Colorless diamonds
These diamonds are the most desirable of all diamonds, both natural and lab-grown. Growing colorless diamonds is difficult and time-consuming. To create a colorless diamond, the impurities like nitrogen (yellow hue) and boron (blue hue) must be prevented from entering the crystal lattice during growth. Excluding the impurities and limiting the growth of these elements greatly slows the growth rate of the crystal. Colorless diamonds are the most popular, but they are less available, even as one-carat diamonds.
The GIA Diamond Color Grading System for colorless diamonds ranges from D to Z, with D being the highest grade and Z being the lowest. Diamonds in the D to F range are considered colorless and have no discernible color to the untrained eye. These diamonds are highly sought after for their exceptional brilliance and are often associated with luxury and sophistication.
As we move down the color scale, diamonds in the G to J range are considered nearly colorless. While they may have a faint hint of yellow or brown, it is usually quite subtle and can often be masked by expert diamond settings. Near-colorless diamonds offer a great balance of beauty and value, as they can be more affordable while still appearing visually stunning.
Moving down the scale, diamonds in the K-Z range have more noticeable yellow or brown tones. While these colors may not be as desirable as the higher-grade colorless or near-colorless stones, they can still create unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry. In fact, some people prefer the warm tones of these diamonds, as they add a distinct character and charm to their jewelry.
It’s important to note that the GIA color grading system is conducted under strict laboratory conditions, using standardized lighting and viewing conditions. This ensures consistency and accuracy in grading diamonds throughout the industry. However, it’s also worth mentioning that color grading is somewhat subjective, as individual perceptions of color can vary.
Fancy color diamonds differ from conventional diamonds, as they possess hues that surpass the usual range of light yellow to brown, showcasing vivid shades of yellow or brown beyond the Z color range, and even displaying entirely unique and distinct colors.
Fancy color diamonds
Fancy colored diamonds, also known as colored diamonds, are naturally formed when trace elements interact with the carbon atoms during their creation, resulting in a remarkable array of colors.
Unlike traditional diamonds that fall within the color range of light yellow to brown, fancy color diamonds display hues that extend beyond these limits. They can showcase intense yellow or brown colors beyond the “Z” color rating, or exhibit entirely distinct shades.
The value of a colored diamond depends on its coloration, intensity, and hue, which can either detract from or enhance its inherent worth.
The range of naturally occurring colors is vast, including gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, olive, pink, purple, brown, and even black. Red diamonds are the rarest of them all, with only around 20 to 30 authentic red diamonds known to exist, most of them being less than half a carat in size.
When it comes to grading fancy colored diamonds, a similar process is followed as with colorless diamonds. The diamond is compared to a set of master stones with predetermined colors. However, unlike colorless diamonds, fancy-colored diamonds are assessed face up to better evaluate their unique colors.
While transparency is valued in colorless diamonds, the value of fancy-colored diamonds increases with the intensity of their most prominent hue. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades these diamonds based on their color intensity, ranging from
- Very Light.
- Light.
- Fancy Light.
- Fancy.
- Fancy Dark.
- Fancy Intense.
- Fancy Deep.
- Fancy Vivid.
When assessing the value of a naturally colored diamond, the most critical factor is the strength and purity of its color. These vibrant gemstones possess an enchanting beauty that sparks intrigue and captures the imagination of jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.