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As you embark on the quest to select the ideal diamond, understanding diamond color is pivotal. The color of a diamond plays a key role in its overall beauty and value. In this article, I will uncover the nuances of diamond color, equipping you with the necessary insights to navigate the selection process with confidence.
The GIA and AGS Diamond Color Grading Scale
Why does the GIA Color Scale
start at the letter “D”?
The GIA color grading scale was developed in the 1950’s. At that time, many
other scales started with the letter A or AA. One scale even used AAAA!
Others included Arabic numerals (1,2,3) and Roman numerals (I,II,III) and terms
such as “blue white” and “gem blue.” Some scales showed a letter grade
derived from diamond mines (Top Wesselton, Top Cape).
As you can imagine, it was very difficult for the average consumer
to purchase a diamond because the diamond grading scales were
confusing, inconsistent, and highly inaccurate.
The creators of the GIA scale wanted to set themselves apart from other grading scales.
They chose to start their scale at D because it wouldn’t conflict with other scales.
The GIA color scale begins at D (colorless) and runs to Z (light yellow). Each letter on the scale represents a narrow range of color, not a specific color.
D,E,F (colorless)
Diamonds in this color range should be graded by a trained gemologist in a side-by-side comparison with other D-E-F diamonds. The average consumer cannot tell the difference between a D and F color. A diamond in this color range would look best in a platinum or white gold setting. A yellow gold setting will reflect a slight yellow tint of the metal into the diamond.
G,H,I,J (near colorless)
These colors are the most sought after for engagement rings. An I-J color may retail for half the price of a D color. Prices increase by 10-20% for each color grade in the G-J range.
K,L,M (faint yellow)
Diamonds that are K color have a yellow tint. When they are set in yellow gold, they may have a warmer color that may be appealing. K color diamonds retail for about half the price of a G color.
N-Z (very light yellow – light yellow)
Noticeable yellow color. Often used in discount jewelry.
How does the GIA determine the
Diamond Color Grade?
Diamonds that are sent to the GIA laboratories to be
graded are put through a rigorous process.
Each diamond is graded under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions.
Each diamond is color-graded by being matched with a master diamond set.
A minimum of two color graders enter their independent evaluations of the color grade.
Depending on their agreement, and the weight and quality of the diamond, it may be
sent to additional graders who offer their own opinions. The final grade is
not determined until there is sufficient consensus.
What is Florescence?
Fluorescence is a diamond’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light. If you were to view a selection of engagement rings under an ultraviolet lamp, you would notice that many have a noticeable blue glow. Some may show hardly any glow at all. Fluorescence is normally blue, but sometimes it is yellow, white, or orange.
The GIA lists fluorescence on its diamond certificates as none, faint, medium, strong, or very strong. An AGS certificate lists fluorescence in four categories – negligible, medium, strong, and very strong.
Blue Fluorescence may add value to lower color diamonds because it gives diamonds a whiter, brighter appearance. Here’s an example – very strong blue fluorescence can add 0 to 3% to the value of I,J,K color diamonds. Strong and medium blue fluorescence can add 0 to 2% to the value of the same color range.
Fluorescence has a negative impact on diamonds that have a higher clarity and color. For example, D-H diamonds with a clarity of Internally Flawless (IF) to Very Slight Included (VS) can be discounted by 3 to 15 for very strong fluorescence. There is usually no price difference in F-H color diamonds with a clarity of SI1 to the Imperfect (I1-I3) range.
How does the diamond color of your
mounting affect your diamond?
If you are setting your diamond in a white gold or platinum mounting, try to
keep your diamond as white as possible. Do not consider diamonds that have slight
traces of color because it will be noticeable in a white mounting. You can consider
lower grades in a yellow gold mounting. Look for lower-grade round
diamonds (I,J,K) with medium or strong blue fluorescence. This will make
your diamond appear whiter and brighter.
Money Saving Tip
Choose a diamond that has a color that is a grade or two lower than you are considering.
Diamond color shades are very subtle. Once a diamond is mounted, it will show little (if any) difference from a diamond that is one or two grades higher. Use the money you saved
towards something you see every day – a larger diamond, an attractive mounting,
or a diamond that is cut (proportioned) to reflect maximum brilliance.
