Diamond Color

Color is the next most important aspect of a diamond. When we talk about the color of a diamond, we generally refer to the presence — or rather absence — of color in it. The presence of color in a diamond is in the form of yellow or brownish tints. This diminishes its sparkle, as it restricts maximum refraction of light. The value and shine of a diamond increases as it moves towards colorless. The bigger the stone, the more obvious the presence of color in it. Fancy cuts such as pears, hearts and marquises tend to draw color, which appears more pronounced at the points.

Types of Colors

Most diamonds sold in the retail trade run from near colorless to slightly yellow or brown, in the normal color range. Diamonds are also found in a variety of other colors such as black, grey, blue, green, yellow, brown, orange, pink and the rarest of all, red. Diamonds with distinct tints other than the normal colors are classified as fancy colors. The term white diamond is interchangeably used for a colorless diamond. But in reality, the appearance of a white diamond is very different from a colorless diamond, as the former is not as clear as a colorless one.

Fluorescence of a Diamond

Fluorescence is the property seen in some diamonds when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. It should not be a deterrent when buying a diamond because, under most light conditions, fluorescence is not visible. Only a trained gemologist can detect fluorescence, and that too in ultraviolet light. The presence of fluorescence can be graded as faint, inert, negligible, medium and strong or very strong, out of which the latter two are the better options that can make your diamond look even cleaner.

GIA Color Grading

Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from D (colorless) to Z. The GIA grades diamonds on the following color scale:

• D, E, F: Colorless
• G, H, I, J: Near Colorless
• K, L, M: Faint Yellow or Faint Brown
• N, O, P, Q, R: Very Light Yellow or Very Light Brown
• S to Z: Light Yellow or Light Brown

Metal and Color

The color of the metal in a mounting can either mask or enhance the color of the diamond.

• Yellow metal makes slightly yellow or brown diamonds appear more colorless, while darker yellows and browns look darker and richer in a yellow gold setting. Warmer colored diamonds (K–Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold.
• White metal makes slightly yellow or brown stones look duller (usually unpleasant), but on the other hand enhances the color of blue stones. Icy winter whites (D–J) look stunning in white gold or platinum.

B2C Jewels' Ideal Color Grade

G–H grades with medium to no fluorescence are a perfect choice for those who prefer colorless stones but are constrained by their budget.

B2C Jewels exhibits an array of loose diamonds where you can choose according to your selection of color grade.