The colors of diamonds are as myriad as the rainbow. Among all,colorless diamonds (also known as white diamonds) are the most popularchoice, and also form the parameter against which colored diamonds aregraded. The differences between various colors are subtle and it takesa trained eye and comparison to a master set to understand the accuracyand differences. These differences that appear minute, affect the price of the diamond. This ready reckoner has been designed to help buyers understand the various factors that affect the color of diamonds and how to purchase the most valuable stone.

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Grades in Diamond Color

Color Chart:

Just like cut, the GIA has established a set of guidelines for variousgrades of color also. A lettering system starting from D to Z isemployed to grade various diamond colors . Among these, D grade is awarded tohighly rare and totally colorless diamonds.

Grades E and F are alsogiven to colorless diamonds while grades G, H and I are given to nearlycolorless diamonds.

Stones graded at K, L, M are faintly tinted inyellow while diamonds with a slightly deeper tint visible to the nakedeye are graded at N, O, P, Q and R.

Grades S to Z are finally given tothose diamonds that are tinted deeper in yellow which progresses to abrownish shade. The tint of grades S to Z is visible to the naked eyeeven after the stone is mounted.

Finally the grade of Z+ is given tofancy yellow diamonds. Many have wondered why the GIA grading systembegins strangely from D up to Z.

This is because earlier systems usednot only numbers for grading colors but also alphabets A, B and C.These systems are still followed in a few places and in order to avoidconfusion between other grading systems and GIA, the organizationimplemented this new system.

D Color Diamond (graded by GIA) side photo:

Low Colored Diamond (Brown Shade) side Photo:

Price and color of diamonds

Among the various grades of diamond color, keeping all other parameters(cut , clarity and carat ) intact, the more colorless the stone, thehigher would be its value. Thus, a D to F grade stone would be quiteexpensive as compared to stones of J to L grades and down to Z. However, purchasersof S to Z grade diamonds need not despair that they are buying lowerquality diamonds. The diamond is of high quality, and will sparkle,shine and glitter, whichever grade you buy.

Factors affecting color of diamonds

There are various factors that affect the color of a diamond. As abuyer, it is important to understand these factors before purchasing astone.

Mounting of the stone

The metal on which a loose diamond ismounted often makes plenty of difference to its appearance. Forexample, if a light yellow diamond is mounted on white platinum orsilver, the stone will appear whiter. On the other hand if a colorlessdiamond is mounted on gold it will look more yellowish. Whilepurchasing your stone it is thus vital to consider the metal it ismounted upon, and how it will influence the original color of thestone.

Diamond Color treatments

Various color treatments are also undertakenfor diamonds and colors can often be dramatically changed with thesetreatments. One such prevalent treatment is the HP/HT processing wherehigh pressure and high temperatures are used to influence the color ofthe stone. Besides these permanent treatments, various temporarycoatings can also be opted for to enhance a diamond color.

Beforepurchasing your diamond consider comparing between the different colorgroups using Gemisimo price comparison engine!

we suggest you to noticethe big difference between the colorless diamonds search results and faint yellow diamond search results wherewe feel the that with the right setting and by choosing a professionaljeweler you will save a lot of money and it will hardly be noticed.