Diamond Color Variations:

A colorless diamond is more valuable than a colored diamond because it impacts its prices. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has set a standardized method to grade a diamond color. The diamond color has been analyzed on the basis of its colored stones that could be specified through the grading procedure.

Diamond Color Grading Procedure

a) Color grading is done on loose diamond because once the diamond is placed on metal then it is difficult to detect the amount of color the stone has.

b) 10X magnification loupe is used to locate the amount of color in white diamonds

c) GIA grading scale categorizes the diamond color in alphabetical order from D to Z

Diamond Color Grading Scale Ratings:

A colorless diamond is judged through the grading scale – that shows the presence of colors the stone has. They are as follows:

* D-E-F: Colorless.
* G-H-I-J: Nearly colorless.
* K-L-M: Faintly tinted, usually yellow.
* N-O-P-Q-R: Lightly tinted, usually yellow. Tint can be visible through naked eye.
* S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z: Tinted, usually yellow, cloud turns as brownish color since; the tint is easily visible to the naked eye, even when mounted.

Fluorescence: It is one of the factors that affect diamond color. GIA diamond reports and many other lab reports show that all diamonds have certain amount of fluorescence, since diamond changes its color when it gets exposed to ultra violet rays.

For Instance: Diamonds with blue reflection appear whiter or more colorless under UV light and the yellow fluoresce appear more yellow in bright light

Identifying the color of a diamond is easier than expected. The color grading scale simplifies the diamond quality to fit your budget. However, if you don’t want to compromise then choose the diamond that falls in D to F grade and to save some amount you can opt for G to J grade. This way you can select your own diamond as per your budget specification without an expert opinion.