October 28, 2011
Diamond Buying Guide : Understanding Color
If you have shopped for diamonds in the past, then you have probably become familiar with the four C’s associated with the gems. These are clarity, cut, carat weight, and color. Color comprises one of the major determinants in the value of a diamond. No diamond is actually totally devoid of color, but those known as white diamonds are used to set the standard of perfection in color. Using these nearly transparent gems as a guide, it is possible to assess and evaluate the color of diamonds.
To accurately assess the color of a diamond, then the gem must be loose outside of a setting. If it has been set, the color is often distorted by the metal of the setting. When assessing the color of a diamond, it should be set table down and pavilion up. Use a 10x loupe to observe it. Once a good visual is obtained, the diamond’s color is then ranked on a letter scale covering D to Z. Grades D to F are reserved for colorless stones. G through J grades cover gems that are nearly colorless. If the diamond is faintly tinted, often with a touch of yellow, it will receive a grade of K to M. Slightly tinted diamonds will garner a grade between N and R. Diamonds that are strongly tinted, from yellow to brown, are given a grade between S and Z. This tint is visible to the naked eye.
It is not enough to simply hold a diamond up to the light when properly assessing and evaluating its color. Nobody possesses eyesight that infallible and a memory that can recall the accepted shading guidelines. A master set of stones is a necessity because of this. In a master set, all of the stones are labeled by a professional so that the one being appraised can be accurately compared to them and graded appropriately.
Though it has been mentioned that a diamond already set in stone cannot be accurately evaluated for color, the use of a colorimeter can actually allow for the distinction between the shade of the stone and that of the setting. Colorimeters, however, are usually not found outside of a jeweler, and having a professional grade it will carry a fee.
Just as you would when assessing any aspect of a diamond, the evaluation of its color is best left to the professionals. They possess the necessary training and tools to properly evaluate the stone and provide you with a more accurate value than you would on your own.
Continue – Diamond Pendant