Diamond Color

The color grade refers to how much body color the diamond possesses, if any. Difference from one color grade to another is very subtle and takes years of experience to properly identify. Diamonds range in color from being totally absent of color to having very obvious color. Most diamonds have a hint of yellow or brown due to a high nitrogen component.

The universally accepted color-grading scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America. The scale ranges from D through Z. DEF graded diamonds are completely colorless, GHIJ are near colorless, and K through Z graded diamonds have increasing amounts of body-color. Most people prefer diamonds whose color grade falls from colorless to near colorless. The G.I.A. scale can be found below.

Natural fancy colored diamonds are rare but can be found in a wide range of colors from intense fancy yellows (canaries), blues, greens and the rarest pinks, purples, and reds. Some fancy colored diamonds on the market today have been enhanced in a laboratory using irradiation and heat. A color origin report from G.I.A or E.G.L. is highly recommended before you consider purchasing a fancy colored diamond.

Read more about the 4Cs: Cut | Clarity | Color | Carat | Certification